Description
Kickstart your holiday celebrations with a delightful treat that blends tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. This Festive Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread is not just a crowd-pleaser but also an eye-catcher, making it a perfect appetizer for any festive gathering. Bright cranberries and fiery jalapeños are toned down by the creaminess of cream cheese, creating a balanced, mouth-watering dip.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Two 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened (light or regular)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
Start by pulsing the cranberries in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Add green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberries. Pulse again until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
Step 2: Refrigerate the Cranberry Mixture
Transfer the mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Spread the cream cheese evenly onto a serving plate or into a 9-inch pie dish. This will form the creamy base for your vibrant cranberry topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Dish
Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dish chilled with crackers or sliced baguette, perfect for dipping.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people. Preparation time, including inactive chilling, is about 5 hours, ensuring all components merge to enhance the flavor profile.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the spread covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese once thawed.
Conclusion
This Festive Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread is not only simple to make but also impressively delicious and visually appealing. It perfectly captures the essence of holiday flavors, combining them in a rich, creamy spread that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy in each bite!
Print
Festive Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Kickstart your holiday celebrations with a delightful treat that blends tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. This Festive Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread is not just a crowd-pleaser but also an eye-catcher, making it a perfect appetizer for any festive gathering. Bright cranberries and fiery jalapeños are toned down by the creaminess of cream cheese, creating a balanced, mouth-watering dip.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Two 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened (light or regular)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture Start by pulsing the cranberries in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Add green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberries. Pulse again until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
- Step 2: Refrigerate the Cranberry Mixture Transfer the mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base Spread the cream cheese evenly onto a serving plate or into a 9-inch pie dish. This will form the creamy base for your vibrant cranberry topping.
- Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Dish Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Serve the dish chilled with crackers or sliced baguette, perfect for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 hours