Gather your loved ones around the table with this irresistible Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crackers. This festive, flavor-packed dip is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. With its vibrant colors and melty, creamy texture, this dip is sure to wow your guests and have them coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crackers
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is a true flavor sensation that will elevate your taste buds. The tangy-sweet burst of fresh cranberries is perfectly complemented by the subtle kick of jalapeño, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and craveable. The melty, creamy cheese base provides a lush, indulgent mouthfeel, while the crunchy crackers offer a delightful contrast. This dip is a festive and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed year-round, from cozy game nights to elegant holiday parties. Get ready to experience the ultimate in zesty, satisfying flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip requires just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. You’ll need cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cranberries, jalapeño peppers, garlic, and a touch of sugar and spices to balance the flavors.
- 8 oz (226g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) – Sour cream
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (150g) – Fresh cranberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (12g) – Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) – Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) – Ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Cranberries: Frozen or canned cranberries can be used instead, though the flavor may vary slightly.
- Jalapeño Peppers: For a milder heat, you can swap the jalapeños for bell peppers or Anaheim chiles.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crackers
This delectable dip comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the fresh cranberries and jalapeño peppers, and mince the garlic. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the chopped cranberries, jalapeño, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture, and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Transfer the dip to a baking dish and smooth the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the dip in the preheated oven until it’s hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve the warm, melty Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamier Texture: For an even creamier dip, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
- Spice It Up: To amplify the heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or gouda, to customize the flavor profile.
- Hearty Additions: To make it a heartier appetizer, stir in shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
- Garnish: Garnish the dip with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance and bake it just before serving. Assemble the ingredients, transfer the dip to the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is a rich and indulgent treat, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. A serving (approximately 1/4 cup) provides a good source of protein, calcium, and a touch of vitamin C from the cranberries and jalapeño. Remember to enjoy this dip in moderation and pair it with plenty of fresh veggies and whole-grain crackers for a more nutritious snacking experience.
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and bake it just before serving. Simply assemble the ingredients, transfer the dip to the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the dip is hot and melty throughout.
How spicy is this dip?
The level of heat in this dip can vary depending on the jalapeño peppers used. Start with a small amount of jalapeño and taste as you go, adding more if you want a bolder kick of heat.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes, this Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is naturally vegetarian. Simply ensure that the crackers or bread you serve it with are also vegetarian-friendly.
How do I know when the dip is done?
The dip is ready when it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
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- Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Bites For Holiday Gatherings
- Savory Pumpkin Cheeseball With Spiced Crackers
Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crackers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is a delicious blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sweet-tart cranberries with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for serving with crackers at any gathering!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1–2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers, for serving
Instructions
1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
2. 2. Stir in cranberry sauce, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions.
3. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. 5. Serve with your choice of crackers.
Notes
For a milder dip, reduce the number of jalapeños used. This dip can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheese dip, cranberry jalapeño, party appetizer