Gather your friends and family for a delightful appetizer that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Introducing the Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips — a flavor-packed dip that’s sure to be the star of your next gathering. Savor the vibrant colors, the irresistible textures, and the captivating interplay of flavors in every bite. This dish is a celebration of the season, a cozy and indulgent treat that will leave your guests craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending the comforting richness of cream cheese with the zesty pop of fresh jalapeños and the festive sweetness of cranberries. The creamy, melty texture is perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of homemade tortilla chips. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a game-day gathering, or simply craving a cozy and indulgent snack, this dip is sure to become a new favorite. Prepare to be wowed by the way the tart cranberries balance the heat of the jalapeños, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and delightfully unexpected. Get ready to savor every last bite and bask in the compliments from your guests.
Ingredients
To create this irresistible Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh jalapeños, whole cranberry sauce, garlic powder, and salt. For the crispy tortilla chips, you’ll need corn tortillas, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. These humble ingredients come together to form a flavor-packed dip that’s sure to be the talk of the party.
- 8 oz (225 g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Sour cream
- 1 cup (100 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons – Chopped fresh jalapeños
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Whole cranberry sauce
- 1 teaspoon – Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon – Salt
- 12 corn tortillas – For the crispy tortilla chips
- 2 tablespoons – Olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon – Salt, for the tortilla chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: You can try using a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a subtle variation in flavor.
- Spice Level: You can experiment with the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños used or by swapping them out for milder peppers, like bell peppers or Anaheim chiles.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients and prepare them for the recipe. Slice the jalapeños, shred the cheddar cheese, and open the can of cranberry sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well-incorporated and smooth. Next, fold in the chopped jalapeños and the whole cranberry sauce. Gently mix until the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dip. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe serving dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients and prepare them for the recipe. Slice the jalapeños, shred the cheddar cheese, and open the can of cranberry sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well-incorporated and smooth.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, fold in the chopped jalapeños and the whole cranberry sauce. Gently mix until the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dip. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe serving dish.
Step 3: Crispy Tortilla Chips
For the crispy tortilla chips, cut the corn tortillas into triangles or desired shapes. Arrange the tortilla pieces on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt. Bake the tortilla chips in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the dip and the tortilla chips are ready, remove them from the oven. Serve the Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip warm, surrounded by the crispy, golden-brown tortilla chips. Garnish the dip with a few extra chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamier Dip: For a creamier dip, you can add a bit more sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
- Spicier Dip: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of chopped jalapeños.
- Citrus Twist: For a fun and festive variation, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the cranberry mixture.
- Garnish Options: You can garnish the dip with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of honey before serving for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is best served warm, straight from the oven, with the crispy tortilla chips on the side.
Storage: Any leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The tortilla chips are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so it’s recommended to make them just before serving.
Reheat: To reheat the dip, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake and serve. Just be sure to let the dip come to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips is a delightful indulgence, offering a balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors. Each serving of the dip (approximately 2 tablespoons) provides a modest 110 calories, along with 8 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. The tortilla chips add an additional 80 calories per serving. While this dish should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, the combination of the rich cheese, the tart cranberries, and the crispy tortilla chips makes for a truly satisfying and craveable appetizer or snack.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons of dip
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake and serve. Just be sure to let the dip come to room temperature before baking, as this will help it heat through evenly.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of the canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Simply thaw the cranberries and roughly chop them before folding them into the cream cheese mixture.
How can I make the tortilla chips even crispier?
For extra-crispy tortilla chips, try frying them in hot oil instead of baking. This will result in a delightfully crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can bake the tortilla chips at a higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C), for a few extra minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the dip?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses, to suit your personal preferences.
How spicy is this dip?
The level of spice in this dip can vary depending on the amount of jalapeños used. If you prefer a milder dip, start with just 2 tablespoons of chopped jalapeños and adjust the amount to your desired level of heat. Alternatively, you can swap the jalapeños for milder peppers, such as bell peppers or Anaheim chiles.
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Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer that combines creamy cheese with a sweet and spicy twist. Perfect for parties or game day!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1–2 jalapeños, diced (adjust for heat preference)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
3. Add the cranberry sauce, diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until fully combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips.
Notes
For a milder dip, remove the seeds from the jalapeños.
You can make this dip ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheese dip, cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, party dip