Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a vibrant and tangy appetizer combining fresh cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese. Inspired by Costco’s popular dip, it features a fresh cranberry-jalapeño salsa served atop softened cream cheese, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (1 bag)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 small bunch green onions (about 5), chopped
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Assembly
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Optional garnish: extra cilantro or lime zest
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Cranberry Salsa: Add fresh cranberries, sugar, chopped green onions, seeded and chopped jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped but not fully pureed, maintaining a chunky texture.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cranberry salsa into a bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling step harmonizes the flavors, balancing sweetness, spice, and acidity.
- Soften and Spread the Cream Cheese: Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate and allow it to soften at room temperature. You can gently spread it smooth or leave the block whole for guests to spoon over.
- Top with the Salsa: Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño salsa evenly over the softened cream cheese. Let the assembled dip sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to develop the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dip with optional garnishes such as extra chopped cilantro or lime zest. Serve alongside crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the salsa.
- The dip can be prepared a day ahead, which improves flavor melding.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Use gluten-free crackers to adapt for gluten-free diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, Costco copycat, holiday appetizer, cranberry salsa, cream cheese dip
