• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the ideal choice when they are in season. However, frozen cranberries, fully thawed, also work beautifully in this recipe. Canned whole berry cranberry sauce is an acceptable substitute but be sure to skip the jellied variety.
• Jalapeño pepper: For a milder flavor profile with just a hint of warmth, remove the seeds before chopping. For those who enjoy a spicier dip, leave some or all of the seeds intact. As a precautionary measure, particularly when bringing the dip to a party, I typically remove all seeds to ensure a more universally appealing heat level.
• Scallions: Utilize both the white and green portions of the scallions to contribute a mild onion flavor to the relish.
• Lime zest and lime juice: A touch of citrus brightens the overall flavor of the relish. In the absence of lime, lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar works to soften the tartness of the cranberries. This provides a depth of flavor that white sugar simply cannot replicate. For a refined sugar-free version, maple syrup or honey can be used; however, be aware that this may result in a slightly looser salsa consistency.
• Cumin: My secret ingredient that elevates this dip to extraordinary heights by adding warmth and complexity. Though it might seem unconventional in a holiday dip, trust me on this one! It transforms the recipe into the best cranberry jalapeño dip, leaving everyone wondering what makes this appetizer so uniquely delicious.
• Cream cheese: Two blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, are required. This ensures easy spreading on your serving platter. For a richer, tangier alternative, consider spreading this relish over whipped Brie cheese or a soft goat cheese log.

Consult the recipe card for full details on ingredient quantities.

This festive dip is composed of two distinct layers: a cool, creamy cream cheese base and a complementary sweet, tart, and spicy cranberry jalapeño relish topping. Thanks to the efficiency of a food processor, this comes together in mere minutes.

Can you chop the ingredients by hand? Technically, yes. Could you also run a marathon in flip-flops? Again, technically yes. However, neither is recommended. A food processor, or a high-powered blender, provides the ideal finely chopped texture with minimal effort.

Begin by pulsing the cranberries in your food processor until they are coarsely chopped, as illustrated in the first image below. Aim for a texture similar to pico de gallo rather than a purée. Next, introduce the jalapeño, scallions, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pulse again until all ingredients are uniformly finely chopped and well combined.

Chilling is critical! Allowing the mixture to chill is essential for the best flavor. The flavors need time to fully develop and meld together. Refrigerating the relish for a minimum of 2 hours, and up to overnight, maximizes its flavor potential.

When you’re ready to serve the dip, remove your cream cheese from the refrigerator approximately 20–30 minutes beforehand. While some recipes recommend whipping the cream cheese with a mixer, I can confidently say that this step can be skipped. Simply spreading softened cream cheese directly onto your serving plate is much faster and easier. It’s especially helpful if you’re transporting the dip to a party. (The back of a spoon creates perfect swirls into which the cranberry relish can settle.)

All that remains is to use a slotted spoon to carefully spread the chilled cranberry jalapeño relish over the softened cream cheese. For visual appeal, sprinkle additional chopped scallions over the top. Serve immediately.

Make-Ahead Appetizer Perfection

For any holiday gathering, advance preparation is always a plus! As the cranberry relish improves in flavor as it chills, this recipe offers a double advantage. The relish can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container, separate from the cream cheese.

During chilling, the cranberries naturally release moisture. Before assembly, pour off any excess liquid from the relish (or use a slotted spoon) to prevent the dip from becoming watery.

Taking this to a party? Keep the relish separate and spread the cream cheese on your serving plate ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then assemble the dip in 30 seconds upon arrival. You’ll be the hero of the appetizer table!

What to Serve with Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip is perfect with any sturdy dipper that won’t break. Here are some of my favorite options:

• Crackers – Ritz crackers or buttery Club crackers are ideal.
• Toasted baguette slices – Offer a sophisticated crunch.
• Tortilla chips – Earn bonus points by making homemade tortilla chips!
• Pita chips – Provide a heartier option.
• Apple slices – Offer a sweet and crisp alternative.
• Pretzel crisps – Add a salty, crunchy twist.
• Veggies – Include celery sticks, baby carrots, and sliced bell peppers for lighter fare.

And because the cranberry topping is essentially a bright, fresh cranberry relish, consider skipping the cream cheese altogether and spooning it over chicken breasts, salmon, pork tenderloin, or your favorite cut of steak. It’s holiday magic in condiment form!

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