Pin A vibrant, tangy-sweet dip featuring cranberries and a gentle jalapeño kick, finished with a luscious honey drizzle—perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack.
I first made this for a holiday get-together, and everyone loved the contrast of the spicy jalapeño and the sweet honey drizzle. It quickly became a requested favorite at parties!
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups (or thawed frozen cranberries)
- Jalapeños: 1 or 2 medium, seeded and chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves: 1/4 cup
- Green onions: 2, chopped
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Cream cheese: 16 oz (450 g), softened
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for drizzling)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/4 cup, optional
Instructions
- Pulse cranberry mixture:
- Combine cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, sugar, salt, and lime juice in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Chill for flavor meld:
- Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, if possible.
- Prepare base:
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving platter or shallow dish.
- Layer dip:
- Spoon cranberry-jalapeño mixture over cream cheese.
- Add topping:
- Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts as desired.
- Serve:
- Enjoy immediately with crackers, pita chips, or fresh bread.
Pin This dip not only brightens up our appetizer table, but it always sparks laughter and conversation as everyone tries to guess the ingredients!
Required Tools
Food processor, mixing bowl, serving platter or shallow dish, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese), and tree nuts if pecans or walnuts are used. Always verify labels for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 170, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Protein 3 g.
Pin Finish with a generous honey drizzle and a sprinkle of nuts for an extra-special touch—this dip is holiday magic in every bite!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, dried cranberries work well. Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons to balance sweetness.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
This dip suits vegetarian diets and is naturally gluten-free when paired with appropriate sides.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese?
Goat cheese or whipped ricotta can be used in place of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Leave some or all jalapeño seeds in for extra heat or increase the number of peppers.
- → How should I serve this dish?
Use crackers, pita chips, or fresh bread. Nuts as a topping add extra texture and flavor.
- → Are there allergens present?
Milk from cream cheese and tree nuts if using walnuts or pecans. Always check ingredient labels.