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Easy 5-Minute Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Easy 5-Minute Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip - featured image
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A quick and easy dip made with cream cheese, whole berry cranberry sauce, and pickled jalapeños. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, extra pickled jalapeño slices, honey drizzle, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before starting. Unwrap and place in mixing bowl. If in a rush, microwave on low for 10-15 seconds until soft but not hot.
  2. Beat the cream cheese: Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese for about 2 minutes until smooth, fluffy, and lump-free. Scrape down sides of bowl halfway through.
  3. Add liquid ingredients: Pour in jalapeño brine, honey, and lime juice. Mix on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add dry seasonings: Sprinkle in garlic powder and salt. Mix on low until evenly distributed, about 15 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Fold in cranberry sauce: Add entire can of whole berry cranberry sauce. Use a spatula to fold gently, keeping some berries intact for a marbled effect.
  6. Add chopped jalapeños: Sprinkle finely chopped pickled jalapeños over top. Fold in just until distributed. Adjust amount for desired spice level.
  7. Final mix and taste: Give one last gentle stir. Taste and adjust with more salt, lime juice, or honey as needed.
  8. Chill (optional but recommended): Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, add garnishes like fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeño slices, and a drizzle of honey.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese. Adjust heat level by varying the amount of pickled jalapeños. The dip can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese. For a lower-fat version, use Neufchâtel cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, easy appetizer, holiday dip, 5-minute recipe, party dip

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-5-minute-jalape-n-o-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip/