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This image shows a creamy cranberry jalapeño dip served in a white round bowl, with a vibrant pink hue and topped with finely chopped cranberries and jalapeños for a festive and zesty look.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a vibrant, zesty, and creamy party favorite that balances tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and savory cheeses. It’s bold in flavor, festive in color, and irresistibly scoopable—perfect for crackers, chips, or spreading on toasted bread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dips
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 224 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Kettle or saucepan (for boiling water)
  • Colander or fine mesh strainer
  • Food processor
  • Rubber spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup boiling water
  • ⅔ cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • ⅔ cup grated asiago cheese
  • 1½ tbsp white sugar
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapenos
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 2 packages of cream cheese, softened

Instructions
 

  • Start by placing the cranberries in a small bowl and covering them with boiling water.
    This image shows dried cranberries soaking in a bowl of hot boiling water, becoming plump and juicy to prepare them for blending into the dip.
  • Let them soak for about 3 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly.
  • Transfer the cranberries to a food processor along with fresh jalapeño, pickled jalapeño, a splash of the pickled brine, red onion, and sugar.
    This image shows cranberries, green jalapeños, and chopped onions placed in a food processor, ready to be pulsed into a vibrant and tangy dip base.
  • Pulse the mixture until it’s very finely chopped, almost relish-like in texture.
    This image shows the cranberry jalapeño mixture pulsed until finely chopped inside the food processor, creating a colorful and textured blend.
  • Scrape the cranberry mixture into a mixing bowl and add softened cream cheese and shredded asiago cheese.
    This image shows a mixing bowl with softened cream cheese and asiago cheese waiting to be combined with the vibrant cranberry jalapeño mixture.
  • Stir everything together until well combined, smooth, and spreadable.
    This image shows the cranberry jalapeño dip being mixed to a smooth and spreadable consistency, with creamy swirls blending into a luscious texture.
  • Chill the dip in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
    chilled-cranberry-jalapeno-dip-in-refrigerator-set-to-firm-and-let-flavors-meld

Notes

  • Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier blending.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy brightness that complements the heat.
  • For more texture, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts after mixing.