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Cozy Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip – Easy 10-Minute Recipe

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A creamy, spicy, sweet, and nutty dip that comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any gathering, this dip features a cream cheese base topped with a tart-sweet cranberry jalapeno mixture and crunchy toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh jalapeno, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces
  • 1 teaspoon butter (optional)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Crackers, crostini, or pretzel chips for serving
  • Optional garnish: extra fresh cranberries, a few whole pecans, and a drizzle of honey

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until they smell nutty and look slightly darker. If using butter, toss it in during the last minute. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, then transfer to a cutting board to cool. Once cool, roughly chop them.
  2. Make the cranberry topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, sugar, diced jalapeno, lime juice, and orange zest if using. Stir well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the cream cheese base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, honey, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or honey if needed.
  4. Assemble the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture into your serving dish in an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to create little swirls and dips.
  5. Add the cranberry topping: Spoon the cranberry-jalapeno mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Let some of the juices run down the sides.
  6. Top with toasted pecans: Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the cranberry layer. Press them in gently so they stick.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  8. Garnish and serve: Add a few whole cranberries, a couple of whole pecans, and a light drizzle of honey on top. Serve with crackers, crostini, or pretzel chips.

Notes

Don’t skip softening the cream cheese to avoid lumps. Toast pecans in a dry pan for best crunch. Let the cranberry mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to macerate. For a milder dip, remove all jalapeno seeds and membranes. The dip can be made ahead (minus pecans) up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; add fresh pecans when serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jalapeno dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, easy dip, party dip, cranberry dip, jalapeno dip, toasted pecan dip

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-dip-easy-10-minute-recipe/