Description
A quick and easy dip made with fresh cranberries, jalapeño, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any gathering, this sweet-tart and spicy dip comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed and drained if frozen)
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Zest of 1 lime
- Crostini, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
- Fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers) for serving
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, cut into cubes and microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
- Make the cranberry topping: In a small bowl, combine cranberries, diced jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, maple syrup, and lime zest. Stir and let sit while making the base.
- Blend the base: In a food processor, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, honey, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times, then run for about 30 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides and blend again if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the base and add more salt or honey as desired.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the creamy base into a serving dish. Spoon the cranberry jalapeño mixture on top, spreading evenly. Do not mix.
- Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
- Garnish and serve: Add extra cilantro leaves on top and optional fresh jalapeño slices. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Notes
For best texture, soften cream cheese to room temperature. If using frozen cranberries, thaw and pat dry to avoid watery topping. The dip can be made up to 2 days in advance (store base and topping separately, assemble before serving). For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt. For a baked version, spread base in oven-safe dish, top with cranberry mixture, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, creamy dip, holiday appetizer, quick dip, easy appetizer, party dip