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cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip - featured image

Lightened-Up Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip: Easy 10-Minute Appetizer

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dip made with Greek yogurt and cream cheese, sweetened with dried cranberries and honey, with a kick from fresh jalapeño. Perfect for parties or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, place unwrapped block on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, then check and repeat in 5-second bursts if needed.
  2. Combine cream cheese and Greek yogurt: In a medium mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides and bottom halfway through.
  3. Add sweeteners and acid: Drizzle in honey (or maple syrup) and add fresh lime juice. Beat on low speed until just combined. Taste and adjust honey or lime juice to preference.
  4. Mix in cranberries and jalapeño: Fold in dried cranberries and finely diced jalapeño using a rubber spatula. Stir gently until evenly distributed. If using cilantro, fold it in now.
  5. Season and adjust: Add salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust heat, sweetness, or thickness as needed.
  6. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Garnish and serve: Transfer dip to a serving bowl. Top with extra dried cranberries, chopped cilantro, and toasted pecans if using. Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

For best results, let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight to meld flavors. If dip is too thin, refrigerate for 20 minutes to thicken. Handle jalapeños with care—wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after chopping. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 11
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 16
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: cream cheese dip, cranberry jalapeño dip, lightened-up dip, easy appetizer, 10-minute recipe, Greek yogurt dip, holiday appetizer, game day snack

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/lightened-up-cranberry-jalape-n-o-cream-cheese-dip-easy-10-minute-appetizer/