The red and green colors of this decadent and delicious, spicy, Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip make it a perfect appetizer for your Christmas or holiday entertaining.
1jalapeño pepperwith seeds and ribs removed, minced
1cupgranulated sugar
½teaspooncumin
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
⅛teaspoonkosher salt
16 ouncescream cheesesoftened
Instructions
Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine.
Add sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt, and pulse until thoroughly mixed.
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours to allow the flavors time to come together.
To serve, spread the softened cream cheese on a pie plate or serving dish and spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the top.
Video
Notes
Another more informal way to serve this dip is to put a block of cream cheese on a plate and spoon the cranberry mixture on top.If you serve this dip on a plate, be sure to use one with a lip to prevent any cranberry juice from spilling out. Serve this dip with sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices as the cream cheese can become stiff. If you don't have cilantro or don't care for it, you can substitute fresh parsley. To soften your cream cheese, leave it out on your kitchen counter for about an hour before you plan to use it. You can also soften it in the microwave. To do this, unwrap it, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Stock up on cranberries now while they are in season and store them in your freezer to use later in the year.