Go-To Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Every year as the holidays roll in, there seems to be endless parties, work events, and neighborhood potlucks to attend. And of course, to each event, you are required to bring food. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to have a handful of quick and elegant make-and-take party snack recipes in your back pocket. You want to bring an appetizer to the party that will stand out, taste delicious, and will disappear by the end of the night… However, you do not want something that will break the bank or take unnecessary time to prepare. After all, who has extra time and money to waste during the holiday season? Today I’m sharing a fabulous old-school recipe with a twist! This Cranberry Pomegranate Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is a nod to the beloved retro “block of cream cheese with jalapeno jelly poured over the top.” Yet it’s so much more!
There’s No School Like the Old School
So why would we take a vintage 2-ingredient recipe and turn it into an 8-ingredient recipe? Well, because it’s much better. Our Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip looks better and tastes better than the classic jelly-covered-block concept, so you can feel proud to set it out amongst the other dishes. Plus, almost all the ingredients are fridge and pantry staples, so it’s easy to pull together in minutes. This version of Pomegranate Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is…
Sweet and savory Tangy and spicy Herbaceous And dazzling to behold!
The quick homemade pomegranate cranberry sauce drapes over the zesty cream cheese dip like glistening jewels.
Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients
There are two components of this easy Cranberry-Jalapeno Dip… The cream cheese dip and the pomegranate-cranberry topping. The Cream Cheese Dip on the bottom is bold and zesty, with a pop of herbs and heat. The cranberry sauce is sweet, with an unapologetic tangy note. Together, they are magic. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. Here’s what you’ll need…
For The Cream Cheese Dip
Cream Cheese Pickled Jalapenos (mild or hot) Scallions (green onions) Lemon Zest Garlic Powder
For The Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce Topping
Fresh Cranberries (or frozen) Pomegranate Juice Sugar
…And a little salt and pepper never hurts.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Easy Tips & Tricks
Can’t find fresh cranberries? You can use frozen cranberries instead. If no cranberries are available, try making it with tart cherries or raspberries and only 1/2 cup sugar. Short on Time? You can add the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese dip while it’s still a little warm… It just can’t be hot. Prepping Ahead? You can make the entire recipe as-is up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Then, set it out 1 hour before serving so the cream cheese can soften. If you need to make it further in advance (up to 5 days), keep the cream cheese dip and cranberry sauce separate in the fridge. Gluten-Free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Select gluten-free crackers for dipping if you want to keep it that way. Dairy-Free & Vegan? You can make a dairy-free and/or vegan version of this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip by swapping the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese substitute.
How long does this dip last in the fridge?
When stored properly, leftovers of this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe can last in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. I would not recommend freezing this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make this Cranberry Dip up to 2 days in advance. Place the cranberry sauce directly over the cream cheese, cover, and refrigerate. You can also make it up to 5 days ahead. However, you must keep the two components separate in the refrigerator, until ready to serve.
Can I use fresh Jalapenos instead of the pickled ones?
You can use fresh jalapeno if you like. I would cut back on the amount, though, because fresh jalapenos tend to be spicier than the pickled variety.
Is there a substitution for the lemon zest?
You can squeeze lemon juice, or just leave it out.
More Holiday Dip Recipes
Sausage Cheese Dip in a Bread Bowl Amazing Chipped Beef Dip Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip Pumpkin Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips Hot Smoked Pimento Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Dip with Pie Crust Scoopers Hot Onion Dip with Fried Onions See ALL Our Party Snack Recipes
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