If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday party appetizer, this Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is it.
Sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy all at once — it’s a flavor explosion that brings Christmas cheer to every bite.
Fresh cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and a touch of lime come together over a cool cream cheese base to create a dip that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make — and it never fails to impress at gatherings. With its bright red cranberries and green jalapeños, it’s the perfect color combination for Christmas!
Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe
This dip has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and it’s layered over a smooth, tangy cream cheese spread.
The cranberry mixture can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next holiday party or family dinner.
It’s vibrant, refreshing, and a total conversation starter — no one will believe how simple it was to make!
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Serving:
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
Place the cranberries in a food processor and pulse a few times until they’re finely chopped but not pureed — you want small pieces, not a mushy sauce. Transfer them to a medium bowl.
Add the sugar, chopped green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Stir well to combine. The sugar will help break down the cranberries and draw out their juices, creating a slightly syrupy mixture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully and tones down the tartness of the cranberries.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
If you like a creamier texture, mix in the sour cream until fully combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving platter or a shallow dish. Make sure it’s smooth and level so the cranberry topping spreads evenly later.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
After the cranberry mixture has chilled and the flavors have melded, pour it into a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid.
You don’t want the dip to be watery — just juicy enough to spoon over the cheese layer.
Gently spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese base, spreading it evenly from edge to edge. The contrast of red cranberries and green jalapeños will make it look wonderfully festive — like Christmas in a bowl!
How to Serve It
Serve your Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip chilled or at room temperature with crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
It’s also delicious served as a spread on crostini, stuffed into mini pastry cups, or layered in a holiday appetizer board.
The sweetness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese and the gentle heat from the jalapeños.
For a festive presentation, garnish with extra chopped cilantro, a few sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for sparkle!
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is the perfect way to add a burst of color and excitement to your holiday table.
It’s bright, bold, and full of flavor — the kind of dip that disappears within minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a family Christmas dinner, a cozy holiday gathering, or bringing an appetizer to a potluck, this dip delivers every time.
Easy to prepare, gorgeous to serve, and absolutely delicious — it’s a Christmas recipe you’ll make year after year.