Leftover Cranberry Sauce -Jalapeño Dip
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and spicy? This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip combines the vibrant flavor of cranberry sauce with the zesty kick of jalapeños, all layered over creamy, smooth cream cheese. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday spread, impressing guests with its unique flavor profile and festive appearance. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something different, this easy dip will steal the show—and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Jalapeño Dip recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce (or store-bought)
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat if desired)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or tortilla chips for serving
- Small bowl
- Handheld electric mixer
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions:
- Mix the Dip: In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, cream cheese and diced jalapeño (and the green onions). Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your heat preference.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crackers or tortilla chips.
Pro Tip
This dip is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy—an instant hit at holiday parties or gatherings! Would you like variations or serving suggestions?
Here are some variations and serving ideas to make your Cranberry Jalapeño Dip even more exciting:
Variations
- Cheddar Addition
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry-jalapeño mixture for a creamy, cheesy upgrade.
- Warm and Bubbly
- Bake the assembled dip at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cream cheese is warm and slightly melty. Serve it hot with tortilla chips.
- Greek Yogurt Twist
- Mix 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with the cream cheese for a tangier and lighter base.
- Nutty Crunch
- Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts on top for a nutty contrast in texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest
- Stir in a bit of orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the heat from the jalapeño.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Mini Bread Bowls
- Hollow out small rolls or mini sourdough bread loaves and fill them with the dip. These are great for individual servings!
- Vegetable Platter
- Serve the dip with fresh veggie sticks like celery, cucumber, or bell peppers for a healthier option.
- Bagel Topping
- Use the dip as a spread on toasted bagels or crostini for a fun breakfast or snack idea.
- Taco Upgrade
- Use it as a topping for tacos, especially turkey or chicken tacos, for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Party Pinwheels
- Spread the dip onto large flour tortillas, roll them up, chill for 30 minutes, and slice into bite-sized pinwheels.
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is the ultimate blend of flavors, perfect for any occasion from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. Its versatility means you can easily customize it to suit your taste, while its bold colors and irresistible flavor make it a standout dish on any table. Serve it with crackers, chips, or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time! Try it this season, and it just might become a new holiday tradition.
If you have more Cranberry sauce left over, try my delicious Cranberry Orange loaf.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Leave a Reply