By Britt Bailey, MS, RDN,LDN
‘Tis the season for gatherings, festivities, and of course, delicious food! As we celebrate the December holidays, there’s nothing quite like bringing a crowd-pleasing dish to the party. If you’re searching for a standout appetizer that combines festive flavors with a spicy kick, look no further. This Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively party with friends.
Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh, uncooked cranberries
– 1/4 cup green onion
– 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers
– 2 Tbsp. cilantro (optional)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
– 1/8 tsp. salt
– 16 oz. cream cheese (whipped)
Instructions:
1. Use a food chopper to chop the cranberries until finely diced.
2. Chop the green onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeños.
4. Add honey, lemon juice, and salt to the cranberry mixture and stir gently until blended.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6. The next day, remove the cranberry mixture from the refrigerator and stir all ingredients together. Strain out any excess liquid using a colander with small holes. (Pro Tip: Save the liquid for a cocktail simple syrup—it’s delicious!)
7. Whip the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a pie plate or 9×9 dish.
8. Pour the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
9. Serve with crackers or your favorite dipping accompaniment.
This Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a delightful addition to any holiday spread, offering a perfect balance of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending as a guest, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is sure to impress. Whip up a batch, grab your favorite crackers, and get ready to enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
Want more recipes and information on how to elevate your nutrition? Schedule a Mini Nutrition Session with Dietitian Britt today!
