Joyful Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread Recipe for Parties

Spice meets sweetness in this irresistible cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Bold flavors dance together, creating a tantalizing appetizer that balances creamy richness with a zesty kick.

The bright red cranberries contrast beautifully against the smooth cream cheese, making this spread a visual delight.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of tart, spicy, and creamy notes that will leave guests wanting more.

Jalapeños add a subtle heat that doesn’t overwhelm but enhances the entire dish.

Serve this spread with crisp crackers or warm bread for an instant crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to appetizer for holiday parties and casual get-togethers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 166 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread

• Cranberries: Bright, tart berries that bring festive color and tangy punch to the spread.
• Green Onions: Add sharp, crisp bite and subtle onion undertones.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh, herbal notes that complement the cranberry's tartness.
• Jalapeño: Delivers gentle heat and vibrant green spiciness.
• Sugar: Balances cranberry's natural tartness and softens overall flavor.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy depth to the mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and prevents fruit from browning.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all other ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich foundation that creates luxurious texture and mild tang.

• Crackers: Crisp, crunchy vehicle for spreading the dip.
• Baguette: Elegant, crusty bread perfect for dipping and scooping.

Equipment That Helps With Mixing and Chilling

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for chopping cranberries and mixing ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Covered Container: Needed to store and marinate the cranberry mixture in the refrigerator.
• Serving Plate or 9-inch Pie Dish: Perfect for spreading cream cheese and creating a beautiful base.
• Knife: Handy for chopping green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sugar, cumin, salt, and lemon juice.
• Spatula: Great for spreading cream cheese smoothly and transferring mixtures.

How to Blend Tart, Heat, and Cream in One Spread

• Cranberry Preparation

Grab fresh cranberries and pulse them gently in a food processor until they’re roughly chopped. Toss in green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until the mixture looks vibrant and well combined.

• Flavor Infusion

Pop the cranberry mixture into a sealed container and let it chill in the refrigerator. This magical resting time allows all the flavors to dance and mingle together, creating a taste explosion that will make your taste buds sing.

• Cream Cheese Canvas

Spread the cream cheese smoothly across a beautiful serving plate, creating a creamy white backdrop for your zesty cranberry topping. Think of it like painting a delicious masterpiece.

• Final Assembly

Carefully spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, ensuring an even and colorful coverage. Return the dish to the refrigerator for a quick cool-down before serving.

• Serving Moment

Bring out the spread and surround it with crispy crackers or sliced baguette. Watch as guests dive into this festive and tangy treat that’s perfect for any gathering.

Tips for Layering Flavor in Every Bite

• Festive Flavor Boosters: Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread
• Spice Control: Adjust jalapeño heat by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for more kick. Fresh peppers provide better flavor than jarred versions.
• Herb Swap Magic: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or chives if you prefer different herb profiles. Experimenting with herb combinations adds unique personal touches.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the spread up to 3 days in advance for stress-free entertaining. Flavors actually improve when ingredients mingle longer in the refrigerator.
• Cracker and Bread Adventures: Serve with various dippers like multigrain crackers, toasted pita chips, or rustic sourdough slices. Colorful vegetable sticks also make excellent healthy alternatives.
• Seasonal Twist: During holiday seasons, sprinkle pomegranate seeds or toasted pecans on top for extra festive flair and delightful texture contrast.

How to Plate This Spread With Crackers or Bread

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning appetizer spread with an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices, and crisp vegetable sticks surrounding your cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip.
• Festive Gathering Delight: Serve this vibrant spread at holiday parties, game day gatherings, or potluck events where guests can enjoy its colorful and zesty flavor profile.
• Elegant Entertaining Trick: Garnish the top with fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of green onions, or a few whole cranberries to elevate the presentation and add a gourmet touch to your appetizer.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Use this spread as a delicious sandwich filling, wrap ingredient, or creative topping for grilled chicken and turkey dishes to add excitement to everyday meals.

Store the Spread Without Losing Texture

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry mixture and cream cheese base up to 2 days before your event. This technique allows flavors to deepen and simplifies last-minute party prep.
• Freezing Finesse: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the spread without the cream cheese base for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and mix with cream cheese before serving.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the spread into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go appetizers or individual servings. This method helps maintain freshness and prevents unnecessary waste of your delicious creation.

Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread delivers a zesty holiday appetizer perfect for seasonal gatherings. Tangy cranberries and spicy peppers create a balanced dip you can’t resist serving at your next celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup (15 g) cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon or lime juice
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Prep: Pulse cranberries in a food processor until roughly textured, creating a vibrant base for the spread.
2. Flavor Fusion: Blend cranberries with green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt until finely chopped, forming a harmonious mixture.
3. Marination Phase: Refrigerate cranberry mixture for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Cream Cheese Foundation: Spread cream cheese evenly across a serving plate, creating a smooth, inviting base for the topping.
5. Final Assembly: Carefully layer the chilled cranberry mixture over cream cheese, ensuring elegant and uniform distribution.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed spread for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor integration, then serve with crisp crackers or baguette slices, presenting a zesty and creamy appetizer that tantalizes the palate.

Notes

• Pulse Precisely: Chop cranberries just enough to maintain texture, avoiding over-processing into a mushy consistency.
• Marinate Masterfully: Longer refrigeration (4+ hours) intensifies flavor fusion between cranberries and spices.
• Balance Heat Carefully: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance for perfect flavor profile.
• Serve Strategically: Allow spread to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften cream cheese and enhance taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg