This sweet-and-spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a show stopper appetizer that will wowo your guests! The recipe combines tart fresh cranberries, warm brown sugar, bright orange zest, and a jalapeño kick for an appetizer that truly stands out. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering—and pairs beautifully with other tasty options like Caramelized Pears & Blue Cheese Tarts or a vibrant Apple, Cranberry & Kale Salad. Your guests will be reaching for seconds before you know it.

Why you’ll love this dip

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip combines tart fresh cranberries, a touch of brown sugar and orange, and fresh jalapeño heat folded into silky cream cheese. It’s bright, festive, and perfect with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies — ideal for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Recipes to Serve Alongside This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

• Apple Cranberry Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Holiday Cranberry Fudge
• Quick & Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
• Cranberry Mimosas
• Cranberry, Blueberry and Strawberry Sauce

Pro tips & tricks

• Don’t add the cream cheese while the cranberry mix is too hot — it will melt and separate. Let it cool to warm/room temperature first.
• Adjust heat: Remove jalapeño seeds/ribs for mild heat; include them for medium-hot; add an extra jalapeño for a spicier kick.
• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier dip, mash fewer cranberries while cooking. For a smoother dip, stir a bit longer while the mixture cools.
• Make ahead: Make the cranberry mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Mix with cream cheese just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes — thaw first, drain excess liquid, and reduce cooking time slightly. Frozen can be a bit more watery, so cook to a jammy consistency.

How spicy is this dip?
With seeds and ribs included from 3 jalapeños, expect medium heat. Remove seeds/ribs for mild, or add an extra jalapeño for more heat.

How long will leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze (cream cheese changes texture when frozen).

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes — prepare the cranberry jam up to 48 hours ahead and refrigerate. Mix with cream cheese shortly before serving for best texture.

What should I serve it with?
Water crackers, baguette crostini, pita chips, sliced apples, celery sticks, or even pretzel chips all pair beautifully.

Recipe — Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup sweet onion, finely diced
• ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 3 jalapeños, finely diced (include ribs & seeds for more heat) — plus extra slices for garnish
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1 small orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 pinches kosher salt
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

How to Make Cranberry Jalapano Cream Cheese Dip

Make the cranberry mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced onion, shredded Asiago, diced jalapeños, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a bubble.

Simmer: Reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until many of the cranberries have popped and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency.

Cool slightly: Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and let cool for about 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to encourage even cooling.

Combine with cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the cooled cranberry mixture. Use a spatula or an electric hand mixer to blend until smooth and fully combined.

Serve & garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with jalapeño slices and a light sprinkle of Asiago. Serve with crackers, pita chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.

Serving & presentation ideas

• Spoon into a shallow white bowl and garnish with thin jalapeño rounds and extra Asiago for contrast.
• Serve alongside a board of assorted crackers, fresh fruit slices, and charcuterie for a beautiful party spread.
• For a warm contrast, serve the cranberry jam warmed slightly over cream cheese (add the cream cheese and quickly broil for 1–2 minutes) — be careful not to overheat.

Substitutions & variations

• Sugar swap: Replace light brown sugar with maple syrup (start with ½ cup and adjust to taste) for a deeper flavor.
• Cheese: If you don’t have Asiago, try finely grated Parmesan or a sharp white cheddar — each changes the flavor profile slightly.
• Cream cheese alternative: For a lighter dip, use 8 oz cream cheese + 8 oz light cream cheese or Neufchâtel.
• No-orange option: Omit orange juice and zest and add 2 tablespoons apple cider for a different sweet-tart note.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan cream cheese and swap the Asiago for a dairy-free savory crumble; use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Add a crunch: Top with toasted chopped pecans or walnuts right before serving for texture.