Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is an easy and delicious dip for the holidays. This dip comes together in no time and is a wonderful addition to any party or get together!

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip in pie dish — This dip is so flavorful!

Cranberries are such a delicious fruit that I love using in recipes! From cranberry relish to cranberry sauce, candied cranberries, in cranberry orange muffins, and even in cranberry margarita drinks, and now in this delicious dip!

Looking for other dips to make this holiday? Try these!

dip on a cracker — I love the cream cheese cranberry combo!

Fresh vs Frozen Cranberries

You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe.

Fresh cranberries will have more structure and more of a crunch where as frozen to thawed will be softer and may make the dip a little watery.

frozen cranberry blended with other veggies — This is how frozen cranberries look when blended.

If you only have frozen, you may want to try my blended dip version (instructions included below!), or just know that they will be a bit less crisp on top of the cream cheese.

What you need for cranberry jalapeno dip?

Cranberries- Fresh or Frozen just make sure to see my notes on how to use whichever you use.
Jalapeno- I like to use one large or several small. Depending on how hot you want the dip you can adjust the amount.
Green Onion- This adds a great fresh flavor to the dip.
Cilantro- If you don’t like cilantro feel free to leave this out. I know some people can’t stand it and this dip is great even without it!
Sugar- A little sweetness to offset the tartness from the cranberries.
Lime- Some acidity to enhance the flavors.
Cream Cheese- This really brings all the flavors together!
Salt- Always good to add a little salt to a dish!
Cumin- You don’t need much but I love the extra flavor this adds!

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip ingredients — You only need a few ingredients for this tasty dip!

Blended vs Chunky

Blended Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is similar to what you might find at the store. It mixes all the ingredients together into the cream cheese and so you have one uniform dip.

Chunky Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is more like a cranberry salsa poured over a layer of cream cheese. I think it’s a bit prettier than the blended since you get the stark red and white contrast, but you do have to dig through the cranberry to get any of the cream cheese.

Both ways are delicious it’s just up to your preference.

How to make cranberry jalapeno dip?

For this version we are going chunky. Blended directions further down in the post.

In a food processor, pulse fresh cranberries until coarse chopped but not pureed. You will only need to pulse a few times.
In a bowl combine chopped cranberries, diced jalapenos, chopped green onion, cilantro, sugar, zested lime, juice from the lime, cumin, and salt.

blended cranberries in food processor — Just puree for a few seconds.

chopped ingredients in bowl — Mix with the rest of the veggies.

Mix together then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to serve drain any excess liquid.

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cream cheese spread into pie dish — Pie plates work grate for this dip!

spread cranbbery over cranberry — Spread the cranberry mix over the cream cheese!

Spread cream cheese into a thin layer, then pour cranberry jalapeno mixture over and serve with crackers.

How to make blended cranberry jalapeno dip?

In a food processor, pulse cranberries (fresh or frozen), jalapenos, green onion, cilantro, sugar, zested lime, juice from the lime, cumin, and salt.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, pour off liquid that has come from the cranberries and other ingredients.

cranberry added to cream cheese — Add to the mixer.

cranberry mixture mixed into cream cheese — Stir until fully mixed.

Add everything to the bowl of a mixer along with the cream cheese and mix on medium speed until the cream cheese is fully mixed into the cranberry jalapeno mixture.
Place in a serving dish and enjoy with some crackers!

blended dip on a cracker — This dip is nicely balanced!

What to serve with cranberry jalapeno dip?

I recommend your favorite crackers, toasted baguette, or pita chips.

This dip is great alongside smoked cream cheese, baked brie, or a delicious pear salad.

For a heartier pairing, serve with some chicken thighs, a delicious ribeye, or some turkey.

dipping a cracker into the dip — I love this dip so much!

Where to buy cranberry jalapeno dip?

If you are in a rush and want to buy a premade version I totally understand! Fresh will typically taste better but sometimes you just have to pick something up!

Costco and Sam’s Club each have their own versions in large sizes and Walmart, Albertson’s, and Target also carry a cranberry dip. Keep in mind this dip is probably a seasonal item at these stores and most (if not all) options will be a blended dip.

How to store leftover dip?

Store dip in an airtight container. It’s best eaten within 3-4 days of making it.

Water from the cranberries will continue to separate and so you may need to mix the dip or pour off any extra liquid when you go to eat up the leftovers.

Making ahead of time:

If you want to make this dip a day or two before serving, make the cranberry jalapeno mixture first, cover and refrigerate. Then when you are ready to serve, pour over the cream cheese or mix into the cream cheese.

Check out all my holiday recipes here and especially don’t miss my smoked turkey, easy sweet potato rolls, Christmas Wreath cookies, and this Gingerbread Bundt Cake!