Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip ~
Whipped cream cheese topped with fresh cranberry salsa.
Serve this festive appetizer with pretzel crisps or pita chips.
Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
I like this recipe because it’s such an easy appetizer and a total crowd pleaser for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. I served this dip on New Year’s Eve and it was a big hit that got rave reviews from our guests. None was left at midnight.
This easy cranberry dip is the best dip for taking to holiday parties!
Plan Ahead!
- Making this dip is super simple, but it is a 2-day process. The day before serving is when you’ll prep the cranberry mixture. Then, as it sits in the refrigerator overnight, the cranberries release their excess juices, which you drain off before the final step of spreading the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese the next day to serve.
Quick Tip for Success
- Use a mini chopper or food processor to make quick work of finely chopping the cranberry topping ingredients.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
You will need the following:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Cranberries – Fresh is best; however, you could use frozen cranberries (thawed) in a pinch.
- Scallions – Also known as green onions, scallions add mild onion flavor without being overpowering.
- Jalapeno Pepper – I remove the seeds to get the mild flavor of the jalapeno without the heat. If you prefer a hint of heat, leave them in.
- Granulated Sugar - For mild sweetness and contrast to the naturally tart cranberries,
- Lemon Juice – A little acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Salt – Just a touch to mellow the flavors.
- Cream Cheese – I used Trader Joe’s brand vegan cream cheese.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, scallions, and jalapeno. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
STEP TWO: Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge and pour into a fine mesh strainer. Press the cranberry mixture into the strainer to drain the excess liquid.
STEP THREE: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer and beat the softened cream cheese for 1 minute, until smooth.
STEP FOUR: Transfer the cream cheese to a 6-8-inch serving dish and spread it into an even layer.
STEP FIVE: Spread cranberry mixture over the top of the cream cheese and serve cool or at room temperature.
Can This Be Made Ahead?
- Yes, this easy cranberry dip can be assembled up to a few hours before serving.
More Cranberry Recipes You’ll Love!
- Cranberry Streusel Bars
- Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies
- Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Sandwiches
- Cranberry Banana Bread
- Cranberry Pie
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons scallions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons jalapeno pepper stem and seeds removed, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, scallions, and jalapeno. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge and pour into a fine mesh strainer. Press the cranberry mixture into the strainer to drain the excess liquid.
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer and beat the softened cream cheese for 1 minute, until smooth.
- Transfer the cream cheese to a 6-8-inch serving dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Spread cranberry mixture over the top of the cream cheese and serve cool or at room temperature.
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