Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Who can resist this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip shaped like a little Christmas tree? It's a holiday appetizer featuring fresh jalapeños and cranberries that pop with color and flavor!
Servings: 16
Calories: 154kcal
Equipment
- colander
- slotted spoon
- serving dish
- sharp knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries diced
- 2 large jalapeños seeded, cleaned and diced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 green onions diced
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- For Christmas tree- 1 slice of Colby Jack cheese cut into a star
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine diced cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, salt, lime juice, and green onions.
- Stir well and chill, covered, for at least 45 minutes.
- Strain the mixture using a slotted spoon and colander to remove any extra juice or excess liquid.
- For a platter, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on a serving dish. Spoon the cranberry jalapeño relish on top for a beautiful cranberry cream cheese presentation.
- For a Christmas tree version, shape the cheese mixture into a cone or tree shape. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Pile the cranberry relish around the outside of the tree and top it with a Colby Jack star cut with a cookie cutter.
Notes
- This recipe yields 32 Tablespoons of dip, divided by 2 equals 16 servings (2 Tablespoons per guest).
- Strain this recipe VERY WELL after refrigerating for at least 45 minutes. If you can make it ahead, refrigerate it overnight and get out as much water as possible. Use a cheesecloth or paper towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can before adding it on the cream cheese.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberry mixture and cream cheese mixture separate until you’re ready to serve.
- Do Not Freeze: The texture changes when thawed, so freezing is not recommended.
- Serve Cold: Keep chilled until serving for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.1mg