Save A vibrant, creamy cheese dip featuring sweet-tart cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and melty cheeses is perfect for holiday gatherings or game day snacking.
I first made this dip for a family holiday party and it quickly became everyone's favorite appetizer. Its festive color and unexpected flavor combination always draws compliments.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
- Sour cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Whole milk: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Monterey Jack cheese: 200 g (2 cups), shredded
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Cranberries: 120 g (1 cup), fresh or thawed frozen, roughly chopped
- Jalapeños: 2, seeded and minced
- Spring onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Garlic clove: 1 small, minced
- Olive oil: 1 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tbsp (optional, for balance)
- Fresh cilantro leaves: chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Extra sliced jalapeños: for garnish (optional)
- Extra cranberries: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté Jalapeños and Cranberries:
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add jalapeños and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped cranberries and honey (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until cranberries soften slightly. Remove from heat.
- Mix Dairy Base:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream and milk until well combined.
- Fold In Remaining Ingredients:
- Fold in Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, sautéed cranberry-jalapeño mixture, spring onions, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Bake:
- Spoon the mixture into a medium baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Smooth the top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden at the edges.
- Cool Slightly and Garnish:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with cilantro, extra cranberries, and jalapeño slices if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Save My kids love helping stir the cheeses and cranberries into the bowl. It has become a family tradition for holiday parties!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, hand mixer or spatula, skillet, baking dish or ovenproof skillet, knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, sour cream). Gluten-free if served with gluten-free dippers. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 8 g
Save This festive dip disappears fast at gatherings. Its sweet, spicy, and creamy combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, thawed frozen cranberries work well; just chop them before using for even texture.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Keep some jalapeño seeds in or swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese to increase the heat level.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. All ingredients are vegetarian friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for various diets.
- → What can I serve alongside it?
Try tortilla chips, gluten-free crackers, or toasted baguette; the creamy texture pairs well with crisp dippers.
- → Can it be made ahead of time?
Prepare and refrigerate the mixture a day ahead; bake just before serving for best results.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days; gently reheat before serving for best flavor.