Print

Cozy Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with Toasted Pecans

jalapeño cranberry cream cheese dip - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, creamy dip with sweet cranberries, spicy jalapeño, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy gatherings, this easy appetizer comes together in about 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toast the pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes, until they smell nutty and are lightly browned. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Make the cream cheese base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  4. Prepare the cranberry topping: In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, and diced jalapeño. Stir until the cranberries are coated in sugar. Let sit for a few minutes.
  5. Assemble the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into an 8×8 or 9-inch baking dish. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing evenly.
  6. Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cranberries have softened. If adding optional cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  7. Add the finishing touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and sliced green onions evenly over the top.
  8. Serve immediately with sturdy dippers like crackers, baguette slices, or celery sticks.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the pecans—it makes a huge difference. For a milder dip, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. Let cream cheese soften properly to avoid lumps. Do not overbake, or the cream cheese may separate. The dip can be assembled a day in advance (without pecans and green onions) and refrigerated; bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, easy dip, party dip, toasted pecans, warm dip

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-jalape-n-o-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-with-toasted-pecans/