Description
This festive cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip perfectly balances rich, cooling cream cheese with the tartness of fresh cranberries and a subtle, warming kick from fresh jalapenos. Enhanced with pure maple syrup and vibrant orange zest, this elegant appetizer creates a sophisticated contrast of textures and flavors. It serves as a beautiful, vibrant centerpiece for holiday gatherings or casual weekend entertaining, guaranteed to impress guests with its festive look and balanced, complex flavor profile.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cranberries
16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 whole jalapenos, seeded and diced
0.5 cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp all-purpose flour
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Place fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and butter into a saucepan over medium heat.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until cranberries burst and release juices.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 additional minute to thicken.
Remove from heat, fold in diced jalapenos and orange zest, then let cool completely.
Spread softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving platter or shallow bowl.
Chill the cream cheese base for 15 minutes to firm.
Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture generously over the top.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Ensure the cranberry mixture is completely cool before adding it to the cream cheese to prevent the base from melting. For added texture, you can garnish with toasted pecans. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop reduction and assembly
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approx 3 oz
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg