Spicy Cranberry Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Cranberry is a vibrant and tangy appetizer that brings a zesty twist to the traditional cranberry sauce. Combining fresh cranberries with jalapeño and fresh herbs creates a lively flavor that pairs perfectly with smooth cream cheese and crunchy crackers.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
• 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• About 1 cup sugar, adjustable to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Two 8-ounce packs of cream cheese, softened (light or regular)
• Crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by placing the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined and finely chopped, forming a cohesive blend.
2. Step 2: Transfer the cranberry-jalapeño mixture into a covered container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: When ready to assemble, spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer on a serving plate or a 9-inch pie dish as the creamy base.
4. Step 4: Spread the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors integrate.
5. Step 5: Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled with crackers for a delightful appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries according to your taste.
• For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap cilantro for fresh parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
• Try using flavored cream cheese, such as garlic or herb, for an added twist.

Storage

Store the assembled dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any leftover cranberry mixture separate if possible. Reheat is not recommended—serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to a day in advance, which helps deepen the flavors. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving for optimal freshness.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop the cranberries, jalapeño, and other ingredients by hand, though it will take more time. Aim for a uniform, finely chopped texture for the best flavor meld.

Spicy Cranberry Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

A vibrant and tangy Spicy Cranberry recipe that combines fresh cranberries, jalapeño, and aromatic herbs with creamy cheese for a perfect appetizer. This dish features a zesty cranberry-jalapeño topping layered over a smooth cream cheese base, served chilled with crackers, making it ideal for parties or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Mixture

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 4 to 5 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• Approximately 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Base

• Two 8-ounce packs cream cheese, softened (light or regular)

Serving

• Crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: Place the fresh cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, sugar, cumin powder, lemon or lime juice, and salt. Pulse again until the mixture is well combined and finely chopped to form a cohesive blend.
2. Refrigerate the Cranberry Mixture: Transfer the cranberry-jalapeño mixture to a covered container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: When ready to assemble, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving plate or a 9-inch pie dish to create a smooth, creamy base layer.
4. Assemble and Chill the Dish: Spread the chilled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate the assembled dish for up to one hour to let the flavors integrate and the texture set.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and serve chilled with crackers for a zesty, creamy appetizer.

Notes

• Adjust the sugar quantity to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the heat from the jalapeño as per your taste.
• For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount.
• You can prepare the cranberry mixture a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor blending.
• Use light cream cheese if you prefer a lower-fat version without compromising creaminess.
• Serve with your favorite crackers or crispbread for added texture and convenience.

Keywords: spicy cranberry, cranberry appetizer, cream cheese dip, jalapeño cranberry spread, holiday appetizer, no-cook cranberry recipe