Spicy Cranberry Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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