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Creamy Jalapeño Cranberry Dip with Pecans: Easy Party Appetizer

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A creamy, spicy, and sweet dip made with cream cheese, fresh cranberries, pickled jalapeños, and toasted pecans. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this easy appetizer comes together in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about half an orange)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Cook the cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, honey, and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the orange zest.
  3. Whip the cream cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the garlic powder and salt, then beat for another 30 seconds.
  4. Fold in the jalapeños: Add the chopped pickled jalapeños to the cream cheese and fold them in with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  5. Add the cranberry mixture: Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese. Gently fold it in until you have beautiful swirls of red throughout the white cream cheese.
  6. Top with pecans: Transfer the dip to your serving dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the toasted pecans generously over the top. Press them in gently so they stick.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is truly room temperature for smooth texture. Cool the cranberry mixture before adding to cream cheese to prevent it from becoming soupy. For best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. The dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance (add pecans just before serving).

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese dip, cranberry dip, jalapeño dip, party appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy dip, gluten-free appetizer

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/creamy-jalape-n-o-cranberry-dip-with-pecans-easy-party-appetizer/