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Holiday Jalapeño Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip with Pecans

jalapeño cranberry cream cheese dip - featured image
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A sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy dip perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with roasted cranberries, pickled jalapeños, cream cheese, and toasted pecans, it comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (about 100g)
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crackers or crostini for serving
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño brine, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until cranberries start popping, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until mixture resembles chunky jam. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. While cranberries cool, toast pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and sugar caramelizes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly into a serving dish. Spoon cooled cranberry mixture over the top, spreading gently to the edges. Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the cranberry layer.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving (optional but recommended).
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crackers, crostini, or tortilla chips. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after chilling before serving.

Notes

The cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days in advance. For a milder dip, start with 2 tablespoons of jalapeños. Toasting pecans is essential for best flavor. Let cream cheese soften properly to avoid lumps.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday dip, cranberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese dip, pecan dip, holiday appetizer, easy dip

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/holiday-jalape-n-o-cranberry-cream-cheese-dip-with-pecans/