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Ultra close-up macro of whipped cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip with cracker

Whipped Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings (~1/4 cup each)
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 165

Ingredients
  

The Fluffy Whipped Cream Cheese Base
  • 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature for effortless whipping
  • 2 tbsp sour cream or whole Greek yogurt, adds velvety tang and fluffiness
  • 1 tbsp pure raw honey enhances natural creaminess
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder subtle savory undertone
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt balances sweetness
The Sparkling Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa Topping
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries rinsed, sorted, and finely pulsed in food processor
  • 2 medium jalapeño peppers seeded and finely minced (keep seeds from 1 for extra heat)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
  • 4 medium green onions (scallions) both green and white parts thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated cane sugar macerates cranberries to draw out ruby juices and balance tartness
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice about 1 juicy lime, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin adds warm aromatic earthiness
Serving & Holiday Tablescape Accompaniments
  • 1 sleeve buttery Ritz crackers or artisan sea salt water crackers
  • 1 french baguette crostini slices thinly sliced, brushed with olive oil, and toasted until crisp
  • 2 tbsp warm honey drizzle or hot honey, for finishing right before serving
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary for festive holiday platter garnish

Method
 

Pulse & Macerate the Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa
  1. Add the fresh cranberries to a food processor and pulse 4 to 6 times until roughly chopped (do not puree; aim for coarse, glistening jewel-like bits).
  2. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a medium mixing bowl. Fold in the minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Stir thoroughly and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes (or in the refrigerator up to 24 hours). The sugar will macerate the cranberries, drawing out deep ruby juices while softening the raw bite of the jalapeños.
Whip the Cream Cheese Base until Cloud-Like
  1. In a large glass bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment, combine the room-temperature softened cream cheese, sour cream, honey, garlic powder, and fine sea salt.
  2. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice, until the cream cheese transforms into an ultra-fluffy, smooth, cloud-like spread with velvety ripples.
Assemble, Garnish & Chill
  1. Spoon the fluffy whipped cream cheese into a wide, shallow serving bowl or rimmed ceramic platter. Use the back of a spoon to create graceful swirls and a generous central well.
  2. Using a slotted spoon (allowing excess liquid to drain into the bowl), mound the glistening ruby cranberry-jalapeño salsa over the center of the whipped cream cheese spread.
  3. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm honey or hot honey over the top for a glossy shimmer, and tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter edge.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Surround the dish with buttery golden Ritz crackers, toasted baguette crostini, pretzel crisps, or pita chips. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for effortless scooping!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 23000IUVitamin C: 11.6mgCalcium: 480mgIron: 0.1mg

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