Go Back

Festive Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

A stunning holiday appetizer featuring a creamy whipped feta and cream cheese base topped with roasted, bursting cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and fresh rosemary.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Cheese Base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 oz feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Cranberry Jalapeño Topping
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 2 jalapeño peppers sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 0.25 cup sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 pinch salt
Garnish & Serving
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 box crackers for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Baking sheet or small baking dish
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and black pepper until light and fluffy.
  3. Spread the whipped cheese mixture into a serving bowl, creating a shallow well in the center.
  4. In another bowl, combine fresh cranberries, sliced jalapeños, sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat.
  5. Spread the cranberry mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until cranberries have burst and are syrupy.
  6. Let the roasted cranberry mixture cool for at least 10 minutes.
  7. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the whipped cheese base.
  8. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves. Serve immediately with crackers.

Notes

For a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing. The dip can be made a day ahead; store the cheese base and topping separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.