This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip recipe is a quick and easy holiday appetizer. With a fluffy, cloud-like combination of whipped cream cheese and goat cheese at the base, plus a bright, slightly spicy, fresh cranberry relish layered over the top, it's fun and festive!
Ingredients
2cupsfresh cranberries
1teaspoonkosher saltdivided
¼cuphoney
2tablespoonsminced fresh jalapeno - use more for a bigger kick of heat!
1tablespoonsminced fresh parsley
1tablespoonfresh orange juice
1teaspoonfresh orange zest
1teaspoonminced rosemary
1teaspoonminced thyme
½teaspooncracked black pepper
8ouncescream cheesesoftened
4ouncesgoat cheesesoftened
¼cupcold heavy cream
Instructions
Add the cranberries to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until very roughly chopped, about 5 pulses.
To the chopped cranberries, add ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt, plus honey, jalapeno, parsley, orange juice and zest, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse relish, still with noticeable bits - take care to not pulse it into a puree.
Let the cranberry relish sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. It's even better to transfer it to a covered container and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
When ready to assemble the appetizer, give the cranberry relish a few good stirs to incorporate. Then add the relish to a fine mesh strainer to drain away any excess liquid.
Add the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, heavy cream, and remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Spread the whipped cheese mixture onto a plate, like a cloud. Then use a slotted spoon to layer the cranberry relish over the top. Garnish with additional sliced cranberries and jalapenos, plus a little sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs, if desired. Serve with crostini, crackers, and/or chips - cinnamon pita chips are super fun!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.