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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread

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This cranberry jalapeno cream cheese spread is full of fresh herb flavor with a bit of spice and some sweet cranberries. The balance is delicious and it is the perfect spread for crackers.

small bowl of cranberry jalapeno cream cheese spread on plate with crackers, ready to eat.

It’s holiday party season!  And do you know what that means?  Snacks!  

Whether it is a starter while the turkey is roasting on Thanksgiving or something to nosh on during the Christmas parties ahead, this cranberry spread will be a nice change to the standard fare.  

It has a really fresh flavor from the herbs and lime juice and just enough spice from the jalapeno to make it interesting.  I don’t think it would be too hot to upset anyone’s pallet.

I put this out when Chloe and MiMi came to help set up for Kristie’s shower and Chloe LOVED it.  When my husband and Little Dude came home, I got some out for them to snack on while I made a pizza for dinner.

Bowl of jalapeno cranberry cream cheese cracker spread on plate with butter crackers ready to be served.

We had the whole thing eaten between us by the end of the night!  We all thought it was pretty darn tasty and a bit different than anything we had ever tried.

You could form this mixture into a cheese ball if you would like, but we like the ease of putting it into a bowl. It’s a no muss no fuss way of serving this tasty appetizer, just have plenty of crackers ready!

cream cheese dotted with bits of dried cranberries, herbs and jalapeno spread on crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this yummy spread?

Keep any leftover cracker spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The herbs will start to wilt and oxidize much past that.

Can I use something besides cilantro?

Yes. If you don’t like cilantro you can just leave it out or substitute in more green onion, chives or parsley.

Close up of cranberry cracker spread in bowl with some spread on crackers.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

If you like this sweet and savory spread, you are going to love my mini cranberry cheese balls as well. They are a great way to serve cheese balls at a party without holding up the buffet line!

Egyptian feta spread is another tasty topper for crackers or pita bread. It is loaded with fresh herbs and flavor.

Try cranberry topped brie for another fall inspired treat. It is great served warm with some toasted baguette slices.

Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!

small bowl of cranberry jalapeno cream cheese spread on plate with crackers, ready to eat.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Carlee
This spread is full of fresh herb flavor with a bit of spice and some sweet cranberries. The balance is delicious and it is the perfect spread for crackers.
5 from 11 ratings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 89 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup loosely packed cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno
  • ¼ cup green onions
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Roughly chop the cranberries, cilantro and green onions.
    ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, ¼ cup green onions
  • Remove the seeds from the jalapeno and finely dice.
    1 jalapeno
  • Mix together all ingredients.
    8 oz cream cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon lime juice, salt and pepper
  • You can serve immediately, but it is good to cover it and refrigerate it for at least an hour to let all of the flavors come together.
  • Serve with crackers or toasted bagel chips or baguette slices. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 85mgSugar: 6g
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Recipe Rating




Nicole

Friday 10th of November 2023

Amazing dip! The second time I made it I added some fresh grated ginger, it added another yummy twist!

Carlee

Friday 10th of November 2023

That sounds amazing! I am going to try that next time!

Jess

Saturday 3rd of December 2016

What a festive snack!

Carlee

Saturday 3rd of December 2016

Thank you!

Amanda | Domestically Creative

Thursday 1st of December 2016

This sounds and looks great! Can't wait to give a try this season. Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!

Carlee

Friday 2nd of December 2016

Thank you!

Jessica Jarrell

Tuesday 29th of November 2016

Dip might as well be a food group for me, I eat it that much 😂 I also love sweet and spicy combinations so I can't wait to try this one!

Carlee

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

I don't make dip too often, because once I get started it is hard to stop! But I do love a good dip and I love how simple they usually are to make. I have a feeling I'll be making a few more batches of this one this holiday season!

Unknown

Tuesday 29th of November 2016

I think this dip/spread sounds absolutely incredible. I wish I thought of it!

Carlee

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

Thank you! It was definitely a fun one!