Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: A Festive Holiday Favorite

Sweet, spicy, and bursting with festive flavor, this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is the perfect holiday appetizer.

Combining tart cranberries with the kick of fresh jalapeños, this creamy and colorful dip is a showstopper for any gathering.

Balanced with cream cheese and a touch of sweetness, it’s the ideal blend of flavors to serve with crackers, chips, or toasted baguette slices.

Quick to prepare and packed with holiday cheer, this dip is a must-try for your next party or potluck. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 green onion, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Crackers, chips, or toasted baguette slices (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
    • In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are finely chopped (but not pureed). Transfer to a medium bowl.
  2. Mix the Flavors:
    • Add the sugar, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, green onion, lime juice, and salt to the cranberries. Stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
    • Spread the softened cream cheese evenly onto the bottom of a serving dish or platter.
  4. Assemble the Dip:
    • Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or toasted baguette slices. For a chilled option, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes:

  • This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño based on your spice preference.
  • For extra tang, substitute lime juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Yield: 6

Easy Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with this Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.

This slow-cooked classic Italian dish is bursting with rich flavors from tender chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic, all simmered together with the briny goodness of kalamata olives.

The slow cooker makes it easy to develop deep flavors with minimal effort, creating a rustic, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
  2. Layer the Vegetables and Chicken: Place the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken thighs or breasts on top of the vegetables.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the tomato paste, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Add the Kalamata Olives: Scatter the halved kalamata olives over the top of the chicken mixture. If using, add the red wine for extra depth of flavor.
  5. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  6. Serve: Once done, serve the chicken cacciatore over pasta, polenta, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

If you prefer bone-in chicken, feel free to use chicken thighs or drumsticks for extra flavor.

You can omit the wine if you prefer, but it adds a rich depth to the dish that complements the olives.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 333mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 19g
© Five Senses of Living
Category: Recipes

Wrapping Up Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a festive appetizer that combines the tartness of cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapeños, balanced perfectly by a creamy cream cheese base.

Bursting with color and flavor, it’s a showstopping dip for holiday parties or casual gatherings. Serve with crackers or chips, and let this sweet and spicy dip bring a festive touch to your table!

Skip to Recipe