Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese (Printable)

Creamy cheese topped with cranberries and jalapeños delivers a festive, flavorful bite for holidays and parties.

# Components:

→ Cranberry Topping

01 - 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
07 - 1/8 teaspoon salt

→ Cream Cheese Base

08 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

# Directions:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine chopped cranberries, granulated sugar, diced jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, lime juice, and salt. Allow mixture to rest for at least 10 minutes for flavors to integrate.
02 - Evenly spread softened cream cheese over a serving platter or shallow dish, using a spatula for smoothness.
03 - Spoon the cranberry topping, including accumulated juices, uniformly on top of the cream cheese base.
04 - Present immediately accompanied by crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one bowl for mixing and assembly
  • Celebrates bold festive flavors with a beautiful red and green look
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten free so everyone can enjoy it
  • Can be prepped ahead so hosting is stress free
02 -
  • Packed with vitamin C from cranberries and immune boosting herbs
  • Ideal for holiday prep as the topping can be made a day in advance
  • No cooking required and just a handful of pantry items
03 -
  • Chop the cranberries by hand for the best texture a food processor can turn them mushy
  • Always let the topping rest at least ten minutes so the flavors develop letting the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before spreading makes it ultra smooth and spreadable
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