Name: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces fresh cranberries; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 3 medium green onions, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced; 8 ounces vegan cream cheese; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsweetened vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 26 reviews

If you’re looking for a dip that’s a perfect blend of tart, sweet, and a little spicy kick, I have just the thing for you. This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe is one of my go-to crowd-pleasers, especially around the holidays or whenever I want to impress guests with something vibrant and unique. It’s creamy, colorful, and easy enough to whip up without a fuss—trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced flavors: The sharp cranberries and spicy jalapenos create an irresistible sweet-heat combo that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Easy prep: Just a quick pulse in the food processor and a simple mix—no fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen needed.
Vegan-friendly: Using vegan cream cheese and yogurt makes this dip perfect whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something dairy-free.
Versatile serving options: It pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or even as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Cranberry Jalapeno Dip recipe, spicy cranberry dip, holiday cranberry dip, easy party dip - A woman’s hand is holding a rectangular, light tan cracker with ridged edges, scooping up a chunky pink dip that has visible bits of red and green inside. Below, there is a generous layer of the same pink dip spread unevenly on more crackers, all placed on a white marbled surface. The dip looks creamy with a rough texture from the small pieces mixed in. The background fades softly showing more crackers with dip on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this cranberry jalapeno dip really play off each other perfectly. The fresh cranberries bring that bright, tangy punch, while dried cranberries add just the right touch of sweetness. The green onions and jalapenos pack a mild heat and fresh bite, all anchored by the creamy vegan cream cheese and yogurt for smoothness and balance.

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Cranberry Jalapeno Dip recipe, spicy cranberry dip, holiday cranberry dip, easy party dip - Flat lay of bright red fresh cranberries and deep red dried cranberries scattered naturally beside vibrant green chopped green onions and sliced bright green jalapeno peppers with smooth white vegan cream cheese blocks and dollops of creamy white vegan yogurt, all showing contrasting textures and rich colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Fresh cranberries: These bring zesty brightness and a little tartness that wakes up your taste buds—look for firm, plump berries.
Dried cranberries: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture; you can adjust quantity depending on how sweet you want your dip.
Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds a spicy kick; removing seeds keeps it from getting too hot if you’re sensitive to heat.
Vegan cream cheese: Gives the dip that classic creamy texture—Philadelphia, Violife, Miyoko’s, or Tofutti all work great.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness with a subtle sweetness—you can tweak the amount based on your taste.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Unsweetened vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream: Makes the dip lighter and adds tang without extra sweetness or heaviness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

My favorite thing about this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want to dial up the spice, sneak in some extra herbs, or make it less sweet, it’s all about tweaking it until it suits your taste perfectly. I love experimenting with it when I’m hosting to surprise my friends!

Mild heat: Sometimes I leave the jalapeno seeds in for more punch, but you can remove them all if you prefer just a hint of spice.
No sugar version: If you want less sweetness, try omitting the dried cranberries and sugar completely—I’ve done it, and it’s still deliciously bright.
Herb boost: Adding a bit of chopped cilantro or parsley can bring a fresh, herby twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Dairy-free swaps: I’ve also used homemade tofu cream cheese with great success if you prefer making things from scratch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Berries and Veggies

Start by tossing fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and sliced, seeded jalapenos into your food processor. Pulse them several times until everything is finely chopped but not pureed—you want little bursts of texture here. This step is key because it builds the base flavor and gives the dip that vibrant color.

Step 2: Soften and Mix the Cream Cheese

Next, scoop your vegan cream cheese into a medium bowl. I like to give it a quick spin with a hand mixer until it’s soft and smooth, which helps everything combine evenly without any lumps. If you don’t have a mixer, stirring vigorously with a spoon works too, but it can take some muscle! Then, add your sugar, salt, and unsweetened vegan yogurt, and beat again until creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Stir in the cranberry and jalapeno mixture until everything is evenly blended. At this stage, I like to taste and adjust—maybe add a touch more sugar if it’s too tart, or a pinch more salt for depth. Serve immediately if you can’t wait, or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors marry nicely.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Keep the jalapeno manageable: Removing seeds helps control spice levels—I usually do half seeded and half with seeds depending on who’s eating.
Chill before serving: Letting the dip rest in the fridge melds the flavors and firms up the texture beautifully.
Use a good food processor: A decent processor makes the chopping even and quick without turning the mixture mushy.
Adjust sweetness carefully: Better to start with less sugar and add more after tasting—you can always add, but not take away!

How to Serve Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Cranberry Jalapeno Dip recipe, spicy cranberry dip, holiday cranberry dip, easy party dip - On a white plate, there is a thick layer of pink creamy spread with small chunks of darker red and green mixed in. The spread is topped with a rectangular light beige cracker in the center. Around the spread, there are more light beige crackers placed on the white plate. The background shows a green onion on a white marbled surface and a clear bowl with red cherries. A green chili pepper is partially visible near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions on top just before serving for a fresh pop of color and mild onion zing. Sometimes I’ll also add a few whole dried cranberries or a small drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. If I’m feeling fancy, a touch of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley brightens things up nicely too.

Side Dishes

This dip is fabulous with simple crackers—my go-to is a crunchy water cracker or multi-grain crispbread. I also love serving it alongside toasted baguette slices or even fresh cut veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers for a lighter option. It’s wonderful for holiday parties or as a unique appetizer at potlucks.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe inside a hollowed-out round bread bowl or on a rustic wooden board alongside a vibrant cheese platter. Another fun idea is swirling it into vegan cream cheese on mini toast points for easy finger food. It always gets compliments when presented with fresh garnishes and pretty serving bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the dip fresh, I save any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before serving again because some separation happens naturally. It tastes fantastic chilled, and the flavors deepen the next day.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this cranberry jalapeno dip recipe myself because the texture of vegan cream cheese can get a bit grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly overnight in the fridge and stir well to try and bring it back to creamy consistency.

Reheating

This dip is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I usually skip reheating. If you want it a little softer, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes. Heating it could change the texture and mute the fresh cranberry brightness.

FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip a few hours or even a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavors.
What can I use if I don’t have vegan cream cheese?

If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, you can substitute with homemade tofu cream cheese or even a thick vegan sour cream, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Is the dip very spicy because of the jalapenos?

Not at all! By removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, the dip has a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, but feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your heat preference.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries work best for texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture that could thin out the dip.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry jalapeno dip recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s that rare combination of easy, fresh, and a total crowd-pleaser. I love how it brings together the holiday spirit with just enough spice to keep things exciting. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because, I’m confident you’ll fall for it as much as I have. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!