Description
A sweet, tart, and gently spicy dip that looks like Christmas in a bowl. Fresh cranberries, jalapeños, lime, ginger, and a touch of honey make a bright salsa that’s spooned over whipped cream cheese. Serve it cold with crackers, crostini, or pretzel crisps. This version includes a small amount of fresh ginger, which adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fruit or heat. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at every holiday party.
Equipment:
• Food processor
• Medium mixing bowl
• Fine mesh strainer
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Serving dish or shallow platter
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave some seeds for more heat)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (about 3 onions)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, ginger, lime zest, and lime juice in a food processor.
- Pulse several times until finely chopped but not puréed. Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure everything chops evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the sugar, honey, cumin, and salt until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24. The sugar will draw out liquid and mellow the tartness of the cranberries.
- When ready to serve, pour the cranberry mixture into a fine mesh strainer and let the liquid drain for a few minutes. You can gently press the mixture with a spoon to remove extra juice, but don’t squeeze it dry.
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the cream cheese (and goat cheese, if using) until smooth and fluffy. Spread it evenly on a shallow serving dish or small platter.
- Spoon the drained cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the whipped cheese layer.
- Serve chilled with pretzel crisps, sturdy crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
Storage:
Keep any leftovers covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The cranberry topping can also be made 2 days in advance and stored separately from the cheese until ready to serve.
Notes:
The small addition of fresh ginger gives this dip a warm, aromatic note that sets it apart from the typical versions. It balances the sweetness and brightens the cranberry flavor without making the dip taste “gingery.” The whipped cream cheese and goat cheese base also helps the dip stay light and spreadable while giving it a little tang. If you prefer it milder, use one jalapeño and remove all the seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: ~160 per serving
