Cranberry Jalapeño Queso Dip (Printable Version)
Creamy blend with cranberries, jalapeños, and cheeses—perfect appetizer for holidays or snacking.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Fruits & Vegetables
06 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
07 - 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
08 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
14 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
→ Garnish (optional)
15 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
16 - Extra sliced jalapeños
17 - Extra cranberries
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté jalapeños and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic. Stir in cranberries and honey or maple syrup if using; cook for 2 minutes, mixing until the cranberries begin to soften. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth. Blend in sour cream and whole milk until thoroughly incorporated.
04 - Fold in Monterey Jack, cheddar, the sautéed cranberry-jalapeño mixture, spring onions, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired, ensuring even distribution.
05 - Spoon the prepared mixture into a medium baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Level the surface with a spatula.
06 - Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden around the edges.
07 - Remove the dish from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with chopped cilantro, additional cranberries, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
08 - Offer warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses simple supermarket ingredients
- Perfect balance of creamy spicy and tangy
- Bakes up in just 30 minutes
- Stands out at any potluck or party
- Naturally gluten free with the right dippers
02 -
- Vegetarian friendly and naturally gluten free
- Big flavor contrast with cranberry tartness and spicy jalapeño
- Easy to scale for a crowd
- Can be made partially ahead and baked just before the party
- Pairs perfectly with festive drinks from bubbly to cider
03 -
- Always use block cheeses and grate yourself for the smoothest melt Pre shredded cheese is dusted with anti caking agents that affect the finish
- Let the dip stand a few minutes before digging in so the molten cheese settles and does not run everywhere
- Sautéing the cranberries in olive oil intensifies their tart flavor and prevents sour notes from dominating the dip