This cranberry jalapeno cream cheese spread is full of fresh herb flavor with a bit of spice and some sweet cranberries. The balance is delicious and it is the perfect spread for crackers.
It’s holiday party season! And do you know what that means? Snacks!
Whether it is a starter while the turkey is roasting on Thanksgiving or something to nosh on during the Christmas parties ahead, this cranberry spread will be a nice change to the standard fare.
It has a really fresh flavor from the herbs and lime juice and just enough spice from the jalapeno to make it interesting. I don’t think it would be too hot to upset anyone’s pallet.
I put this out when Chloe and MiMi came to help set up for Kristie’s shower and Chloe LOVED it. When my husband and Little Dude came home, I got some out for them to snack on while I made a pizza for dinner.
We had the whole thing eaten between us by the end of the night! We all thought it was pretty darn tasty and a bit different than anything we had ever tried.
You could form this mixture into a cheese ball if you would like, but we like the ease of putting it into a bowl. It’s a no muss no fuss way of serving this tasty appetizer, just have plenty of crackers ready!
How do I store this yummy spread?
Keep any leftover cracker spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The herbs will start to wilt and oxidize much past that.
Can I use something besides cilantro?
Yes. If you don’t like cilantro you can just leave it out or substitute in more green onion, chives or parsley.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you like this sweet and savory spread, you are going to love my mini cranberry cheese balls as well. They are a great way to serve cheese balls at a party without holding up the buffet line!
Egyptian feta spread is another tasty topper for crackers or pita bread. It is loaded with fresh herbs and flavor.
Try cranberry topped brie for another fall inspired treat. It is great served warm with some toasted baguette slices.
Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup loosely packed cilantro
- ¼ cup green onions
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Roughly chop the cranberries, cilantro and green onions.
- Mix together all ingredients.
- You can serve immediately, but it is good to cover it and refrigerate it for at least an hour to let all of the flavors come together.
- Serve with crackers or toasted bagel chips or baguette slices.
Nutrition
Jess
Saturday 3rd of December 2016
What a festive snack!
Carlee
Saturday 3rd of December 2016
Thank you!
Amanda | Domestically Creative
Thursday 1st of December 2016
This sounds and looks great! Can't wait to give a try this season. Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
Carlee
Friday 2nd of December 2016
Thank you!
Jessica Jarrell
Tuesday 29th of November 2016
Dip might as well be a food group for me, I eat it that much 😂 I also love sweet and spicy combinations so I can't wait to try this one!
Carlee
Wednesday 30th of November 2016
I don't make dip too often, because once I get started it is hard to stop! But I do love a good dip and I love how simple they usually are to make. I have a feeling I'll be making a few more batches of this one this holiday season!
Unknown
Tuesday 29th of November 2016
I think this dip/spread sounds absolutely incredible. I wish I thought of it!
Carlee
Wednesday 30th of November 2016
Thank you! It was definitely a fun one!
Debra
Monday 28th of November 2016
That looks delicious! Thanks for sharing it on Funtastic Friday Blog Hop!
Carlee
Tuesday 29th of November 2016
Thank you, it was definitely a hit!