Introduction
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a vibrant combination of flavors that you won’t forget! With a perfect blend of spicy jalapeños, tangy cranberries, and a hint of sweetness, this dip will be the star of your appetizer table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in with some snacks, this delightful dip is sure to impress your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 small bunch green onions, sliced
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- For Serving: Crackers or sliced baguette
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Directions
1. Rinse and drain your fresh cranberries, then chop them in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process; you want a coarse texture, not a puree.
2. Combine the chopped cranberries in a bowl with sliced green onions, minced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
3. Sprinkle in the sugar to taste, add lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer your mixture to an airtight container, let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
5. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and pair with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette for an irresistible appetizer!
Enjoy the delicious contrast of flavors in this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, and watch your guests come back for seconds!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse and drain your fresh cranberries, then chop them in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process; you want a coarse texture, not a puree.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine the chopped cranberries in a bowl with sliced green onions, minced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the sugar to taste, add lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Chill the Dip
Transfer your mixture to an airtight container, let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 5: Serve the Dip
When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and pair with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette for an irresistible appetizer!
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Sugar
The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preferred sweetness level; taste the mixture before chilling to see if it meets your liking.
Note 2: Jalapeño Heat
For a milder dip, use only one jalapeño and ensure to remove the seeds, as they contain much of the heat.
Note 3: Chill Time
Allowing the dip to chill for an extended period, such as overnight, will enhance the flavors even more.
Cook techniques
Chopping Cranberries
Rinse the fresh cranberries and chop them in a food processor. Aim for a coarse texture to ensure the dip has some chunkiness instead of becoming a puree.
Mixing Ingredients
When combining ingredients, start with the chopped cranberries in a bowl and gradually mix in the green onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add sugar, lemon juice, and salt, ensuring everything is incorporated evenly.
Chilling for Flavor
For the best flavor, transfer the dip mixture to an airtight container and chill in the fridge. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight chilling enhances the flavor even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dip with a variety of options like crackers or sliced baguette. Ensure everything is ready before serving, and consider giving the dip a quick stir for freshness.
FAQ
Can I adjust the spice level of the dip?
Yes, you can adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds will also reduce the spiciness.
How long can I store the dip?
The dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before chopping.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a different flavor profile.
Is the sugar amount adjustable?
Absolutely! The sugar amount can be adjusted based on your desired level of sweetness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a refreshing blend of sweet and spicy that brings a unique twist to your appetizer spread. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving it at your next gathering!