Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread

This is a Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread appetizer that is sure to please any crowd!  It’s that time of year when we get to share our homemade appetizers at family and friend parties. That’s why I decided to update this post as part of my focus on appetizers over the past couple of weeks.

This is a really easy one to make. I love fresh cranberries, and my sister, Denise (from Texas) taught me one year how to make homemade cranberry sauce.

This appetizer is sweet and creamy, and with a little kick from the Jalapeño jelly, it should be enjoyed by all your family and friends. It’s easy to put together and make ahead of time. Just pour the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese when you are ready to serve it.

It’s perfect for that Christmas potluck or family get-together. Who doesn’t love appetizers, right? Be ready to pass out the recipe because people love easy recipes, particularly at this busy time of year.

Okay, I was instantly hooked on the cranberry topping. It is only fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. You bring the sugar and water to a boil then add the fresh cranberries, stirring almost constantly. I can’t stir them constantly because I always have five things going on at the same time! LOL! What I love about this recipe is I can add some Jalapeño jelly from a jar to give this cranberry sauce a little kick!

Be sure and use fresh cranberries, it makes all the difference. I wash them and add them to the sugar and water mixture that has been boiling. Just stir until the cranberries start to break down and the mixture thickens. It will get thicker after it cools, as well.

Let me ask you this, do you get excited when November rolls around and you see those bags of cranberries? Squeal, I sure do! Here’s the deal, you can’t go super early in November because the grocery stores may not have them until around the 10th of the month.

Ingredients – Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread

• Cream cheese (softened): The main ingredient! A soft and smooth, mild-tasting cheese made from milk and cream which contains protein and calcium.
• Fresh cranberries: A small, hard, round red fruit. Known to be sour and bitter. High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Use fresh cranberries in this recipe!
• Sugar: Preserves the color, texture, and flavor of food. Helps the fresh cranberries break down and thicken. Increases the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Water: Used to dissolve the sugar while boiling and to soften the cranberries.
• Jalapeño Jelly: A delicious sweet and spicy jelly generally made of spicy jalapeños, sugar, vinegar, pectin, and bell peppers.

Items You May Need In The Kitchen:

• Saucepan
• Measuring Cups
• Colander

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread

Step One – Gather and Assemble the Ingredients

Gather and assemble the ingredients, so you know exactly what you need to start the recipe.

Step Two – Boil Sugar and Water Until Sugar Dissolves – Turn Down the Heat

Boil the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Turn down the heat on the stove.

Step Three – Wash the Cranberries – Add to Sugar Mixture – Allow to Thicken

Wash the cranberries, remove any damaged ones, and drain. Add the cranberries to the sugar mixture and stir until the cranberries break down slightly and start to thicken. This really helps with liquidity so the cranberry mixture isn’t too thin when placed on the cream cheese. There is no chopping involved or the need to use a food processor! So easy! 🙂

Step Four – Before Placing in the Fridge, Add the Jalapeño Jelly

The mixture will thicken when it cools and is refrigerated. Before placing the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator add the amount of Jalapeño jelly you prefer. The more you add, the more “kick” the Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Appetizer will have. I added the whole jar. I do buy the mild Jalapeño Jelly since most of my family doesn’t enjoy “hot” jelly, as in spicy hot.

Finished Product

After the mixture is refrigerated and ready to serve, spread the cranberry mixture over the softened cream cheese in a serving bowl, dish, or pie plate. Serve with your favorite crackers. Garnish with green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

How do I store this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread?

I use a Tupperware-type container and store the cranberry jelly mixture in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I store it without the cream cheese.

Can I freeze this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread?

I haven’t frozen it, but I have frozen fresh cranberries without the sugar and water mixture. I’m guessing you can, but I don’t know for sure.

Can I use the cranberry mixture on sandwiches?

Yes, you can! It’s so good on a turkey with dressing/stuffing sandwich! Add a bit of cream cheese and you have a million-dollar sandwich, in my opinion!

What do I use to eat this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread?

• Ritz Crackers
• Wheat Thins
• Triscuit Crackers
• Pita Chips
• Tortilla Chips
• Pretzel Chips
• Sour Dough Toast
• Crostinis

Are there any alternative ingredients I could add to this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread?

I really love this cranberry jalapeno dip the way it is! If you’re interested in a slight variation, I would recommend adding some lime juice or lemon juice to the cranberry jalapeno mixture. This would add a little sour punch to the spread. You could also garnish the spread with a little cilantro, chives, or green onions to give the cream cheese spread a delicious twist! So many options for the perfect appetizer for you to take to a get-together!

Looking for a cheese ball to take to a get-together? These are some of my favorites!

• Mini Cheese Ball Bites
• Dried Beef Cheese Ball
• Pimento Cheese Ball
• The Classic Bacon Cheese Ball
• Old English Cheese Ball

Love cranberries? Check out these other delicious cranberry recipes!

• Fresh Cranberry Salad Recipe
• Cranberry Banana Coffee Cake
• The Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe
• How To Make Turkey Cranberry Roll-Ups

Final Word

Oh my gosh, I love fresh cranberry sauce! Do you make your own? This cranberry Jalapeño cream cheese spread is a keeper for parties! It seems like most people only think of cranberry sauce as something to eat with a turkey dinner, particularly at Thanksgiving.

Let me tell you, we’ve made this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese spread for years and it’s become a favorite for us. The tart cranberries add such a delicious flavor!

Let me know if you make it and how it turned out for you. May God Bless this world, Linda