This cranberry jalapeno dip is an irresistible mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors! Serve as a vibrant relish over whipped cream cheese or combine for a creamy dip with out-of-this-world flavor—perfect for holidays, parties, or snacking.
If you’re a fan of Costco’s Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, you’re going to love this homemade version! It takes everything you enjoy about that famous dip and makes it even better—fresh, flavorful, and free from anything artificial. Sweet cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and creamy cheese come together in a way that’s both vibrant and balanced.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy and versatile it is. You can keep it simple by spooning the tangy cranberry relish over whipped cream cheese for a stunning presentation, or mix it all together for a smooth and creamy dip. Either way, it’s always a crowd favorite, and the fact that you can make it ahead of time is a bonus!
This dip shines at holiday parties, but it’s equally perfect for casual gatherings or just keeping in the fridge for a snack. It’s fresh, real, and totally addictive—better than store-bought in every way. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Two Ways | I love recipes with variety. Combine with the cream cheese or or spoon the jalapeno cranberry relish over whipped cream cheese.
- Costco Copycat Recipe – This recipe was written to taste like Costco’s Cranberry Jalapeno dip!
- Holiday Dip – Jalapeño and cranberry cream cheese dip is a quick and easy holiday appetizer that’s sure to please!
- Make Ahead – Using fresh ingredients, this dip tastes even better when you make it ahead.
What do you serve at your holiday gatherings? This is the perfect holiday appetizer! A few years ago, I bought cranberry jalapeno dip from Costco. Our family was hooked, and it was my mission to recreate it and guess what, I’ll show you how!
Cranberry Dip Ingredients
- Cranberries: This recipe is best with fresh cranberries. I haven’t tested it with frozen berries, but I’m pretty sure they will get mushy.
- Onions | Green onions add flavor and color!
- Cilantro | Fresh cilantro compliments the hot jalapeno oh-so-well.
- Jalapenos | Use seeded jalapeno peppers to cut some of the heat. Or, leave them in if you’re ready for a challenge! Also, I like to add ¼ cup of Trader Joe’s jalapeños or these hot and sweet jalapenos, if desired.
- Sugar | Sugar helps balance the heat of the jalapenos and neutralizes some of the tartness of the cranberries.
- Citrus Juice | Brighten the flavor with fresh lime juice and orange juice; feel free to add some orange zest, too!
- Salt | Add a dash of kosher salt to bring out the savory notes.
- Cream cheese | Room temperature cream cheese is important in this dip. Set it out an hour before you plan on using it.
- Dippers | I love it with salty crackers, pretzel chips, gluten-free crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh veggies for serving.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip (2 Ways)
Step 1 | Prep your ingredients
Before starting the recipe, remove the cream cheese from the fridge to bring it to room temperature. This may take around one hour. Then, rinse and sort the tart cranberries, tossing out the soft ones.
Step 2 | Make cranberry jalapeno relish
Add the cranberries, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, sugar, salt, and fresh juice to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are evenly combined and the texture is how you like it. Stop before the cranberry mixture is completely pulverized, scraping the bottom and sides several times.
Step 3 | Make cranberry jalapeno relish
Pour the cranberry jalapeno relish into a medium bowl, then add the sugar, citrus juice, and zest, stirring to combine.
Next, taste the cranberry relish to check how sweet and hot it is, adjusting the ingredients until the flavor reaches your preference. The recipe will taste better as it sits and the flavors meld.
Place the recipe in a bowl or container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; even better if this festive dip sits for several hours or overnight.
Step 4 | Add cream cheese and serve!
There are two different ways to serve this delicious dip. You can choose which you want to try this time and save the other for another day!
Option 1 – Layered Jalapeno Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Remove the excess liquid from the cranberry jalapeño relish using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon.
Whip the softened cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer and a large bowl. After about three or four minutes, the cream cheese should be light and fluffy. Add a teaspoon of candied jalapeno juice for extra heat and flavor!
Next, spread the cream cheese mixture to about half an inch thick on a platter, large plate, or a festive pie plate. Scoop and gently spread it on top of the cream cheese and surround the layered dip with crackers, vegetables, and more delicious dippers!
Option 2 – Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Costco Recipe
This is my favorite!! The flavors mingle and marry and make an AMAZING dip! My family went nuts over this for Thanksgiving. Place the softened cream cheese in the bowl to whip for a few minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
Then, mix in the jalapeno cranberry salsa until the two are well combined, transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 30 minutes up to 3 days. Then enjoy with your favorite dippers.
Jalapeno Dip Recipe Tips
- Easily cut the recipe in half to serve a smaller crowd.
- If possible, let the cranberry salsa chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight to allow plenty of time for the flavors to marry.
- This recipe produces a large amount of jalapeño relish. You may want to reserve about ¼ of the recipe to serve as is on the side. It’s delisciou!
- No food processor? No problem! Blend the cranberries in small batches or use a food chopper or an ordinary blender.
Make This Cranberry Dip in Advance
This holiday season, get ahead of the party prep by making jalapeno cranberry relish a day or two in advance. Combine the ingredients as directed and store the relish in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Then, whip the cream cheese, spread it onto a platter, cover with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Before serving, set the cream cheese out for about an hour to come to room temperature, then assemble and serve!
Craving more easy dip recipes perfect for hosting a holiday party? Some more crowd-pleasers are this Cowboy Crack Dip, or this Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and this best Best Crudite Dip Recipe for Veggie Platters.
Jalapeno Dip Recipe Variations
Add Mexican Flavor: Add a pinch of cumin to the creamy dip for a Mexican-inspired flavor.
Switch the Juice: Swap the lemon juice for the lime juice if preferred. I liked the lime juice better, and you can also omit the orange juice if desired.
Omit Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of all the ingredients in this easy appetizer, keep out the ones you dislike. It tastes delicious no matter what!
Hot Cream Cheese Dip: If you’d like, heat the dip in the oven and stir in some sharp cheddar cheese. Try this baked Cranberry Dip for an excellent hot alternative.
Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Dip
If you prefer, replace the sugar with a good sugar replacement, I love, Lakanto golden monk fruit.
Dairy-Free Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
For a vegan or dairy-free use a plant-based cream cheese and double check the rest of your simple ingredients.
Warm Spicy Jalapeño Dip
As written with only cream cheese, I wouldn’t recommend warming this dip, but stir in a cup or two of sharp white cheddar, asiago, gruyere or even goat cheese and then bake in a 350° F (175° C) oven for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Recommended Tools
- A food processor is helpful when making this recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
This dip is delicious with salty crackers like Ritz Crackers, pretzels, pretzel chips, nut crackers, pita chips, and tortilla chips are some of my favorite crackers to dip into this spicy-sweet dip.
For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese. If desired, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the flavor will be a bit less rich and creamy.
The recipe certainly has a kick because of the spicy jalapenos, but the sweet and tart flavors mask the heat a little bit. To lessen the spice, use less jalapenos and more for extra heat.
Yes! Use a food chopper or blend the cranberries in batches in a blender until they are diced small but not pulverized. Then, chop and combine the remaining relish ingredients with the cranberries until evenly mixed.
Costco’s Cranberry & Jalapeno Dip and Spread has a few more ingredients than mine, but I believe mine tastes just as good, if not better.
Cream cheese, salt, stabilizers (guar gum, carob bean gum and xanthan gum), Sour Cream, Onions, Asiago Cheese, Sweetened Cranberries, Jalapenos, Cane Sugar, Less than 2% of: Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Corn Starch, Cultured Sugar, Citric Acid. My recipe is much simpler and healthier.
How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Refrigerate – Leftover dip will be kept in the fridge 3-4 days when tightly covered and stored in an airtight container. However, it’s lasted a week easily for me!
How to Freeze Cream Cheese Dip – Place in an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw the recipe in the refrigerator overnight before serving the next day. The consistency will be a little different, but it’s better than throwing it out.
To Dip
There are so many delicious dippers for cranberry jalapeno salsa. Surround the serving dish with fresh veggies, like crunchy carrot chips, cucumber slices, and celery sticks. For variety, also include crackers, like Ritz crackers, I like these Back to Nature crackers or salty pretzels for the perfect appetizer.
Our Favorite Drinks for Pairing
Try these and more to sip while you dip! Best Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail Recipe (+ Mocktail), or this Pomegranate Moscow Mule Cocktail or these fun Cranberry Mimosas. Be sure to browse all of my holiday drinks.
Best Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail Recipe (+ Mocktail)
A simple, 5-minute pink lemonade vodka cocktail! With a few simple ingredients, this fresh and all-natural pink lemonade vodka drink will become a summer favorite! This easy cocktail recipe can be made by the glass or pitcher! Mocktail instructions too!
Easy Pomegranate Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe (Holiday Mule)
Make this holiday mule in minutes! Our pomegranate mule is a fresh, festive, and easy cocktail! With fresh pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, vodka and finished with spicy ginger beer. You might call it a Yule Mule!
Best Cranberry Mimosas Cocktail Recipe
In just 5 minutes, and with only three ingredients, you can craft the best Cranberry Mimosas Cocktail Recipe Poinsettia Christmas Cocktail.
Best appetizers to serve with jalapeno cranberry cream cheese dip
While this recipe is fabulous, make it a party and add some of my favorite holiday appetizers to your spread! I love this Cowboy crack dip, these Charcuterie cups and my favorite, cranberry cream cheese dip.
Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This easy baked Cranberry Cream Cheese dip is perfect for the holiday season. 4 ingredients to this cheesy, sweet-tart, salty, and savory hot dip.
Use homemade or leftover cranberry sauce.
Charcuterie Cups
These individual charcuterie cups are everything you love about charcuterie boards but loads more fun! I'll show you how to pack a charcuterie board to go. These tasty single–serve treats are easy to make, portable, and perfect for gatherings large and small.
Cowboy Crack Dip Recipe (Hot or Cold)
Not your average Philadelphia cream cheese dip recipe. Cowboy Crack Dip is cheesy, creamy, savory, and fresh — the perfect appetizer. This Crack Dip recipe is a classic appetizer ideal for your next party; like the big game, holiday get-togethers, a clear party favorite!
More Festive Cranberry Recipes
- Fresh Cranberry Relish
- Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe with Butter Sauce
- Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
- Best Cranberry Nantucket Pie Recipe
- Cranberry Walnut Bread (No Knead)
This is a great make-ahead recipe. The flavors are better when the relish is allowed to chill.
I hope you loved this Jalapeno Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 – 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed and mushy cranberries picked out
- 3 – 4 green onions rough chopped
- 2 – 3 tablespoons cilantro rough chopped
- 1 – 2 jalapenos seeded and rough chopped
- ¼ – ¾ cups sugar I used ½ cup, based on sweetness
- 2 tablespoons lime juice about one medium lime
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice fresh squeezed is best
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature and whipped (2 – 8 ounce packages)
- ¼ cup hot & sweet jalapenos optional, but adds amazing flavor! See notes for other brands.
- Crackers and veggies for serving
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and bring to room temperature an hour before making.
- Rinse and sort cranberries, pulling out soft or shrivled cranberries.
- Add cranberries to the bowl of a food processor, add chopped green onions (3-4), cilantro (2-3 tablespoons, chopped), jalapenos (1-2 rough chopped). Pulse until desired consistency. You don’t want it pulverized, scrape the sides and the bottom a couple of times.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix in small batches in a good blender, or you may hand chop as well if desired. A food chopper will also do the job.
- Pour into a medium bowl and then add, sugar (¼-¾ cups), lime juice (2 tablespoons), orange juice (2-3 tablespoons) and salt (¼ teaspoon). Take a taste and ensure it’s sweet and hot enough for your taste, adjusting the ingredients as needed, but keep in mind it will taste better the longer it sits.
- Place in a bowl and set in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably 4-24 hours. This allows the flavors to marry!
Serving Option #1 | Costco Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
- Place the softened cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer or use a hand mixer and whip until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add a few teaspoons of the hot and sweet jalapeno juice if desired. Add the jalapeno cranberry salsa and mix until combined. Serve with your favorite dippers.
Serving Option #2 | Layered Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. If desired, add a teaspoon or two of the candied jalapeno juice. Spread onto a large plate or platter. You want it to be about ½ inch thick.
- Spoon the salsa/relish evenly over the cream cheese mixture and provide crackers and vegetables for dipping and scooping. I like carrot chips, cucumber slices and celery sticks for those who are low-carb and gluten-free, a Ritz type butter cracker is a great compliment to the spicy sweet dip as well as a gluten-free cracker and pretzel thins.
Notes
- This recipe makes a large amount of jalapeno cranberry relish, pull out a cup to enjoy by itself or make a large amount of relish.
- The above is also a great way to use any leftovers you may have, just scoop it all into a mixing bowl and combine.
- If there are ingredients you don’t like leave them out, if there are ones you love add more!
- Add a ½ teaspoon of cumin for an even more Mexican-flavored holiday appetizer.
- Swap lemon juice for the lime juice, I personally liked the lime juice better, but lemon juice still tasted great. Omit the orange juice if desired.
- This recipe easily halves for smaller parties.
- I love the addition of sweet hot jalapenos; Trader Joe’s has my favorite, but try these or these too!
- Try adding a little juice from the spicy-sweet jalapenos!
Nutrition
Richane
I saw this at Costco and wanted to get it, but saw it was made using bioengineered products, which is a har no in this house. I am so excited to make this for our family thanksgiving!
I am so WITH YOU!! I know you’ll love it!!
Denise Haechrel
I made this dip after a friend of mine made it. I measured everything however my dip is runny. Any idea what would make this happen?
Hi Denise, were your cranberries too wet after rinsing? Did you use a lower fat cream cheese by chance? Or maybe tub cream cheese versus a block? It has more water in it too.
I’d love to troubleshoot with you.
justine
Loved this and was a hit during out potluck in the afternoon served with baguette sliced.
YAY! So glad you enjoyed it!
Elisa
Love this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip; I make only cream cheese and jalapeño, so I will definitely make this one, looks delicious!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it!
Dannii
This dip was amazing. The perfect flavour combination. I will definitely be making it again.
Thanks so much, Dannii!
Carrie Robinson
This would be so perfect to make for a holiday party or a game day together! 🙂 I just love the flavor combo happening here.
It is absolutely perfect for a holiday party!
dana
I love when a recipe pops up with a mostly unheard of combo and just completely blows everyone’s minds. That’s exactly what this did!
YAY! That is always so fun! Glad you liked it!
Jennifer
This was so yummy! I had leftover cranberries from thanksgiving and used them to make this! My new favorite holiday dip!
Love it!! The perfect way to use leftover cranberries.