Cranberry & candied jalapeno is an unexpected match made in heaven. It’s the perfect amount of sweet & tart combined with just enough heat to make things interesting.
Cranberry sauce is always on the table, but it’s never really the star of the Thanksgiving show. This recipe turns the tables & kicks things up a notch for the cranberry. With three simple ingredients, you can make an appetizer for turkey day that people won’t be able to get enough of!
Candied Jalapenos or “Cowboy Candy”
If this is your first time hearing about Candied Jalapenos, then you’re in for a sensory treat! They’re the perfect combo of sweet & hot.
The first time I had these was about 10 years ago. My fav local wine shop (female owned, of course!) had these sitting up at the cash register. I was intrigued, so I bought my first jar.
Then, my second….then, I figured out how to make them myself (which is a story for another day).
So, what are these exactly?
They’re a regular jar of pickled jalapenos that have been shoved full of sugar until they’ve completely lost their “pickled” flavor. And, they’ve turned into something wholly different.
They’re still spicy. But, they’ve got a sort of candied vibe to them.
Cranberry & Cream Cheese Dip
After all these years, I came up with this genius idea. I’m gonna mix these bad boys with cranberry sauce for this year’s family Thanksgiving Day app spread.
Apparently, I’m not the only genius out there, but I’m still sticking by my epiphany.
It’s so easy & only 3 ingredients.
Sweet, spicy, tart, creamy—it hits ALL the notes. And, it’s a total crowd pleaser. Even my 7 & 9 year olds killed this dip. So, I’m sure it’ll be a hit at your next festive gathering.
Cranberry & Candied Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Kick up your holiday app-game with this spicy twist on an old fav.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Container of Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1 c. Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- 1/4 - 1/3 c. Candied Jalapeno Slices
- 1 Box of your favorite crackers
Instructions
1.) Using a spatula, spread whipped cream cheese onto a platter that will allow cream cheese to only be about 1/2 inch thick. Spread it evenly.
2.) In a bowl, measure out cranberry sauce and stir to loosen up. Set aside.
3.) Take 1/4 c. sliced candied jalapenos and using a cutting board, mince (small dice). Put diced candied jalapenos in bowl with cranberry sauce. Mix well.
4.) Spread cranberry mixture over the top of cream cheese.
5.) Top with a few candied jalapenos in the middle to show guests that the dip is a bit spicy!
6.) Serve with your favorite crackers.
Notes
- Depending on your area, brands & availability of candied jalapenos or "cowboy candy" will vary. They are found in the pickled foods section near the regular pickled jalapenos, olives & pickles. You can also find these online via Amazon, Etsy & other retailers.
- You can use regular cream cheese for this, but it'll require softening the block of cream cheese up & beating it with a mixer until nice and fluffy. Save yourself some work & get the pre-whipped cream cheese.
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Cranberry Candied Jalapeno Holiday Dip
It’s hard to pass up a three ingredient cream cheese based dip. I’m the queen of the cream cheese & this is definitely gonna make it into the holiday dip rotation this season.
If you’re looking for a few festive cocktails to go with this holiday app, then check out Pomegranate Ginger Spritz & Apple Cider Mimosas.
These should definitely help you get into the spirit:)
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