Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño

Featured in: Seasonal Flavor Picks

Fresh cranberries, fiery jalapeño, and aromatic ginger unite in this vibrant dip, balanced with lime and cilantro. Simply pulse ingredients in a food processor until finely chopped, then serve over cream cheese for a creamy option. Enjoy this festive blend with crackers, chips, or vegetables, and adjust heat by leaving jalapeño seeds as desired. Use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness, or swap cream cheese for goat cheese or mascarpone for a unique finish. Versatile and easy, it's ideal for gatherings or snacking year-round.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:50:00 GMT
Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip served with colorful veggie sticks for a festive appetizer.  Pin Recipe
Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip served with colorful veggie sticks for a festive appetizer. | fordishes.com

A vibrant, zesty dip blending tart cranberries, fresh ginger, and fiery jalapeño for an irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a bold appetizer year-round.

I first made this dip for a holiday party, and guests couldn&t get enough. It&s now my go-to recipe whenever I want something bold and unexpected that livens up the appetizer table.

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries: 1 cup (100 g) - fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
  • Jalapeño: 1 medium, seeds removed, finely chopped
  • Fresh ginger: 2 tablespoons, peeled and finely grated
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves: 1/2 cup (120 ml), chopped
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Lime juice: 1 tablespoon (about 1 lime)
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Cream cheese (optional for serving): 8 oz (225 g), softened

Instructions

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Pulse Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine cranberries, jalapeño, ginger, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, scraping down the sides as needed.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar or lime juice if desired.
Prepare Creamy Base:
For a creamy dip, spread the softened cream cheese evenly on a serving platter. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese just before serving.
Serve:
Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks, or refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 days before serving.
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Creamy texture meets zesty flavors in this Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip.  Pin Recipe
Creamy texture meets zesty flavors in this Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. | fordishes.com

This dip is now a family favorite at every holiday. Watching everyone gather around the table for that first taste is always a highlight of our celebrations.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Try goat cheese or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a unique twist. The dip is also delicious as a sandwich spread or paired with roasted meats.

Required Tools

You will need a food processor or blender, chef&s knife, cutting board, spatula, and a serving platter for this recipe.

Nutritional Information

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Per serving (with cream cheese): Calories 115, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 2 g.

Vibrant Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip garnished with fresh cilantro and lime zest. Pin Recipe
Vibrant Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño Dip garnished with fresh cilantro and lime zest. | fordishes.com
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Just before serving, sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy the bold combination of sweet, spice, and tang.

Spicy Ginger Cranberry Jalapeño

Tart cranberries, zesty ginger, and fresh jalapeño combine for a lively, sweet-spicy dip.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cooking Duration
10 mins
Complete Time
20 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Fresh Ingredients

01 1 cup fresh cranberries or thawed frozen cranberries
02 1 medium jalapeño, seeds removed, finely chopped
03 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
04 2 green onions, thinly sliced
05 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Pantry

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

Dairy (optional for serving)

01 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Directions

Step 01

Pulse Ingredients: Add cranberries, jalapeño, ginger, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Do not puree.

Step 02

Season and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding extra sugar or lime juice, if desired.

Step 03

Prepare Creamy Base: Spread softened cream cheese evenly across a serving platter to form a creamy layer, if using.

Step 04

Assemble Dip: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer just before serving.

Step 05

Serve: Present immediately with crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.

Needed Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Serving platter

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy if cream cheese is used.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free when prepared as described.
  • Always check packaged ingredient labels for allergens if serving to guests.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 115
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 2 g