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

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.
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

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

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