Cranberry Jalapeño Queso Dip (Print Version)
Sweet cranberries and zesty jalapeños combine with cheeses for a crowd-pleasing, creamy party dip.
# Components:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Fruits & Vegetables
06 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
07 - 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
08 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
14 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
→ Garnish
15 - Chopped fresh cilantro leaves
16 - Extra sliced jalapeños
17 - Extra cranberries
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add jalapeños and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until aromatic. Stir in chopped cranberries and honey or maple syrup if using; cook for another 2 minutes until cranberries begin to soften. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth using a hand mixer or spatula. Blend in sour cream and whole milk until evenly incorporated.
04 - Fold in shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, prepared cranberry-jalapeño mixture, spring onions, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if preferred.
05 - Spoon mixture into a medium ovenproof dish or cast-iron skillet and smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese dip is bubbling and lightly golden at the edges.
07 - Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with cilantro, additional cranberries, and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Flavorful balance of sweet, tart, and spicy in each bite
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for sharing with a crowd
02 -
- The dip is vegetarian and gluten-free if served with gluten-free dippers
- Can be prepped a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience
03 -
- Leave some jalapeño seeds or substitute Monterey Jack with pepper jack for extra heat
- Make ahead and bake just before serving for best texture