Description
This Spicy Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese is a vibrant and tangy appetizer perfect for festive gatherings or everyday snacking. Fresh cranberries combined with cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice create a zesty salsa that pairs beautifully with creamy softened cream cheese. Serve it chilled with crackers or bread for a delightful bite full of contrasting flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 pinch salt
For Serving
- 1 block cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Chop the cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped but not pureed, creating a coarse salsa base.
- Add sugar: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the white sugar until well combined, balancing the tartness of the berries.
- Mix fresh ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro, green onions, minced jalapeño, a pinch of salt, and the freshly squeezed lime juice to the cranberry mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Chill the salsa: Pour the salsa into a glass dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Prepare for serving: Place the softened block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Using a slotted spoon, mound the chilled cranberry salsa evenly on top of the cream cheese, allowing some of the cream cheese to peek through.
- Serve: Present the cranberry cream cheese salsa with a selection of crackers or bread, making sure guests have easy dipping options for this flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, use less jalapeño or omit the seeds to reduce heat.
- Allowing the salsa to chill overnight enhances the melding of flavors and improves texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creaminess and flavor contrast.
- Try serving with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
