Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Recipe

Costco's cranberry jalapeño dip is a holiday favorite that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. This vibrant dip is an instant crowd-pleaser and pairs well with crackers, chips, or veggies. If you’ve tried it at Costco and want to recreate it at home, here’s a simple and delicious recipe that captures its essence.

Ingredients

To make your cranberry jalapeño dip, you’ll need the following:

For the Cranberry Mixture:

• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries (or 3 cups frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (adjust for spice level)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture

1. Rinse and drain the cranberries thoroughly. Pat them dry.
2. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are coarsely chopped.
3. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add sugar, lime juice, diced jalapeños, and cilantro (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve fully.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a separate bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. If desired, mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving plate or shallow dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

1. Once the cranberry mixture has rested, strain any excess liquid to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
2. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Spread gently to cover the surface.
3. Garnish with extra cilantro or diced jalapeños if desired.

How to Serve

This cranberry jalapeño dip pairs perfectly with:

• Crackers (like Ritz or water crackers)
• Tortilla chips
• Sliced baguette
• Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)

Tips for Success

1. Adjust the spice: For a milder version, use only one jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or use serrano peppers.
2. Make ahead: Both the cranberry mixture and cream cheese layer can be prepared in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep it fresh.
3. Experiment with flavors: Add a dash of orange zest for a citrusy twist or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños creates a balanced flavor profile that’s festive and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a unique appetizer, this dip is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy your homemade cranberry jalapeño dip, Costco-style!

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