Festive Spicy Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight
This festive Spicy Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight is a luscious and vibrant addition to your holiday spread! The harmonious blend of sweet whole berry cranberry sauce and zesty jalapeño jelly creates a unique flavor that dances on your palate. The luscious cream cheese base cools the heat, making it a perfect balance of spicy and creamy. It not only tastes amazing but looks stunning on any holiday table, creating a colorful centerpiece. Serve it with an assortment of crunchy crackers for the ultimate entertaining experience that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
8
Servings
60
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup (jellied)
Jalapeno jelly
1/2 cup (red)
Brick cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Assorted crackers
to serve (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce and jalapeno jelly. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
2
Transfer the softened cream cheese to a serving dish and spread it into an even layer.
3
Carefully pour the cranberry and jalapeno mixture over the cream cheese, allowing it to drizzle enticingly down the sides.
4
Serve immediately with an assortment of crunchy crackers for dipping, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
5
Note: For the best results, avoid using fat-free cream cheese, as it tends to separate. Light cream cheese works beautifully!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Spicy Cranberry Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a luscious holiday spread that combines sweet whole berry cranberry sauce, zesty jalapeño jelly, and a creamy cream cheese base for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of red jalapeño jelly, 8 ounces of softened brick cream cheese, and assorted crackers for serving.
Can I use fat-free cream cheese?
No, it is recommended to avoid fat-free cream cheese because it tends to separate. Light cream cheese is a better alternative.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
How do I prepare the topping?
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce and jalapeño jelly, stirring until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so it can be easily spread into an even layer.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the jalapeño jelly, but the cream cheese base helps cool the heat, creating a balanced flavor.
What type of cranberry sauce is best?
The recipe calls for whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and appearance.
What color jalapeño jelly should I use?
The recipe suggests using red jalapeño jelly to maintain a festive holiday color palette.
How do I serve this dish?
Spread the cream cheese on a dish, pour the cranberry mixture over it, and serve immediately with crunchy crackers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
What are the macronutrients for one serving?
Each serving has 4.5g of fat, 4.5g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday parties?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and festive ingredients make it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
How should I arrange the topping?
Pour the mixture over the cream cheese layer, allowing it to drizzle enticefully down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Spread and an Appetizer.
Can I use green jalapeño jelly?
While the recipe suggests red for a festive look, green jalapeño jelly will taste just as delicious.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The fiber content for this recipe is negligible or not specified.
Do I need to bake or cook anything?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that simply requires mixing and layering.
What kind of crackers work best?
Any assortment of crunchy crackers will work well for dipping.
How much jalapeño jelly is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of jalapeño jelly.
Is brick cream cheese required?
Yes, brick cream cheese is preferred over tub or whipped varieties for the best texture and presentation.
Is there any protein in this appetizer?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content?
Each serving contains 4.5g of fat.
Can I use smooth cranberry jelly instead of whole berry?
The recipe specifies whole berry for texture, but jellied sauce could be used if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Is this a kid-friendly appetizer?
Depending on the heat level of the jalapeño jelly, children who enjoy sweet and mildly spicy flavors may like it.
What makes this dish look 'festive'?
The combination of bright red cranberry sauce and red jalapeño jelly creates a vibrant look perfect for the holidays.
Can I add extra jalapeños?
If you prefer more heat, you could certainly add some finely diced fresh jalapeños to the topping mixture.
Should the mixture be refrigerated before pouring?
It is not necessary; you can mix the topping and pour it directly over the softened cream cheese.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: cranberry sauce, jalapeño jelly, cream cheese, and crackers.