Cranberry Jalapeño Dip CostCo Copycat Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip captures the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer for any gathering. Inspired by a popular Costco recipe, it combines fresh cranberries with zesty jalapeños and a creamy cheese base for a festive and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (1 bag)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 small bunch green onions (about 5), chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Optional garnish: extra cilantro or lime zest
• Crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add cranberries, sugar, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, aiming for a chunky salsa texture.
2. Step 2: Transfer the cranberry salsa to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and mellow.
3. Step 3: Place the cream cheese on a serving plate and let it soften at room temperature. Spread gently or leave whole for spooning over the salsa.
4. Step 4: Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño salsa evenly over the cream cheese. Let sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
5. Step 5: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or lime zest if desired. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices.

Tips & Variations

• Pulse the ingredients instead of pureeing to keep a chunky salsa rather than a smooth sauce.
• Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños to avoid irritation from the capsaicin.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños based on your preference.
• Swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Try whipped goat cheese or Neufchâtel instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add chopped apple or orange zest to the salsa for extra fruity brightness.
• Drain excess juice from the salsa before layering it over the cream cheese to avoid a watery dip.

Storage

Store the cranberry salsa separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as fresh cranberries and herbs lose texture when thawed. Assemble the dip just before serving or up to 8 hours ahead, keeping it covered and chilled. Leftover salsa is delicious on turkey sandwiches, grilled meats, or spooned over brie.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salsa without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop all ingredients by hand. Just take your time to ensure the mixture is well combined and the cranberries are broken down into small pieces.

How spicy is this dip?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeño you use and whether you include the seeds. Start with one seeded jalapeño for mild spice, and add more if you prefer it hotter.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip CostCo Copycat Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 607 reviews

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer inspired by the popular Costco recipe. It features a chunky cranberry salsa with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, paired with creamy softened cream cheese. Ideal as a festive party dip served with crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini, this easy-to-make recipe can be prepared ahead, making it a great crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings and casual get-togethers.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (1 bag)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 small bunch green onions (about 5), chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Assembly

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Optional garnish: extra cilantro or lime zest
• Crackers, tortilla chips, or crostini for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the Cranberry Salsa: Add the cranberries, granulated sugar, chopped green onions, seeded and chopped jalapeños, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt into a food processor. Pulse the mixture carefully until it is finely chopped but not pureed, maintaining a chunky texture.
2. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the pulsed cranberry salsa into a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and mellow.
3. Soften and Spread the Cream Cheese: Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate and allow it to soften at room temperature. Once softened, gently spread the cream cheese evenly or leave it in a block form for spooning the salsa over.
4. Top with the Salsa: Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño salsa evenly over the softened cream cheese layer. Let the assembled dip sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to come together.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dip with extra chopped cilantro or lime zest if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

• Pulse the salsa mixture instead of pureeing to keep a chunky texture rather than a smooth sauce.
• Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation and accidental transfer of heat to eyes or sensitive areas.
• Allow the salsa to chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors can develop and balance.
• Softened cream cheese spreads more smoothly and blends better with the salsa topping.
• Drain excess juice from the salsa before spooning it onto the cream cheese to prevent sogginess.
• Make the cranberry salsa up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate to save time on the day of serving.
• Assemble the full dip up to 8 hours in advance and keep covered and chilled.
• Store leftover salsa in an airtight container for up to 4 days; do not freeze to maintain texture quality.
• Leftover salsa is great as a topping for turkey sandwiches, grilled meats, or served with brie cheese.

Keywords: cranberry jalapeño dip, cranberry salsa, Costco copycat recipe, holiday appetizer, spicy cranberry cream cheese dip