Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 26, 2025

Featured in: Appetizers

Sweet cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and creamy tangy cream cheese combine to create a show-stopping dip that’s beloved at Costco and perfect for any occasion. If you’ve ever tasted this vibrant dip, you know the addictive balance of flavors that make it truly irresistible.

This copycat version delivers that same fresh burst of flavor in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients you can find locally. It’s festive enough for holiday gatherings yet versatile enough to enjoy year-round as a snack or party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors that delight every palate.
Make-ahead friendly so you can prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Simple ingredients and easy technique suitable for cooks of all levels.
Great as a dip, party snack, or even a spread for sandwiches.

Ingredients

Fresh Cranberries: 12 ounces of tart, whole fresh cranberries to provide vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup to balance the tartness of the cranberries and mellow the heat.
Green Onions: A small bunch (about 5 stalks), finely chopped to add mild onion flavor and freshness.
Jalapeños: 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and chopped, bringing the signature spicy kick to the dip.
Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup chopped, offering a bright herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed to add zesty acidity enhancing overall brightness.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon to elevate all the flavors and balance sweetness and spice.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces softened, providing a smooth, creamy base that tones down the heat and rounds out the dip.
Optional Garnishes: Extra chopped cilantro or lime zest for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Serving Options: Crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted crostini for a satisfying crunchy contrast.

Instructions

Prepare the Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa: In a food processor, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, chopped green onions, seeded jalapeños, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Pulse just until the ingredients are finely chopped but still chunky. Avoid pureeing to maintain texture, allowing a perfect balance between tangy cranberry bits and bursts of jalapeño spice.
Chill the Salsa to Develop Flavor: Transfer the chopped salsa mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. This resting period helps the flavors meld, softening the heat of the jalapeños and sweetening the cranberries for a well-rounded taste.
Soften and Prepare the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature so it softens for easy spreading. Place it on a serving plate and either spread it evenly or leave whole for guests to scoop upon. Softened cream cheese creates a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the vibrant salsa on top.
Top the Cream Cheese with the Chilled Salsa: Drain off any excess liquid from the chilled salsa to prevent sogginess, then spoon it generously over the cream cheese. Let the dip sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to enhance the flavor combination and make it easier to serve.
Garnish and Serve with Crunchy Accents: Finish the dip with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or fresh lime zest for a bright, fresh appeal. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for a perfect party presentation that’s sure to impress.

You Must Know

Pulse the salsa just enough to keep a chunky texture; overprocessing results in a mushy dip.
Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures smooth, creamy layering for an elegant presentation.
Adjust the jalapeño quantity to tailor the spice level for your guests, removing seeds to reduce heat.

Storage Tips

Store the cranberry jalapeño salsa separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Avoid freezing as the texture of fresh cranberries and herbs will be compromised. The assembled dip is best consumed within a day of preparation for optimal freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This dip shines served with an assortment of crunchy crackers, colorful tortilla chips, or freshly toasted crostini. For a festive touch, serve alongside a cheese board or as a flavorful spread on turkey or chicken sandwiches.

Professional Tips

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent irritation from capsaicin transferred to skin or eyes.
Drain any excess juice from the salsa before layering on cream cheese to avoid watery dips.
For different flavor twists, experiment by adding chopped apples or orange zest to the salsa.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?: Yes, freeze cranberries thawed and drained of excess moisture work well. They should be pulsed carefully to avoid excess liquid.
How spicy is this dip?: The dip’s heat depends on how many jalapeños you add and whether they are seeded. Start low and adjust to your preference.
Do I need to cook the cranberries first?: No cooking is necessary. This is a fresh salsa-style dip that relies on the brightness of raw cranberries.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?: Yes, make the salsa up to two days ahead. Assemble the dip up to eight hours before serving and keep it covered and chilled.
What is the best way to serve this at a party?: Spread the cream cheese on a platter and top with salsa just before guests arrive, or let guests add their own salsa for a fresher experience.