Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of spicy jalapeños, sweet cranberries, and creamy cream cheese creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s both bold and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, this is the perfect appetizer when you’re short on time.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bites are visually appealing and can be served at any event, from casual get-togethers to festive parties.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level by using more or fewer jalapeños, and get creative with different garnishes or mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the jalapeños and chop the green onions.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the diced jalapeños, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
3. Form the Bites
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) from the mixture.
4. Chill the Bites
- Place the formed bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 1 hour to let them set.
5. Serve
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. For more heat, add extra jalapeño or keep some seeds for an extra kick.
- Substitute Cranberries: You can experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: These bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. These bites are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat.
- Freezing: You can freeze the formed bites for later use. Just place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it may affect the creaminess of the bites slightly.
2. Can I make these bites spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more jalapeños or even experiment with other spicy peppers like serrano or poblano to suit your heat preferences.
3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best in this recipe, as they provide a chewy texture and sweet flavor. Fresh cranberries may not offer the same sweetness and texture.
4. How can I make these dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and ensure the other ingredients (like the green onions and cranberries) are also dairy-free.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bites can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to let the flavors set.
Conclusion
Jalapeno and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors that make the perfect appetizer or snack. With their vibrant color and bold taste, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or casual get-together. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, this recipe offers a fun way to bring new flavors to your table. Try these bites today and watch them disappear in no time!
Jalapeno and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites: A Sweet and Spicy Appetizer
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno and Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer, combining creamy, spicy, and sweet elements in one bite. The heat from jalapeños and sweetness of dried cranberries pair perfectly with cream cheese for a unique and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 cup dried cranberries
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the jalapeños and chop the green onions.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the diced jalapeños, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
- Form the Bites: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) from the mixture.
- Chill the Bites: Place the formed bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 1 hour to let them set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. For more heat, add extra jalapeño or keep some seeds for an extra kick.
Substitute Cranberries: You can experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead: These bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
