Spicy Cranberry Cheese Spread
Elevate your appetizer game with this Spicy Cranberry Cheese Spread, a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that's perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining. This quick and easy recipe layers velvety cream cheese and sharp cheddar with a zesty cranberry-jalapeño topping, bursting with fresh cranberries, honey, and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Brightened by a hint of orange zest and garnished with green onions, this spread pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies. With just 15 minutes of prep and a bold combination of textures and flavors, this festive appetizer is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, honey, jalapeño, orange zest, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until smooth and well-combined.
Spread the cream cheese and cheddar mixture onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a slight well in the center.
Once the cranberry mixture is cooled, spoon it over the cheese spread, allowing some to drip over the edges.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
680 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.7 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1321 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.6 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 858 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 509 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
