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!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

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

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, honey, jalapeño, orange zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4

Spread the cream cheese and cheddar mixture onto a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a slight well in the center.

Step 5

Once the cranberry mixture is cooled, spoon it over the cheese spread, allowing some to drip over the edges.

Step 6

Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 7

Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced vegetables. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(406.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	680.0

Total Fat 36.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 120mg	0%
Sodium 1321.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.2g	0%
Total Sugars 44.6g
Protein 29.9g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 858.3mg	0%
Iron 2.3mg	0%
Potassium 508.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.8%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 37.6%