Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco

If you’ve ever found yourself hovering near the sample station at Costco, hoping for just one more cracker topped with Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco, you’re not alone, friend. This sweet-tangy-spicy combo has a way of stealing the spotlight at parties—and let’s be honest, sometimes dinner plans too.

Today, I’m sharing my Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Recipe copycat so you can make it at home whenever the craving hits. It’s fresh, bold, ridiculously easy, and perfect for busy women who want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting book club, bringing an appetizer to a holiday gathering, or just need a snack that feels a little fancy, this dip delivers every single time.

And yes—your kitchen will smell amazing. That’s just part of the magic

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Copycat

Let’s get straight to the good stuff. This is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes:

  • Minimal prep, maximum flavor – Five minutes in the food processor does most of the work.
  • Sweet meets spicy – Cranberries bring the tang, jalapeños add a gentle kick, and cream cheese smooths it all out.
  • Make-ahead friendly – In fact, it tastes even better after chilling.
  • Crowd-pleasing – From picky eaters to spice lovers, everyone goes back for seconds.

I first made this dip after a holiday Costco run when I realized I’d eaten more samples than groceries. My kids eyed it suspiciously (cranberries and green stuff?), but after one bite, they were sold. Now it’s my go-to appetizer for everything from Thanksgiving to random Tuesday nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Simple ingredients. Big payoff.

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Dip (Costco Copycat)

Step 1: Prep the Cranberry Salsa

Add the cranberries, sugar, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not pureed. You want texture here—tiny pops of cranberry, not baby food.

Pro tip: Scrape down the sides once or twice to keep things even.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the cranberry salsa to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to mellow and mingle. The sharpness of the cranberries softens, the sugar dissolves, and the jalapeño heat becomes just right.

This step is where the magic happens, so don’t skip it if you can help it.

Step 3: Soften and Spread the Cream Cheese

Place the cream cheese on a serving plate and let it sit at room temperature until soft. You can gently spread it into a circle or leave it as a block if you like that rustic, scoop-as-you-go look.

Both are totally acceptable in my kitchen.

Step 4: Top with the Salsa

Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño salsa generously over the cream cheese. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving so everything loosens up and becomes ultra-scoopable.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a bit of lime zest if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices—and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Costco sample.”

Helpful Tips for the Best Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Recipe

  • Control the heat: Use one jalapeño for mild, two for spicy. Removing the seeds keeps things balanced.
  • Fresh cranberries only: Frozen cranberries release too much liquid and change the texture.
  • Drain if needed: If your salsa looks watery after chilling, use a slotted spoon when topping the cream cheese.
  • Double it: Trust me—this dip vanishes. If you’re feeding a crowd, make two batches.
  • Serve it chilled, not icy: Cold is good, but straight-from-the-fridge cold dulls the flavors a bit.

And if your salsa looks a little messy? Congratulations. You made it right.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat became my holiday signature dish completely by accident. One December, I needed something quick for a school potluck and remembered that dip from Costco everyone loved. I threw this together between loads of laundry, wrapped it in foil, and hoped for the best.

By the time I went back for my plate, it was gone. Not almost gone. Gone-gone. One mom asked for the recipe, another asked if I catered (I do not), and my kids asked why I don’t make “that red dip” more often.

Lesson learned: simple recipes can still steal the show.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat made with creamy cream cheese, fresh cranberries, sliced jalapeños, and herbs, served with crackers.
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat with cream cheese, fresh cranberries, and jalapeños—an easy, festive appetizer perfect for parties and holidays.

FAQs About Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Recipe

Can I make this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cranberry salsa can be made up to 48 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Assemble with cream cheese just before serving for best texture.

How spicy is this dip?

It’s mild to medium, depending on how many jalapeños you use. Removing the seeds keeps it friendly for most palates.

Can I substitute dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are strongly recommended. Dried ones are sweeter and won’t give you that bright, tangy bite that makes this dip special.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time.

What can I serve with Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco style?

Crackers, tortilla chips, crostini, pretzel thins, or even celery sticks all work beautifully. I’ve even seen people spoon it over grilled chicken—don’t knock it till you try it.

Why This Dip Belongs on Your Table

Life is busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, we all need recipes that feel special without draining our energy. This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s bold, comforting, festive, and easy enough to make on a whim.

Whether you’re recreating a beloved Costco favorite or discovering it for the first time, this dip has a way of bringing people together—hovering around the plate, chatting, and going back for just one more bite.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco Recipe becomes one of those dishes people request again and again. And when they do, just smile and say, “It’s easier than it looks.

Keep the Party Going with These Reader-Favorite Recipes

If this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat has you in full appetizer mode (it happens ), here are a few more reader-loved recipes that fit right in. They’re perfect for building a snack board, rounding out a holiday spread, or giving guests just one more reason to hover near the food table:

  • Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip – Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this dip is a beautiful match for crackers and makes an easy swap when you want something lighter but still festive.
  • Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – Warm, cozy, and irresistibly scoopable, this one’s perfect when you want that comforting, melty-cheese moment.
  • Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Flaky, buttery, and just fancy enough to impress without stressing you out. These disappear fast, so maybe make extra.
  • Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath – If you love food that doubles as décor, this show-stopping wreath is a must for holidays, brunches, or special gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just treating yourself to a cozy snack night, these recipes pair beautifully with this dip and make entertaining feel effortless—and way more delicious.

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Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat made with cream cheese, fresh cranberries, jalapeños, and herbs, served with crackers and lime wedges.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Costco copycat is a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy appetizer made with fresh cranberries, jalapeños, herbs, and cream cheese. Perfect for holidays, parties, or easy entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 small bunch green onions (about 5), chopped

  • 12 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Assembly

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • Optional garnish: extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or lime zest

  • Crackers , tortilla chips, or crostini for serving


Instructions

  1. Add cranberries, sugar, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a food processor.

  2. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed; the mixture should have texture.

  3. Transfer the cranberry mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  4. Place the softened cream cheese on a serving plate and spread slightly if desired.

  5. Spoon the chilled cranberry jalapeño salsa evenly over the cream cheese.

  6. Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

  7. Garnish as desired and serve with crackers or chips.

Notes

For a milder dip, use one jalapeño and remove all seeds.
This dip tastes even better after resting overnight.
If the salsa releases excess liquid, use a slotted spoon when topping the cream cheese.
Easily doubles for parties and holidays.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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