Description
A warm, creamy baked appetizer made with blended cheeses and topped with a sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeño mixture. Perfect for holidays, parties, and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk cottage cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Swiss-style cheese, divided
1 cup whole cranberries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
2 fresh jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Crackers, pita wedges, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Add the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes very smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape the sides as needed.
3. Spread the blended cheese mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish.
4. Rinse the food processor bowl. Add the cranberries, jalapeños, honey, and salt. Pulse until chopped but slightly textured.
5. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top and lightly dust with smoked paprika.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to turn lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions over the dip.
9. Serve warm with crackers, pita wedges, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Fresh cranberries provide the brightest flavor, but thawed frozen cranberries work well.
Adjust the heat by adding or reducing jalapeños.
For best texture, pulse the cranberry mixture rather than fully pureeing it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American