Raspberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer loaded with pecans, jalapeños and green onions, then topped with sweet raspberry jam for the perfect sweet and savory bite.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This Raspberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is one of those appetizers that sounds a little unusual until you take the first bite and then suddenly you can’t stop eating it. At least, no one at my parties can.
Cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, green onions and pecans make up the creamy, savory base, while a generous layer of raspberry jam on top adds just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it with buttery crackers and watch how fast it disappears.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory – The raspberry jam is such a good contrast to the cheesy, slightly spicy dip.
- Super easy – There’s no cooking or baking required.
- Great for entertaining – Make it for holidays, parties, game days or whenever you need an easy appetizer.
- Easy to make ahead – Prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and add the raspberry jam before serving.
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious dip. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Cream Cheese – Let it soften to room temperature so it blends easily and creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Mayonnaise – Adds extra creaminess and gives the dip a softer, more scoopable texture.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a little savory garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Pecans – Chop them into small pieces for a little crunch and nutty flavor throughout the dip.
- Jalapeños – Dice them finely so you get a little jalapeño flavor and heat in every bite. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder dip.
- Green Onions – Adds fresh onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar makes the dip extra cheesy and works perfectly with the jalapeños and raspberry.
- Raspberry Jam – The sweet finishing layer that brings the whole dip together.
How to Make It
- Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and garlic powder to a medium sized bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat everything together until smooth and well combined. Add the chopped pecans, diced jalapeños, sliced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Transfer the mixture to a serving plate or shallow serving dish and spread it out evenly. Spoon the raspberry jam over the top and gently spread it into an even layer. Garnish with diced green onion (optional), serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened so it blends smoothly with the mayonnaise.
- Finely chop everything: Chop the pecans, jalapeños and green onions pretty small so you get a little bit of everything in every bite.
- Control the heat: Remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes for a milder dip or leave some in if you want more heat.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar blends into the cream cheese mixture much better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Don’t skimp on the jam: You want enough raspberry jam on top to get that sweet-and-savory combination in every scoop.
- Let it soften before serving: If you make the dip ahead of time, let it sit out for about 15–20 minutes before serving so it’s easier to scoop.
Variations
- Make it spicier: Leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add an extra jalapeño for more heat.
- Keep it mild: Remove all the jalapeño seeds and membranes, or use less jalapeño.
- Try another jam: Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry, blackberry, apricot or hot pepper jelly.
- Switch up the cheese: Try pepper Jack for a little extra kick or sharp white cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- Swap the nuts: Walnuts or sliced almonds would work nicely in place of the pecans.
- Make it nut-free: Simply leave the pecans out completely.
What to Serve With It
I love serving this dip with buttery crackers because that little bit of salt works so well with the sweet raspberry topping.
You could also serve it with toasted baguette slices, pita crackers, pretzel crisps or sturdy tortilla chips. For something lighter, celery sticks and mini sweet peppers would work, too.
This would be especially good as part of a holiday appetizer spread alongside meatballs, baked Brie, stuffed mushrooms or a charcuterie board.
Can This Be Made Ahead?
Yes. Make the cream cheese mixture up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the raspberry jam before serving.
Make the cream cheese mixture, spread it into your serving dish, cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, spread the raspberry jam over the top.
I’d let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving so the cream cheese base softens slightly and is easier to scoop.
Storage
Store leftover Raspberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Because this is a cream cheese and mayonnaise based dip, don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for more than about 2 hours.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The cream cheese and mayonnaise can change texture once frozen and thawed.
Other Easy Cold Dip Recipes
Theres no better way to start a party than with a great appetizer! These are wonderful because they can be made ahead and don't need to be kept warm. I've rounded up all my Best Cold Dip Recipes so you can find them easily in one place. Enjoy!
Raspberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Cup Pecans, chopped
- 1 Jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 2 Green Onions, diced
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- 1 Cup Raspberry Jam
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and garlic powder to a medium sized bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the chopped pecans, diced jalapeños, sliced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Transfer the mixture to a serving plate or shallow serving dish and spread it out evenly.
- Spoon the raspberry jam over the top and gently spread it into an even layer. Garnish with green onions (optional), serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy.
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