Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Sep. 08, 2022
This easy spread is based on several different relishes and spreads I've tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 4 teaspoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
  • Assorted crackers or sliced sweet yellow and orange peppers

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in cranberry mixture until blended. Serve with crackers or sliced peppers.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 88 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.