Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tacos

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

Tangy cranberries and spicy jalapeños mingle with cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro to create a vibrant dip layered onto warm tortillas. These fusion tacos are finished with shredded cheese, lettuce, red onion, and more fresh cilantro for satisfying texture and flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to assemble, they offer a balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes. Ideal for gatherings or a simple main dish, these vegetarian tacos can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:47:00 GMT
Tangy cranberry jalapeño dip tacos, topped with fresh cilantro and cheese.  Save
Tangy cranberry jalapeño dip tacos, topped with fresh cilantro and cheese. | fireandbites.com

Tangy cranberry-jalapeño dip meets savory tacos in this inventive fusion dish, combining sweet heat with creamy, cheesy flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main.

The first time I made this recipe, my friends couldn't believe how the cranberry balanced perfectly with jalapeño. It quickly became a requested dish for our game nights!

Ingredients

  • Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen), 2 medium jalapeños (seeded and finely diced), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 green onions (finely sliced), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sour cream, juice of 1 lime
  • Tacos: 8 small flour or corn tortillas, 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prepare the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip:
In a food processor, pulse cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, sugar, salt, and lime juice until finely chopped but not pureed. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in the cranberry mixture until fully combined. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry jalapeño dip onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Serve:
Serve immediately, optionally with extra lime wedges.
Creative tacos filled with creamy cranberry jalapeño dip and vibrant, crunchy toppings.  Save
Creative tacos filled with creamy cranberry jalapeño dip and vibrant, crunchy toppings. | fireandbites.com

My family loves building their own tacos at the dinner table, and watching kids pick their favorite toppings makes dinner a fun experience for everyone.

Required Tools

Food processor, mixing bowls, skillet for warming tortillas, knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

This dish contains dairy and gluten if using flour tortillas. For gluten-free, select corn tortillas and double-check ingredient labels for safety.

Nutritional Information

Each taco has approximately 220 calories, 10 g total fat, 27 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein (based on flour tortillas and cheese).

Delicious tacos loaded with zesty cranberry dip and vibrant fresh ingredients. Save
Delicious tacos loaded with zesty cranberry dip and vibrant fresh ingredients. | fireandbites.com

Serve these tacos fresh for the best flavor. For leftovers, store the dip and toppings separately.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, thawed frozen cranberries work well and provide the same tart flavor for the dip.

How spicy are these tacos?

With seeded jalapeños, the heat is mild; leave seeds in for extra spiciness.

Are the tacos vegetarian?

Yes, the tacos are vegetarian but can include grilled chicken or turkey for added protein.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

What cheese works best?

Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt smoothly and complement the dip's flavors.

Can the dip be used elsewhere?

Yes, enjoy the cranberry jalapeño dip as a spread for sandwiches or served with crackers.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store the dip separately in the refrigerator; assemble tacos fresh for best texture.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tacos

Tangy cranberry jalapeño dip pairs with tacos, delivering sweet heat and creamy cheese in every satisfying bite.

Setup Duration
20 min
Time at Heat
10 min
Complete Duration
30 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Fusion (Tex-Mex, American)

Output 8 Portion Count

Special Diet Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

01 1 cup fresh cranberries or thawed frozen cranberries
02 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
03 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 2 green onions, finely sliced
05 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
08 1/2 cup sour cream
09 Juice of 1 lime

Taco Assembly

01 8 small flour or corn tortillas
02 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
03 1 cup shredded lettuce
04 1/2 cup diced red onion
05 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method Steps

Phase 01

Prepare Cranberry Jalapeño Mixture: Pulse cranberries, diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, granulated sugar, salt, and lime juice in a food processor until finely chopped but not completely smooth.

Phase 02

Blend Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, stir cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth. Fold in the cranberry jalapeño mixture until evenly incorporated. Refrigerate the dip for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Phase 03

Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until pliable and soft.

Phase 04

Assemble Tacos: Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry jalapeño dip onto each warm tortilla. Layer with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Phase 05

Serve: Present tacos immediately with optional lime wedges on the side for added brightness.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk products including cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
  • Contains gluten if flour tortillas are selected; choose gluten-free corn tortillas for avoidance.
  • Verify package labels to prevent cross-contamination with allergens.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 220
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 6 g