Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tacos

Featured in: Quick Fun Eats

Fresh cranberries and fiery jalapeños blend with creamy cheese for a zesty dip layered inside warm tortillas. Topped with crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro, each handheld bite bursts with sweet heat and cool creaminess. Ideal for gatherings, these tacos combine inventive flavors and crowd-friendly preparation, making them perfect for pairing with appetizers or serving as a main dish. Vegetarian, easy to customize, and ready in just 30 minutes, this fusion meal shines with bold colors and vibrant taste.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:06:00 GMT
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip tacos topped with fresh lettuce and vibrant red onion slices.  Save
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip tacos topped with fresh lettuce and vibrant red onion slices. | lickjoke.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.

I first created these tacos for a holiday party where the cranberry jalapeño dip was already a favorite. Wrapping the dip inside warm tortillas with fresh toppings made for an irresistible combination that had everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries: 1 cup (or thawed frozen)
  • Jalapeños: 2 medium, seeded and finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped, plus extra for topping
  • Green onions: 2, finely sliced
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup
  • Lime juice: from 1 lime
  • Flour or corn tortillas: 8 small
  • Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup shredded
  • Lettuce: 1 cup shredded
  • Red onion: 1/2 cup diced

Instructions

Make the Dip:
In a food processor, pulse cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, sugar, salt, and lime juice until chopped but not pureed. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then fold in the cranberry mixture. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
Warm Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Assemble Tacos:
Spread dip onto each tortilla and top with cheese, lettuce, red onion, and cilantro.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately, optionally with lime wedges.
Savory tortillas filled with creamy cranberry jalapeño dip and melted cheese layers.  Save
Savory tortillas filled with creamy cranberry jalapeño dip and melted cheese layers. | lickjoke.com

My kids request these cranberry tacos every winter, and making them together has become a fun tradition in our family kitchen.

Required Tools

You will need a food processor, mixing bowls, a skillet for warming tortillas, and a knife and cutting board for prepping the ingredients.

Allergen Information

This dish contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheese) and may contain gluten if flour tortillas are used. Always check labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each taco (with flour tortilla and cheese) contains about 220 calories, 10 g total fat, 27 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Colorful tacos bursting with tangy cranberry jalapeño flavor and fresh cilantro garnish. Save
Colorful tacos bursting with tangy cranberry jalapeño flavor and fresh cilantro garnish. | lickjoke.com

Serve these tacos right away for the freshest flavor, and don&t forget a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

Recipe Guide

What makes the cranberry jalapeño dip unique?

It combines tart cranberries with jalapeño and lime, producing a sweet-spicy flavor that complements creamy cheese.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely—use certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

How can I add protein to these tacos?

Try adding grilled chicken or turkey to the taco filling for a boost of savory protein.

Is the dip suitable for other uses?

Yes, the cranberry jalapeño dip tastes delicious with crackers or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

What level of heat do these tacos have?

They're mildly spicy, but keeping jalapeño seeds can increase the heat if you prefer more kick.

Are these tacos vegetarian?

Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian; meat is optional for those wanting variation.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tacos

Cranberry-jalapeño dip, cheese, and crisp veggies in tortillas for a colorful, flavorful Tex-Mex fusion dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion (Tex-Mex, American)

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free

Components

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 or Monterey Jack cheese
03 1 cup shredded lettuce
04 1/2 cup diced red onion
05 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Cranberry Jalapeño Dip: In a food processor, pulse cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, granulated sugar, salt, and lime juice until finely chopped but not fully pureed.

Phase 02

Combine Dip Base: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in the cranberry mixture, mixing thoroughly. Chill the dip for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Phase 03

Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and warm.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Serve: Present the tacos immediately, optionally accompanied by lime wedges.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese. Contains gluten if using flour tortillas. Choose certified gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free serving. Always review product labels to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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