Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

These Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts are a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for your next gathering. The creamy texture of the cheese paired with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce and the heat of jalapeño creates a unique appetizer that is both easy to prepare and irresistible to snack on. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a delicious game-day treat, these tarts are sure to impress your guests!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 tarts
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 150
• Protein: 4g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
• Fat: 8g per serving
• Fiber: 1g per serving
• Sugar: 2g per serving
• Sodium: 270mg per serving

Why Make This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts stand out as a fantastic option for appetizers due to their balance of rich and zesty flavors. The creamy cream cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, while the jalapeño adds just the right amount of kick. They’re incredibly simple to make, making them a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Plus, they look gorgeous on any serving platter, adding a festive touch to your table.

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

Ingredients:

• 1 package of pre-made pastry dough
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This warming step helps ensure that your tarts bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown color.

### Step 2: Shaping the Tarts

Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into squares to fit into a muffin tin. Make sure you create squares that will easily fit into the cups of the muffin tin. Press the dough squares firmly into the muffin tin to form tart shells. This is where your tarts will take shape!

### Step 3: Mixing

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped jalapeño, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your filling a delightful kick.

### Step 4: Filling and Baking

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each tart shell, filling them generously but not overfilling. Top each tart with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

### Step 5: Finishing

Let cool slightly before serving. This cooling gives the cheese a moment to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

These tarts are fantastic served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to holiday parties, game-day snacks, or any casual get-together. Pair them with a refreshing drink or a light salad to balance the flavors.

How to Store Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

To store leftover tarts, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, they can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their delightful crunch.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

• Choosing Jalapeños: Select jalapeños that are firm and bright. Remove the seeds if you want to tone down the heat.
• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. A pepper jack can add a nice spicy dimension.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart shells in advance, just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake to achieve that perfect golden color without overcooking.

Delicious Variations

• Herbed Cream Cheese: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing spin.
• Fruit Sauces: Substitute the cranberry sauce with raspberry or pineapple for a different flavor profile.
• Add Protein: Mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon to the cream cheese mixture to give an extra savory twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade pastry dough?
  Yes! Homemade pastry dough works well and can enhance the flavor, but pre-made is definitely more convenient.

• Are there any vegetarian substitutes?
  The recipe is already vegetarian. You could substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative to make it plant-based.

• What can I serve these tarts with?
  Consider pairing them with a light salad, savory dips, or even alongside a cheese platter.

• Can these tarts be reheated?
  Yes, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help restore the crunchy texture.

• Is this recipe easily scalable?
  Absolutely! You can easily double or halve the ingredients depending on the number of tarts you want to make.

Conclusion

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts are not just beautiful; they’re bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and adaptable for any occasion. Their unique combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors is bound to become a favorite among your family and friends. Ready to wow your guests? Gather your ingredients and enjoy making these delightful tarts!

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 tarts 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package of pre-made pastry dough
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into squares to fit into a muffin tin, pressing them firmly to form tart shells.
3. Mix softened cream cheese with chopped jalapeño, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Fill each tart shell with the cream cheese mixture, top with cranberry sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tart
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg