Strawberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
A quick and easy party appetizer featuring creamy whipped cream cheese topped with sweet strawberries and spicy jalapeños, perfect for scooping with Ritz crackers. This dip is a crowd-pleaser with a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full fat recommended)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small
- 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for mild heat)
- 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers) for serving
Instructions
- Place softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt (if using). Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Dice strawberries into small cubes and place in a separate bowl. Add chopped jalapeño, honey (or agave), and cilantro (if using). Stir gently until coated and glossy. Let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Spread the whipped cream cheese mixture onto a serving platter in an even layer, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Spoon the strawberry-jalapeño topping evenly over the cream cheese base. Pour any extra syrupy juices over the top.
- Optional: Cover and chill the assembled dip for 30 minutes for firmer texture and melded flavors.
- Arrange Ritz crackers around the platter and serve immediately. Keep crackers separate until serving if prepping ahead.
- Troubleshooting: Microwave cream cheese for 10-15 seconds if too stiff. Drain watery strawberries before topping. Taste jalapeño and adjust heat as desired.
- Efficiency: Dice strawberries and jalapeños while cream cheese softens. Use pre-chopped jalapeños to save time. Double recipe for a crowd.
Notes
Soften cream cheese for best texture. Dice strawberries and jalapeños finely for balanced flavor. Taste jalapeño before adding to adjust heat. Layer topping over cream cheese for visual appeal. Serve fresh for best texture; keep crackers separate until serving. For gluten-free, use GF crackers. For vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and agave syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: strawberry jalapeño dip, cream cheese appetizer, party dip, sweet spicy dip, easy appetizer, ritz cracker dip, summer snack, fruit dip, potluck recipe