Pomegranate Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Using fresh pomegranates, I’itoi onions, jalapeños, lemons, and parsley or cilantro from the garden, I experimented with and changed up this recipe I found online. We made the dip for my family’s Thanksgiving celebration–and it was a hit! I quickly typed up the changes I made to the recipe so I wouldn’t forget how to make it.
I made this dip for two subsequent gatherings, and both groups loved it. One person said the dip made her list of the “best things I’ve ever eaten.” High praise for a humble pomegranate dip. I hope you like it too. Enjoy!
Recipe for Pomegranate Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1-2 jalapeños* – deseeded and chopped
½ cup finely chopped I’tioi onions (can also use green onions)
¼ – ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or chopped fresh parsley
¼ – ½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1-2 cups pomegranate arils
* Add more or less jalapeños to adjust the heat level. Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers.
Directions:
Stir cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sugar, cumin, and lemon juice. Add jalapeños, onions, and cilantro. Spread in an even layer into a small dish or 8 x 8 pan. Top with pomegranate arils. Serve with veggies or crackers.
Enjoy this recipe on Thanksgiving alongside our favorite sweet potato casserole and kale salad recipe. They are sure to be a hit!
Have extra jalepeños? Try them in these irresistible bacon-wrapped jalepeño poppers.
This was SO good and I don’t even like pomegranates!
Thank you Carmen. I’m glad you tried it even though you don’t like pomegranates!
Seriously loved this so much! (and I’m not a big pomegranate fan) The flavor is so good – all the ingredients combine to make magic!
Thanks so much Stephanie!
This dip is to die for! How great to have a recipe with all the ingredients coming into season at the same time here in the low desert. Sweet and spicy come together nicely here.
Thanks, Bridget. It is nice when you can use ingredients from the garden, for sure!
Absolutely delicious! Hoping it will be a big hit with my Mom and Dad on Turkey Day tomorrow. Thank you!
Do you think I could sub the sugar with maple or honey? I’ve not made this yet, but plan to today for a potluck.
Possibly, the texture might change some, but I imagine it would still be delicious. Please let me know if you tried it, how it went.
This is my 2nd Christmas Eve party appetizer, everyone loved it so much last year that it was requested to bring again this year.
Love hearing that! I’m making some for us today too!