This La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Copycat Recipe blends fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cream cheese, orange zest, and scallions into the perfect sweet-spicy dip!
You know that moment when you find the perfect dip? The one you keep buying over and over because it’s just that good? That was me with La Terra Fina’s Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Every year, as soon as the holiday season rolled around, I’d stock up like it was an emergency supply.
Then, one fateful year, I showed up at the store a little too late—and it was sold out. Just…gone. I checked every grocery store in town, even considered bribing an employee to check the back. Nothing.
At that moment, I had two choices:
- Accept defeat and live a dip-less existence
- Take matters into my own hands
Obviously, I chose option 2. And after lots of trial and error (and a few taste-tests that may or may not have involved a spoon and zero shame), I nailed it. This homemade version is spot-on—if not better—than the original. The sweetness of cranberries, the heat of jalapeños, the creamy richness of the cheese, and that citrusy kick? Absolute flavor perfection.
And now, you don’t have to wait for the holidays—or fight a stranger in the grocery aisle—to enjoy it.
Why You’ll Love This La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Copycat Recipe?
- Sweet & Spicy in Every Bite – The cranberries bring the tartness, the jalapeños bring the heat, and it all balances beautifully.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make – No cooking required. Just mix, chill, and devour.
- Instant Crowd-Pleaser – If you show up with this at a party, people will hover near the snack table.
- No Seasonal Heartbreak – Now you can make it anytime you crave it (which will be often, trust me).
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this dip does its job to create that perfect sweet-spicy balance. Here’s why each one matters:
- Fresh Cranberries – The tartness keeps this dip from being too sweet.
- Jalapeños – Bring the heat! Want it extra spicy? Leave the seeds in.
- Scallions – Mild onion flavor without overpowering the mix.
- Cilantro – Adds a bright, herby contrast.
- Orange Zest & Juice – A little citrus makes everything pop.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cranberries just enough.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- Cream Cheese – The creamy base that ties everything together.
Pro Tip: If you like a deeper sweetness, swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup!
How To Make La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Copycat?
Step 1: Chop the Cranberries
You’ve got two options here:
- The Fast Way: Pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds.
- The Old-School Way: Chop them by hand (great for stress relief).
Either way, don’t overdo it—you want small pieces, not cranberry mush.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, jalapeños, scallions, cilantro, orange zest, sugar, and salt. Stir it all up until everything’s nicely coated.
Step 3: Let It Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This step is key—it lets the flavors meld and the cranberries soften.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
Want To Save This Recipe?
Once it’s had time to chill, strain out the excess liquid using a fine-mesh sieve. But don’t toss it yet—you might want to add a little back later.
Step 5: Mix with the Cream Cheese
In a new bowl, combine the strained cranberry mixture with softened cream cheese and fresh orange juice. Stir until it’s nice and smooth, adding a bit of the reserved cranberry liquid if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Watch It Vanish
Transfer to a serving bowl, maybe add a sprinkle of scallions or cilantro on top for flair, and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Not ideal—cream cheese doesn’t thaw well.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the cranberry mix the night before, then mix it with the cream cheese just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Try these:
- Turn Up the Heat – Use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Swap in a plant-based cream cheese.
- Add Some Crunch – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Swap the Sweetener – Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
What to Serve with La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Copycat?
This dip goes with just about anything, but here are my favorites:
- Crackers & Crostini – Classic, foolproof, and perfect for scooping.
- Pita Chips – Sturdy enough to hold a big bite.
- Veggies – Carrots, celery, bell peppers—it all works!
- Tortilla Chips – Because everything is better with tortilla chips.
- Bagels or Toast – Spread it on for a next-level breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Nope—fresh cranberries give it the right tartness and texture. Dried won’t break down the same way.
How spicy is this dip?
It has a little kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you want it milder, remove the jalapeño seeds.
What if my dip is too thick?
Stir in a splash of reserved cranberry juice or extra orange juice until it reaches the right consistency.
This La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Copycat Recipe is sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a party, a snack board, or just because you need something delicious, it’s a guaranteed hit.
So tell me—do you like it extra spicy, or are you team mild and sweet? Either way, you have to try this one. Let me know what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeno Dip Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 2 jalapeños finely minced
- 3 scallions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice plus additional as needed
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
Instructions
Prepare the Cranberries
- Using a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries until finely chopped. Alternatively, they may be finely diced using a sharp knife. The goal is to achieve small pieces without creating a puree.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, minced jalapeños, scallions, cilantro, orange zest, sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Refrigerate the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften.
Strain Excess Liquid
- After refrigeration, pour the mixture into a fine-mesh sieve and allow excess liquid to drain completely. Reserve a small amount of the liquid to adjust consistency later, if necessary.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- In a separate bowl, add the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup fresh orange juice. Mix until smooth. If a thinner consistency is preferred, gradually incorporate small amounts of the reserved cranberry liquid.
Incorporate the Cranberry Mixture
- Gently fold the strained cranberry mixture into the cream cheese until evenly combined. Stir carefully to maintain the texture and prevent over-mixing.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish, garnish with additional scallions or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
