Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors nestled in a buttery pastry shell. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized treats offer a unique twist that will have your guests coming back for more. Their vibrant appearance and delicious aroma make them irresistible, and they’re quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 tarts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 125
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
These Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts are not only visually appealing but also provide a perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce beautifully contrasts with the spicy kick from the jalapeño, while the creamy cheese ties everything together. They’re versatile enough to be served as appetizers during a party or as a snack for game day. With their bite-sized portions, they make for easy eating, ensuring guests can mingle while enjoying these delightful treats.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pre-made pastry dough
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 fresh jalapeño, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your tarts will bake evenly and get a nice golden color.
Step 2: Shaping the Pastry
Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small rounds that fit into a mini muffin tin. This sizing is crucial for creating the perfect tart shell.
Step 3: Baking the Shells
Press the pastry rounds gently into the muffin tin. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. You want to cook them just enough to hold their shape when filled.
Step 4: Mixing the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, diced jalapeño, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, creating a delightful filling that bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Filling the Tarts
Once the pastry shells are baked, fill each one generously with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; this filling is the highlight of your tarts!
Step 6: Topping with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled tart. This adds a melty, cheesy goodness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Final Baking
Return the tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will be incredible!
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor, then serve warm to your hungry guests.
How to Serve Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
These tarts make fantastic appetizers. Serve them on a colorful platter with additional cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with a refreshing cocktail or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors beautifully. They’re also great for casual movie nights or holiday parties where finger foods reign supreme.
How to Store Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
To store leftover tarts, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the tarts for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
- Chill the Cream Cheese: Make it easier to mix by ensuring the cream cheese is softened. If you forget to take it out early, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it lightly.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before dicing. You can also substitute with a bell pepper for a sweet flavor.
- Personalize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked bacon bits or herbs like parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Don’t Overfill: Ensure you leave some room at the top of each tart shell, as the filling may expand while cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Herbed Cheese: Swap the cream cheese for goat cheese or a herbed cream cheese for a tangy twist.
- Vegetably Loaded: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or olives into the filling for added texture and taste.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little honey on top of each filled tart before baking for a sweet touch that balances the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use homemade pastry dough?
Yes! If you prefer making your own pastry dough, go right ahead. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough to fit the muffin tin. -
Can I freeze the tarts?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked tarts in their shells. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. -
What can I serve with these tarts?
Pair them with a light salad, fresh fruit, or a cheese platter for a complete meal. They also shine as stand-alone snacks. -
How spicy are these tarts?
The spiciness largely depends on the jalapeño used. For less heat, opt for a milder pepper or remove the seeds. -
Are these tarts vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making them a good option for your vegetarian guests.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts are a delightful fusion of flavors that promise to impress anyone who tries them. Their combination of sweetness and spice, along with the creamy texture, makes them a standout appetizer or snack. Easy to make yet full of flavor, these tarts are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Tarts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors nestled in a buttery pastry shell, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pre-made pastry dough
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 fresh jalapeño, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into small rounds for a mini muffin tin.
- Press the pastry rounds into the muffin tin and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, diced jalapeño, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each baked pastry shell with the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each tart.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
