Save A festive, zesty pull-apart bread featuring tangy cranberry&jalapeño dip layered between pillowy bread pieces and gooey cheese—perfect for holiday gatherings or game day snacks.
I first made this cranberry jalapeño dip pull-apart bread for a holiday gathering, and it quickly became the star of the table. The combination of bright cranberries and spicy jalapeños tucked into soft bread is always a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Filling: 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries, chopped, 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced, 1/4 cup (30 g) red onion, finely diced, 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened, 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (115 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
- Topping: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- Make Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and salt. Mix and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Shape Dough Squares:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12x8-inch (30x20 cm) rectangle. Cut into 24 squares.
- Fill Bread Balls:
- Place a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture and a spoonful of cranberry-jalapeño salsa in the center of each dough square. Pinch and seal each square to form a ball.
- Arrange and Top:
- Arrange the filled dough balls, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top.
- Bake and Garnish:
- Brush with melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra cranberry-jalapeño salsa on the side.
Save This bread gets devoured quickly at our family’s holiday parties, with everyone grabbing pieces and dipping them into extra salsa. It always sparks laughter and requests for the recipe.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, baking dish or cast iron skillet, rolling pin, pastry brush, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, butter). Ensure all store-bought ingredients are free from cross-contamination if allergies are severe.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 37 g, Protein 9 g.
Save This festive appetizer brings together sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite. Enjoy it warm and fresh from the oven for the best experience.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can store-bought pizza dough be used?
Yes, pre-made pizza dough works well and saves preparation time for busy occasions.
- → How spicy is the cranberry-jalapeño filling?
The level of heat can be adjusted by deseeding jalapeños or adding some seeds for extra kick.
- → Can the bread be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble the dough balls and refrigerate them up to one day before baking for ease.
- → Are there vegetarian cheese alternatives?
Choose plant-based cheese blends for a vegetarian-friendly twist without sacrificing flavor.
- → What drinks pair well with this dish?
Crisp Riesling or sparkling water with lime complements its tangy and spicy notes perfectly.
- → Can I substitute with biscuit dough?
Yes, using biscuit dough will create a fluffier, softer pull-apart texture if desired.