Beans, beans, the magical fruit. Beans are used in hundreds of dishes. They add a unique flavor and creaminess that's hard to find anywhere else. Their creamy texture is what makes them the perfect ingredient when making dips, especially if you are whipping up some cracker appetizers for a party. Bean dip is a dip that can be combined with a multitude of foods. Dunk your favorite corn chips in it, use it as a taco filling, or pour it over a plateful of nachos. Though bean dip isn't solely made up of beans, it is the main ingredient, adding both flavor and nutrition.
Ready to make a bean dip of your own? For a traditional Mexican-inspired bean dip, you'll need just seven ingredients: beans, salsa, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder and cumin. While there are several varieties of beans, for an authentic Mexican-style dip, you'll want to stick to refried beans. A staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, refried beans add the perfect amount of creamy flavor to your favorite bean dip recipes. And when combined with great-tasting ingredients like cheese and spices, your next bean dip is sure to be a hit!
For a healthier spin on traditional bean dip, make this Creamy Cannellini Bean Dip. Again, just seven ingredients are needed to take this recipe from a plateful of beans to a delicious appetizer. In this dip, cannellini beans are combined with fresh herbs and spices like rosemary and garlic to boost flavor. To put a Tex-Mex spin on it, we suggest mixing in a bit of cheese and salsa.
If there's one staple Mexican appetizer that's used to accompany nearly every dish, it's salsa. Salsa can be found on the menu of every Mexican restaurant and is the ideal appetizer to serve no matter what time of year it is. It's a delicious blend of refreshing and flavorful ingredients and is usually served with a side of homemade tortilla chips. Salsa can also be added to tacos, salads, scrambled eggs or any other dish that needs a little kick. When made correctly with just the right amount of spice, this taco dip recipe can really be added to anything. If you're new to cooking and are searching for a tasty way to impress guests, making a bowl of fresh salsa is an excellent choice. Because salsa is readily available at nearly every grocery store, it's easy to purchase pre-made. Though pre-made salsa may be a quicker option, using fresh ingredients to make homemade salsa will make an appetizer that guests are bound to remember.
When it comes to salsa, not all recipes are the same. If you're itching to make an authentic Mexican-inspired dish, we recommend finding a recipe for pico de gallo. Pico de gallo, also called salsa fresca, is a type of salsa loaded with fresh vegetables. It's an uncooked mixture of chopped onions, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, chiles, lime juice and salt that is a bit chunkier than traditional salsa.
When making your next batch of pico de gallo, we recommended doubling it. Then, after you've enjoyed the dip as an appetizer, get creative and add what's leftover to your next meal. To make a delicious meal using pico de gallo, cook these Black Bean Porridge Patties with Black Bean Pico de Gallo. This vegetarian and gluten free dish is an excellent dish to serve "al fresco" as a summertime meal. Pair it with a light citrus salad, or enjoy alongside grilled veggies. You'll love how this meal turns out with the hints of onion, fresh cilantro and lime juice!
Everyone loves avocados! Avocados can be added to sandwiches, turned into vegan chocolate mousse, or our favoritemade into a delicious dip. Guacamole might be the most famous dip around. And though there are several different ways to make guacamole, every ingredient list includes a bunch of ripe avocados. However, guacamole's great taste isn't the only thing it offers. From heart-healthy fats to muscle-managing potassium, avocados turn guacamole into a nutrient-rich dip that can be enjoyed all year round.
Since most recipes do not have cheese, sour cream or butter, guacamole is a great dairy free dip that can be enjoyed by all. To make traditional guacamole, all you need is avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and salt. However, when making guacamole, there are no rules. So get creative in the kitchen by mixing your avocado with add-ins like jalapeno, bacon, tajin and more!
The next time you make a delicious bowl of this avocado dip, pair it with a flavorful dish like tasty vegan tacos. While traditional tacos are delicious, they're often made with fillings like pork, chicken, seafood and beef. To turn this plate into a vegan-friendly meal, try replacing the meat with veggies. From making simple veggie swaps to choosing a dairy-free cheese option, vegan tacos are a plant-based dish that offers endless possibilities.
If you've never tried Mexican-inspired fondue, then you're truly missing out. When referring to fondue, there are two types that people usually consider: chocolate and cheese. Though these ingredients may not taste great together, when melted on their own, they'll create a delicious base for your next dessert or cracker appetizer. If you're searching for a Mexican dip recipe that will impress everyone who tries it, make a delicious cheese fondue recipe. Referred to as Queso Fundido when south of the border, this dip is often combined with add-ins like chorizo, mushrooms and veggies. It is one of the most requested dishes when traveling in Mexico and will have your mouth watering in anticipation. Commonly served in a hot iron or clay container, queso fundido can be seen bubbling, steaming and sometimes flaming as it's carried to the table. While it will make a great impression on its own, all that gooey and stringy cheese tastes great when scooped into freshly made tortilla chips or homemade crispy crackers. Or, boost the authenticity of your appetizer and bake up a batch of homemade tortillas to spoon the fondue into a great-tasting quesadilla.
Now, if you're new to making homemade fondue and tortillas, don't panic. Both are incredibly simple to make. To make queso fundido, all you need is a bit of cheese! Usually made with asadero, manchego or chihuahua cheeses, these varieties can be hard to find outside Mexico. Because of this, when making queso fundido in other countries, mozzarella, Monterey Jack or oaxaca cheese are often used as substitutes. Once you've found your cheese, there are a few different ways you can melt it. You can place the cheese directly onto a griddle and then scoop the gooey, melted cheese right onto a plate. Another method is baking the cheese in the oven or under a broiler until it's melted. How you choose to bake your queso and what you add to it is entirely up to you and your taste preferences. While some people enjoy it best plain, others prefer their queso mixed with veggies like tomatoes, onion and bell peppers. For a homemade tortilla that pairs perfectly with queso fundido, give this tortilla recipe a try.
Last but not least, if you're looking for a dip that everyone will enjoy, try mixing some of these Mexican-inspired dips together! Bean dip tastes delicious when complemented with a side of queso fundido, and depending on how chunky you enjoy your guacamole, salsa can serve as one of the main ingredients. Or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, make the famous seven-layer dip which layers refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, green onions and tomatoes. Not only does this layered Mexican dip taste great, but it's sure to be the talk of your next taco Tuesday gathering.
The next time you're in charge of making a dish with a bit of zest, try out one of the Mexican-inspired dip recipes listed above. Easy to make and extremely tasty, your family is sure to love this new addition to the menu. We can't wait to hear what they think! From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a fun and flavor-filled day!
