Tired of bringing the same dip to every gathering? Try this Puerto Rican sweet-and-savory guava dip — creamy, bright, and ready in under 15 minutes using just a few ingredients.
Guava is a tropical fruit that adds a floral sweetness to both desserts and savory dishes. If you enjoy bold contrasts in flavor, this dip pairs the fruity richness of guava paste with tangy cream cheese and a touch of garlic and honey for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s perfect with crackers, pita chips, or vegetables and makes a memorable contribution to parties, cookouts, or game-day spreads.
WHAT IS GUAVA PASTE?
Guava paste (also called goiabada or pasta de guayaba) is a concentrated, candied guava puree made by cooking guava and sugar until very thick, then allowing it to set. It has a sweet, floral flavor that works beautifully in desserts and as a complement to savory elements — commonly paired with cheese or used in sauces and dips.
WHERE TO BUY GUAVA PASTE?
Guava paste is increasingly available in Latin markets and many grocery stores’ international aisles. Look for well-known brands in the canned or refrigerated specialty sections.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Make the guava sauce — Combine the guava paste with hot water and puree until smooth.
- Make the cream cheese base — Blend cream cheese with sour cream, honey, minced garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble — Fold the guava sauce into the cream cheese mixture, chill briefly, and serve with crackers or chips.
GUAVA DIP RECIPE TIPS
- Once opened, guava paste keeps at room temperature if wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container.
- You’ll likely have leftover guava paste from a standard package. Save it for another recipe or freeze it for later use.
- If raw garlic is too intense, substitute garlic powder — start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Cilantro can be added if you enjoy its fresh, herbaceous note; add to taste.
- If you don’t have a food processor, melt the guava paste with a little water in a saucepan until smooth and use an electric mixer for the cream cheese mixture.
This dip is creamy, tangy, and sweet — the kind of appetizer you’ll find yourself eating beyond the first round of crackers. Serve it at parties, on a cheese board, or as a surprising condiment for grilled meats.
OTHER WAYS TO USE GUAVA PASTE
- Stir a little melted guava paste into barbecue sauce for a fruity glaze on grilled meats.
- Use guava sauce as a filling for pastries such as kiflies or hand pies.
- Top a wheel of brie with slices of guava paste and nuts, wrap in puff pastry, and bake until golden.
Puerto Rican Sweet and Savory Guava Dip
This unique Puerto Rican dip takes minutes to prepare and delivers a standout sweet-and-savory flavor your guests will remember.
Ingredients
- 5 oz guava paste (about a quarter of a 21 oz can)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine the guava paste with 2 tablespoons of hot water in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to a small bowl.
- Rinse the processor. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and well combined, then adjust salt to taste.
- Fold the guava sauce into the cream cheese mixture gently for a marbled look or stir completely for a uniform color. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store opened guava paste tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature.
- If you have leftover guava paste, try it in desserts or freeze portions for future use.
- Adjust garlic and other seasonings to suit your taste. Garlic powder can be used as an alternative to fresh garlic.
- If you don’t own a food processor, melt the guava paste with water in a small saucepan until smooth and use an electric mixer for the cream cheese base.
Yields: about 2 cups. Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes. Calories (per serving as noted): approximately 508 kcal.
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