Raspberry Black Bean Dip (Grain-Free/Dairy-Free)

This raspberry black bean dip is such a delicious blend of savory and sweet, with a perfectly balanced kick of heat.

The Story:

A hearty, black bean filling packed with flavor from the raspberry chipotle sauce, then topped with creamy goodness from cashew cream, and dairy-free pepper jack cheese. It’s an enticing blend of flavors and textures. Raspberry Black Bean Dip is such an easy appetizer to whip up, and packs a filling and comforting punch. Serve with tortilla chips, or even slather it on top of a burger! My very favorite college bar served this dip, and when I tell you I’ve eaten my fair share of it…it takes me immediately back to my college days. If you’ve ever had So Long Saloon Black Bean Dip, you know how addicting this is. Few things are better than this dip and a cold pint!

Jump to:

• The Story:
• The Ingredients:
• Step By Step Preparation Instructions:
• Recipe FAQ's:
• The Recipe:
• The Finished Product:

The Ingredients:

Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this raspberry black bean dip:

• Black Beans: You will want to use seasoned canned black beans for this. If you happen to have unseasoned black beans, you can add in some seasoning (listed below) to perk up their flavor.
• Raspberry Chipotle Sauce: The star ingredient! There are several variations of raspberry chipotle or raspberry jalapeno sauces available. I used B. Bob’s Raspberry Chipotle sauce and it was delicious. It has a nice kick to it and a nice balance of savory/sweetness. You can find it on Amazon if not available at a store near you!
• Onion: Chopped onion helps build the flavor profile for the dip.
• Jalapeno: Chopped jalapeno gets added for a boosted kick and to draw out the jalapeno flavor. I omit the seeds for less heat and better texture, but you can leave them in if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free Butter: You will saute the onion and jalapeno in dairy-free butter.
• Cashews: The secret ingredient! Cashew cream gets added to the dip for the perfect, creamy, non-dairy substitution. You can find the full recipe for basic cashew cream here.
• Dairy-Free Pepper Jack Cheese: I used Daiya pepper jack cheese. It has a nice flavor and helps create that cheesy pull and texture. If you cannot find a non-dairy pepper jack cheese, feel free to omit. It will still be creamy and flavorful without it.

Step By Step Preparation Instructions:

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400. First, let’s make the cashew cream. Soak a cup of cashews in water for about 3 hours. Then, place the soaked cashews, along with a fresh cup of water in a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Step 2: Finely chop your onion and jalapeno. Using an oven safe skillet, heat over medium heat. I love using a cast iron skillet for this, but an enameled dutch oven would work too. Add in 2 tablespoon of dairy-free butter, then saute your onion and jalapeno until soft and translucent. Now, add in the beans, seasonings if needed, and raspberry chipotle sauce. Cook and stir the ingredients together until bubbling, about 5 minutes.
• Step 3: Dollop on the basic cashew cream in the center, then place the dairy-free pepper jack cheese on top. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully so that the cashew cream and cheese do not burn. A nice, light browning is ideal. Remove and enjoy!

Recipe FAQ's:

• What else can I use raspberry chipotle sauce on? You can use it on chicken, as a marinade, on top of a salad, or even incorporate it into a yummy, spicy cocktail!
• Where can I find raspberry chipotle sauce? I am usually able to find some variation of raspberry chipotle sauce or raspberry jalapeno sauce at most grocery stores. You can also find them on Amazon. I used B. Bob’s Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, found at my grocery store, but it is also available on Amazon. Fischer and Wieser also has a famous raspberry chipotle sauce that you can find on Amazon.
• What do I serve with raspberry black bean dip? This is a great appetizer. I would serve it with some hearty tortilla chips and serve as you would an appetizer before a cookout or game day! I also LOVE to slather this on a burger….SO good.
• Can I make this recipe with “normal” dairy products? It should work very well to replace the ingredients with dairy products if you tolerate dairy.

The Recipe:

The Finished Product:

As always, this raspberry black bean dip contains no dairy, no grains, no gluten and is even vegan! A hearty, filling, and deliciously savory appetizer that comes together in one pan! Each bite is smoky, spicy, sweet and memorable. Enjoy!