Puerto Rican Sweet and Savory Guava Dip

Tired of bringing the same old dip to a party? You will love this rock star of dips, Puerto Rican sweet and savory guava dip. Best of all, it only takes a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make!

Summer or not, tropical fruits should always be on your menu. Guava is one of those fruits that I have been on a kick lately, and you should be too. Hopefully, you’ve tried my mini guava cheesecakes and guava and salted caramel pie, and if so, you will love this guava dip.

You haven’t tried those desserts yet? Well then, you’ll just have to make all three! 😉

I’m not just saying that because those two desserts are to die for, but also because you’re going to end up with leftover guava paste from either of those recipes.

Guava paste isn’t exactly a common ingredient in most recipes, and I hate letting food go to waste, so here’s the perfect solution for that!

Sometimes, going to multiple cookouts and family gatherings can run your menu dry. I don’t like taking the same dish to anything and refusing to buy something from the store.

This sweet and savory guava dip looks so beautiful when it’s all whipped up in its serving dish; it’s bound to intrigue people.

Plus, if they ask you what’s in it, prepare for your dip to be the center of the conversation. Imagine bringing this beauty to a Super Bowl party – the official day of all dips and chips?

If you’re a fan of having a mouthful of sweet and savory, then this dip is something you need to try! Personally, I love citrus with chicken, mint with lamb, and yogurt-watermelon salad – there’s something about those conflicting flavors that just make my mouth water.

I will admit, however, that this recipe threw me off a little bit. I was skeptical about adding garlic to a dip that had guava and honey it is, but I was pleasantly surprised when I chose to scoop it up with some salty crackers. It works, trust me.

WHAT IS GUAVA PASTE?

Guava paste pops up in many Cuban, Caribbean, and South American recipes and seems to be popping up more often in markets in the US. This specialty ingredient, also known as goiabada or pasta de guayaba, is basically candied guava puree.

It is made by cooking together guava fruit and sugar until it is very thick and then leaving the mixture to dry to remove excess moisture.

Guava paste, with its sweet, floral taste, works well in desserts but shows frequently in savory dishes. For instance, it is often paired with cheese as an appetizer, popular in Brazil under the name Romeo and Juliet, and in dips like this Puerto Rican sweet and savory guava dip.

WHERE TO BUY GUAVA PASTE?

So, your next question might be something like, “Where can I find that?” It’s easier to find than you think.

You can find it online on Amazon, Mexican, and Latin American markets, and sometimes even at a local grocery store in the international section. Goya will probably be the easiest brand of guava paste to find.

HOW TO MAKE IT?

1. Make the guava sauce - Blend the guava paste and hot water in a food processor until smooth.
2. Make the cream cheese mixture - In a food processor, blend the cream cheese with sour cream, honey, garlic, and salt to taste.
3. Assemble - Fold the guava sauce into the cream cheese mixture. Serve with crackers.

GUAVA DIP RECIPE TIPS

• Once opened, guava paste can be stored at room temperature. It should be wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container.
• As I hinted at earlier, you won’t be using the entire package of guava paste for this recipe, so you will have leftovers. The good news is, you have two options: you can make my guava cheesecake or pie, as previously mentioned, or you can also freeze it.
• I always encourage people to experiment with and adjust recipes to their preferences, and this unique dip is no exception. If fresh garlic isn’t your thing you can add garlic powder instead. Start with a ¼ teaspoon and increase to your liking.
•  I have also seen some people use cilantro in this dip, and if that is your thing, add it to your taste.
• If you don't have a food processor, you can melt guava paste with water in a small saucepan on medium heat, until smooth. Blend cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer. However, I highly recommend investing in a food processor, even an inexpensive one. I've been using this cheap food processor for almost 8 years and I know you'd love it too.

I can assure you that you will become a little obsessed with this guava dip after the first time you make it. It’s creamy, savory, and sweet – all the beautiful things in life. It’s one of those dips that you think you’d make as an appetizer with some crackers,  that you end up eating for dinner.

I always find myself shoveling large amounts of the dip with my crackers or pita chips instead of, you know, dipping into it. The more, the merrier, right?

OTHER WAYS TO USE GUAVA PASTE

· Stir a bit of melted guava paste into regular barbeque sauce - it makes for irresistible grilled meats.

· Use guava sauce as a filling for Polish kiflies.

· Top a wheel of brie with a few slices of guava paste and nuts of your choice. Wrap in puff pastry and bake 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow resting for 10 minutes before cutting.

·  And don't forget my mini guava cheesecakes and guava and salted caramel pie.

One year ago: Festive Cake Batter Shots

Two years ago: Simple Egg Pie

Six years ago: Cajun Chicken Gumbo with Barley