Zesty Creamy Black Bean Dip
This Zesty Creamy Black Bean Dip offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect snack for gatherings or a tasty addition to your lunch. Crafted with reduced-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this dip is both creamy and tangy, balanced with a sprinkle of cumin and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. For those who enjoy a little kick, feel free to adjust the cayenne to your liking! Ideal for parties or a cozy movie night, serve it with crunchy baked corn tortilla chips for a satisfying bite. Let the flavors meld together by refrigerating overnight for maximum flavor!
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free cream cheese
16 ounces (cubed)
black beans
15 ounces (drained and rinsed)
reduced-fat cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
green onions
6 (chopped)
ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (none)
reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (none)
fresh tomatoes
2 tablespoons (diced)
green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
baked corn tortilla chips
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Using a food processor, add the cubed fat-free cream cheese and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
2
Incorporate half of the drained and rinsed black beans into the processor, covering and processing until well combined and blended.
3
Transfer the blended mixture into a large bowl. Gently fold in the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, ground cumin, dash of cayenne pepper, and the remaining black beans until everything is evenly distributed.
4
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Just before serving, carefully garnish the dip with additional reduced-fat cheddar cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, and extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
6
Serve with baked corn tortilla chips and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Creamy Black Bean Dip?
It is a flavorful and creamy snack made with black beans, fat-free cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, seasoned with cumin and cayenne pepper.
What are the main ingredients for this dip?
The main ingredients include fat-free cream cheese, black beans, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, green onions, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip?
Each serving contains approximately 30 calories.
How much fat is in the Zesty Creamy Black Bean Dip?
The dip is low in fat, containing only 0.8g per serving.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides 3.5g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying snack choice.
How should I prepare the black beans?
The 15 ounces of black beans should be thoroughly drained and rinsed before being added to the recipe.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the fat-free cream cheese and half of the black beans until smooth.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
Absolutely; you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the heat to your liking.
How long does the dip need to be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, the dip should be covered and refrigerated for at least 8 hours, though overnight is preferred.
What should I serve with this black bean dip?
It is ideally served with crunchy baked corn tortilla chips for a satisfying texture.
What type of cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese inside the dip and an additional 1/4 cup for garnish.
Are there fresh vegetables in this dip?
Yes, the dip includes chopped green onions and is garnished with fresh diced tomatoes.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why do I only blend half of the black beans?
Blending half creates a creamy base while folding in the remaining half provides a chunky texture.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The fat-free cream cheese should be cubed before being added to the food processor for easier blending.
What gives the dip its zesty flavor?
The combination of ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and green onions provides the signature zesty taste.
Is this dip suitable for a party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal appetizer for gatherings, parties, or movie nights.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 distinct ingredients required for the dip and its garnishes.
How is the dip garnished?
It is garnished with additional reduced-fat cheddar cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, and extra chopped green onions.
Is this dip vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Can this recipe be considered vegan?
While tagged as vegan friendly, the recipe contains dairy cheese and cream cheese; vegan substitutes for these would be needed for a strict vegan diet.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the nutritional data is calculated per serving based on the ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in a tightly covered bowl and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make this dip right before serving?
It is recommended to wait at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies using fat-free cream cheese to keep the calorie and fat count low.
Is cumin essential to the recipe?
Yes, the 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin are vital for providing the earthy flavor profile of the dip.
How many green onions are used in total?
The recipe calls for 6 chopped green onions in the dip plus an additional 2 tablespoons for garnish.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
No extra salt is listed in the ingredients; flavor is derived from the cheese, onions, and spices.
What is the first step in making the dip?
The first step is using a food processor to blend the cubed fat-free cream cheese until it is smooth.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack due to its low calorie and low fat content while providing protein.