Ann'S Crunchy Cheese Dip
A creamy, crunchy cheese dip with pineapple, pecans, and herbs, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, reserving 3 tablespoons of juice.
- In a small bowl, combine pineapple, cream cheese, water chestnuts, chives, salt, pepper, and pecans.
- Stir in the reserved juice and mix well.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have fresh chives, you can substitute with green onions for a similar flavor. Consider adding a touch of garlic powder for an extra kick. Chilling the dip is essential for the flavors to meld, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip with a variety of crackers or vegetable sticks for a colorful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Light 'N Tasty Crepes or even as a spread on sandwiches. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a cheese platter or at parties for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dip thickens, you can add a bit of the reserved pineapple juice to loosen it up. Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann'S Crunchy Cheese Dip contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure you cover it tightly to maintain freshness. Let it chill in the refrigerator overnight to enhance its flavors even more before serving.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can use diced celery for a similar crunch. Alternatively, jicama provides a great texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for this dip.
Is it possible to make this dip vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use toasted nuts in place of pecans. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).