Hot Macadamia Dip
A warm, creamy dip with chopped beef, crunchy macadamia nuts, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for entertaining or snacking with crackers and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 11 oz cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp milk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 oz jar dried chipped beef, shredded ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped Macadamia nuts ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine softened cream cheese and milk in a bowl.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in shredded chipped beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sour cream.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Saute chopped macadamia nuts in butter until thoroughly glazed.
- Sprinkle the glazed nuts over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can substitute the macadamia nuts with pecans or walnuts if you prefer. To make the dip spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Make sure the cream cheese is well-softened before mixing to ensure a smooth blend. This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot macadamia dip with a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with a fresh vegetable platter for added crunch. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or as an appetizer for a gathering. This dip also complements other American recipes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Macadamia Dip contains roughly 323 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
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?
Yes, you can prepare the dip and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of dried chipped beef?
If you can't find dried chipped beef, you can substitute it with cooked and shredded chicken or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make this dip healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce calories and fat content. Additionally, using more vegetables, like spinach or artichokes, can add nutrition without sacrificing taste. Just ensure that the balance of flavors remains intact.
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).