Belizean Chips And Dip: A Tasty Homemade Snack

Belize is known for its stunning beaches, dense jungles, rich culture, and amazing food. One of the most popular snacks available when visiting or living in the country is Belizean cheese dip. This dip can be found at any celebration, party, or home. It is a staple in the country and is usually served with tortilla chips. The dip is a tangy blend of soft, processed cheese, evaporated milk, and pepper. It is easy to make and almost impossible to stop eating!

Chopping and blending the ingredients

To make Belizean chips and dip, you'll need to finely chop and blend a variety of ingredients. First, gather your ingredients: ensure your vegetables are washed and pat them dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. You will need 1 lb of processed cheese, such as Happy Cow, cut into 1-inch cubes, or you can substitute this with cream cheese or ricotta. You will also need half a pound of green bell peppers, diced, half a can of salsa Mexicana, a can of evaporated milk, hot sauce to taste (optional), half a habanero pepper, deseeded (optional), and a small bunch of fresh cilantro.

Once you have prepared your ingredients, you can begin chopping and blending. Start by chopping the cheese and bell peppers into small, evenly sized pieces. You want to ensure they are small enough to blend smoothly. Place the chopped cheese and peppers into your blender. Next, add the salsa and the evaporated milk. Start blending on a slow speed, gradually increasing as the ingredients combine. Add the cilantro and habanero pepper or hot sauce to taste. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Once you are happy with the consistency of your dip, transfer it to a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. The dip can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Adding the salsa and milk

Now that you have chopped up the cheese and sweet pepper, it's time to start blending! Turn on your blender and slowly add the salsa and milk. You can use either a full can of evaporated milk or a small can of condensed milk (unsweetened). If you want a thinner consistency, you can add more milk.

Continue blending the mixture as you add the remaining ingredients: a handful of fresh cilantro and either half a habanero pepper (deseeded) or some hot sauce, depending on your preference for spice. If you like it spicy, you can also add some pickled jalapeños. Blend all the ingredients together until the dip is smooth and creamy.

Once the dip is ready, transfer it to a bowl and serve with tortilla chips. You can use fresh, homemade corn tortilla chips or store-bought ones—either way, they're the perfect vessel for this delicious Belizean cheese dip!

Seasoning to taste

Belizean cheese dip is a popular snack in Belize and can be found at any celebration, party, or home. It is typically served with tortilla chips. The dip is made with processed cheese, salsa, milk, and peppers, and seasoned to taste with cilantro, habanero, or hot sauce.

The type of cheese used in Belizean cheese dip is typically processed cheese, such as Happy Cow or white American cheese. This is combined with salsa, milk, and peppers to create a creamy and spicy dip.

The amount of seasoning added to the dip can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. For a milder dip, you can omit the habanero pepper or use less spicy peppers. If you prefer a more spicy and tangy dip, you can increase the amount of habanero, add hot sauce, or use spicier varieties of salsa.

Cilantro is also a key ingredient in Belizean cheese dip and adds a fresh, herbal flavour to the dip. The amount of cilantro added can be adjusted to taste, with some recipes calling for "enough cilantro for your taste" or "a handful of fresh cilantro".

In addition to adjusting the amount of cilantro, habanero, or hot sauce, you can also experiment with other seasonings to enhance the flavour of the dip. Some suggestions include adding lime juice and salt to the tortilla chips, or using different types of salsa such as salsa Mexicana or salsa casera.

By adjusting the amount of these key ingredients and experimenting with other seasonings, you can create a Belizean cheese dip that suits your taste preferences, whether you prefer it mild, spicy, or somewhere in between.

Making tortilla chips

Tortilla chips are a must when serving Belizean cheese dip. While you can use store-bought tortilla chips, making your own at home is simple and rewarding.

To make your own tortilla chips, you will need corn tortillas, vegetable oil for frying, lime juice, and salt. First, prepare the tortillas by spreading them out in a single layer on two baking sheets and leaving them to dry out overnight. This step is important as it helps the tortillas crisp up when fried.

Next, fill a large skillet with about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, cut the tortillas into quarters. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tortilla quarters in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.

Remove the chips from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Once they are cool, sprinkle them with lime juice and salt to taste. Serve the tortilla chips immediately with your favourite Belizean cheese dip and enjoy!

For an extra special touch, you can also experiment with different seasonings on your tortilla chips. Try adding chilli powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Or, for a more herbaceous flavour, sprinkle on some dried oregano or thyme. Get creative and have fun with it!

Serving suggestions

Belizean cheese dip is a popular snack and appetiser in Belize and is served at most social functions, including weddings, birthday parties, and sporting events. It is often served alongside rice and beans. The dip is typically served chilled with fresh, homemade corn tortilla chips. If you can't get your hands on fresh tortilla chips, store-bought ones will do the trick—Tostitos are recommended.

For an extra spicy kick, add a few drops of your favourite hot sauce to the dip. If you're making your own tortilla chips, you can sprinkle them with lime juice and salt to taste.

Belizean cheese dip is best enjoyed with others, so be sure to share it with friends and family. It's the perfect dish to bring people together and create a sense of community and comfort.

Frequently asked questions