Tired of bringing the same old dip to every gathering? Try this standout Puerto Rican sweet-and-savory guava dip. It uses just a few ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes.
Tropical fruit adds brightness to any menu year-round, and guava is an especially delicious choice. If you enjoy guava desserts, this dip is a natural companion to other guava recipes. It’s also a smart way to use leftover guava paste from other preparations.
Guava paste can feel like a specialty item, so when you open a can it’s nice to have multiple ideas for using it. This dip takes advantage of guava’s floral sweetness and balances it with savory cream cheese and a touch of garlic for complexity.
If you want to bring something eye-catching to a party—holiday get-togethers, game day, or any potluck—this guava dip is sure to spark conversation. It’s elegant in appearance and unexpected in flavor, especially when paired with salty crackers or pita chips.
The combination of sweet and savory works beautifully here: guava and honey meet cream cheese and sour cream, while a small amount of garlic provides a subtle savory note. If you enjoy contrasting flavors—citrus with chicken, mint with lamb, or sweet-and-salty desserts—you’ll likely love this dip.
I admit I was skeptical about garlic with guava at first, but a few cautious bites convinced me it’s a winning pairing. The garlic should be used sparingly so it complements rather than overpowers the fruitiness.
WHAT IS GUAVA PASTE?
Guava paste—also called goiabada or pasta de guayaba—is common in Cuban, Caribbean, and South American cuisines. It’s made by cooking guava with sugar until thick, then allowing it to set. The result is a dense, sweet, and slightly floral paste that works well in both desserts and savory pairings, often alongside cheese or folded into dips like this one.
WHERE TO BUY GUAVA PASTE?
Guava paste is more available now than in the past. Look for it in Latin markets and many grocery stores’ international aisles. Goya is a common brand you’ll find on shelves.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Make the guava sauce – Blend guava paste with a small amount of hot water until smooth.
- Make the cream cheese mixture – Blend cream cheese, sour cream, honey, garlic, and salt until creamy.
- Assemble – Fold the guava sauce into the cream cheese mixture and chill before serving. Serve with crackers or chips.
GUAVA DIP RECIPE TIPS
- After opening, guava paste keeps at room temperature if wrapped well or stored in an airtight container.
- You’ll likely have leftover guava paste. Use it in desserts or freeze portions for later use.
- Adjust the garlic to taste. If you prefer less bite, substitute garlic powder—start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase as desired.
- Cilantro can be added if you enjoy an herbaceous note; add to taste.
- If you don’t have a food processor, melt the guava paste with water in a small saucepan until smooth and use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese mixture.
This guava dip is creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. It’s easy to imagine enjoying it as an appetizer at a party—or sneaking spoonfuls for an impromptu dinner. Pair with salty crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies for contrast.
Below are the recipe details and measurements for a small batch that yields about 2 cups.
Puerto Rican Sweet and Savory Guava Dip
Ingredients
- 5 oz guava paste about a quarter of a 21 oz can
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the guava paste and 2 tablespoons hot water. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Rinse the processor and combine the cream cheese, sour cream, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a bowl and gently fold in the guava sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store opened guava paste wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Leftover guava paste can be used in desserts or frozen in portions for later use.
- Adjust garlic to your preference; garlic powder works if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Cilantro can be stirred in for an herbal note if you enjoy it.
- If you lack a food processor, melt the guava paste with water in a small saucepan until smooth and use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 23 g
| Protein: 7 g
| Fat: 44 g
| Sugar: 21 g
Let us know how it was!