I’ll never forget the first time someone brought this raspberry dip to a party. I walked past it three times thinking it looked weird. Sweet raspberry preserves over a cheese mixture? That can’t be good.
But then I tried it, and wow. The combination of sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, and that sweet raspberry layer is absolutely addictive. I went back for seconds, then thirds, and finally just parked myself next to the dish.
Now it’s my go-to party appetizer. Every single time I make it, people ask for the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that sounds strange but tastes amazing.
What Makes This Raspberry Dip Different?
Most dips are either sweet or savory, but this one brilliantly combines both. The sharp cheddar cheese base gives you that rich, tangy flavor, while the raspberry preserves add sweetness that somehow just works.
The texture is what really gets people. You’ve got creamy cheese and mayo, crunchy pecans, and that smooth layer of preserves on top. Every bite is different.
It looks fancy enough for special occasions but comes together in about 10 minutes with no cooking required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, it’s practically foolproof. You literally just mix everything together and spread it in a pan. No complicated techniques or special skills needed.
Second, it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. The ingredients are simple and affordable, but the result looks and tastes like you spent way more effort on it.
Third, everyone loves it once they try it. Even people who think it sounds weird become converts after the first bite.
Recipe Tips for Success
Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Mild cheddar just doesn’t have enough punch to balance the sweetness of the preserves.
Chop your pecans into nice bite-sized pieces. Too big and they’re hard to get on crackers, too small and you lose that great crunch.
Make sure your green onions are chopped fine. Nobody wants a big piece of onion in their bite of dip.
Don’t skip the chilling time. That hour in the fridge really makes a difference in how everything comes together.
What You’ll Need
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup green onions, chopped 2 cups raspberry preserves 2 sleeves round butter crackers Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The round butter crackers are traditional, but any sturdy cracker works. Ritz crackers are perfect, or you could use water crackers if you want something more neutral.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, stir together the grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pecans, and chopped green onions. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. The cheese is already salty, so you probably won’t need much.
Step 3: Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking pan or 9-inch pie pan. Press it down gently to make an even layer.
Step 4: Spread the raspberry preserves over the top in an even layer. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of preserves – that’s the point.
Step 5: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 6: Serve with butter crackers and watch it disappear.
Equipment You’ll Need
A medium mixing bowl for combining the cheese mixture. Nothing fancy required here.
A 9×9-inch baking pan or 9-inch pie pan. Glass or ceramic works best because it looks nice for serving, but metal works too.
A good cheese grater if you’re grating your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has coating on it that doesn’t mix as smoothly, so fresh grated really is better.
A rubber spatula for spreading everything evenly. It’s much easier than trying to use a spoon for the preserves layer.
Creative Ways to Serve It
Set it out as the centerpiece of an appetizer table with crackers arranged around it. Add some grapes or apple slices for people who want a fresher option.
For parties, put it in a pretty serving dish and provide small spoons or spreaders so people can easily get it onto their crackers.
Try serving it with toasted baguette slices instead of crackers for something a little more elegant. The crispy bread holds up well to the creamy dip.
It also works great as part of a cheese board. The sweet and savory combination complements other cheeses perfectly.
Variations to Try
Different cheese: Try cream cheese mixed with a little sharp cheddar for a milder version. Pepper jack adds a nice kick if you like heat.
No pecans: Walnuts work great, or try toasted almonds for something different. You could even skip the nuts entirely and add chopped celery for crunch.
Different preserves: Apricot preserves are amazing in this, or try fig jam for something really special. Pepper jelly makes it sweet and spicy.
Green onions: Regular chopped onion works, but use less because it’s stronger. Fresh chives are another good option that’s a little milder.
Make Ahead Tips
This dip is actually better when made ahead. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.
Just bring it out about 15 minutes before serving so it’s not ice cold. The texture is better at slightly cool room temperature than straight from the fridge.
Don’t add the crackers to the platter until right before serving, or they’ll get soggy from the humidity.
If you’re taking it to a party, transport it in the same dish you’ll serve it in. No need for extra cleanup or transferring.
Storage and Leftovers
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours because of the mayonnaise.
You can’t really freeze this because the mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well. But honestly, I’ve never had leftovers last long enough to worry about freezing anyway.
The texture holds up well as leftovers, though the green onions might get a little stronger after a day or two.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your mixture seems too thick and hard to spread, add a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too thin and runny, add more cheese.
If the preserves are too stiff to spread easily, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up naturally.
If people aren’t trying it because it looks unusual, make sure to tell them what’s in it. Sometimes people need encouragement to try something that combines sweet and savory.
If you find it too sweet for your taste, try using less preserves next time, or look for a more tart variety. Some brands are much sweeter than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
You can, but it won’t taste as rich and creamy. Regular mayonnaise really is better here, and you’re not eating huge portions anyway.
What if I can’t find raspberry preserves?
Any good fruit preserve works. Strawberry, apricot, or even grape jelly in a pinch. Just avoid anything too chunky with big fruit pieces.
How far ahead can I make this?
Up to 2 days ahead is perfect. Any longer and the green onions start to get too strong, and the overall texture changes.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double everything. It’s perfect for big parties or potlucks where you need to feed more people.
Why does everyone ask for the recipe?
Because it’s so unexpected! The combination sounds weird but tastes incredible. People can’t figure out what makes it so addictive.
Can I make this without nuts?
Sure, just leave them out. You’ll miss some of the texture contrast, but it still tastes great. Some people add chopped water chestnuts for crunch instead.
