Halloween Black Bean Dip (Ready-to-Print Version)

Smoky black bean dip with salsa and crispy puff pastry letters, an easy festive snack for any occasion.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dip

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1 tablespoon granulated vegetable bouillon
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
12 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
13 - ¼ cup mild chunky salsa
14 - 1 green onion, sliced
15 - buttery round crackers, for serving

→ Puff Pastry RIP Letters

16 - 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
17 - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute without browning.
02 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and vegetable bouillon into the skillet. Stir to evenly coat the aromatics and warm for about 30 seconds.
03 - Transfer the sautéed mixture to a food processor. Add drained black beans, lime juice, salsa, and half of the chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 - Move the dip to a shallow serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Before serving, garnish with the remaining cilantro and sliced green onions for freshness.
05 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use mini alphabet cookie cutters to cut out 'RIP' letters. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake 7 to 10 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
06 - Present the black bean dip alongside buttery round crackers and arrange the puff pastry 'RIP' letters on top for a festive and inviting display.

# Handy Tips:

01 - For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the dip longer adding a tablespoon of water or olive oil as needed. Flavors deepen if prepared a day ahead. Keep crackers and pastry separate until serving to prevent sogginess.