A few years ago some friends of ours took John and me on a tour of Manhattan. Not Manhattan the Big Apple. The little apple. Yes, Kansas has a Little Apple and it’s in the middle of nowhere and it happens to be quite charming. Besides having the some of the most crazed, insane fans in all of college sports, it has the most charming little boutiques, cafe and coffee shops – perfect for a day’s worth of exploring.
If you’re ever there you must do three things…
1. Go to Varsity Donuts for some of the best donuts you’ll EVER have.
2. Go to Radina’s for a true college-town coffee shop experience.
3. Go to So Long Saloon and order the raspberry chipotle bean dip. It is to die for.
In fact, it was one of the primary reasons we went to Manhattan in the first place! Our friends bragged on it so much and insisted we go to this packed bar in the middle of downtown and try this dip.
One bite in, I understood the obsession. This dip may sound a little wacky – black beans, cream cheese and raspberry chipotle sauce? But odd as it may sound, it is out of this world delicious.
The awesome thing about this recipe? It comes together in about 30 minutes and it’s gluten-free and vegan optional. I made it vegan for my dairy-free friends (myself included), but you certainly don’t have to.
Plus, it serves a crowd. If you’re having company or watching the big game or hosting a dinner party, this is the perfect thing to serve. It’s filling and scoop-able and delicious piping hot or room temperature – the perfect kind of dip for grazing over the course of an event.
The preparation is also quite simple.
Saute red onion and garlic, add it to cream cheese and stir.
Heat your black beans with a touch of spices and salt.
Put your cream cheese in the center of a serving dish or skillet,
top with raspberry chipotle sauce (like Bronco Bob’s found at World Market),
then top with grated pepperjack cheese.
Broil till bubbly then eat!
The whole process takes about 30 minutes and leftovers keep and reheat well.
So what does it taste like?
Savory
Sweet
Creamy
Hot
Not too spicy
Hearty
Filling
Addictive
& Perfect on chips
Trust me, you’re gonna love this dip.
You can either serve it as is after cooking or swirl it around to meld the flavors. I only did so slightly for visual appeal, but you can also just use a chip to scoop and swirl as you please.
This is my homage to the original, but it’s not as good as the one you’ll find at So Long Saloon! So if you ever find yourself in Manhattan, Kansas, you know what to do. Enjoy!
Raspberry Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can black beans (loosely rinsed and drained)
- 1 pinch each sea salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 medium red or white onion (diced // 1/2 onion yields ~2/3 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 2.5-ounce raspberry chipotle sauce (Bronco Bob’s – found at World Market // 1 2.5-oz jar yields ~5 Tbsp)
- 1 8-ounce container vegan cream cheese (such as Trader Joe’s brand or Tofutti)
- 1/3 cup dairy-free shredded jack cheese (such as Daiya // or sub regular cheese if not vegan/dairy free)
- Cilantro for topping and chips or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C).
- In a small saucepan, heat the beans along with salt, pepper and cumin. Once warmed through, taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside.
- Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) over medium heat. Add onions and a healthy pinch of salt and stir. Cook until soft and fragrant stirring frequently – about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Then add to a mixing bowl with the cream cheese and stir.
- Removed from the stove top, add the cream cheese-onion mixture back to the cast iron skillet. Place it in the center and make a well (or just spread it in an even layer on the bottom for more even distribution).
- Add the black beans on top around the outside of the cream cheese, and pour the raspberry chipotle sauce in the center.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top (optional but recommended) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with a bit of additional cheese and fresh cilantro (optional). Serve immediately.
- You can either swirl everything around first to combine flavors, or let people scoop into it with chips and get a little bite of each ingredient. Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for several days. Just reheat in the microwave or the oven.
Notes
*Nutrition is a rough estimate calculated without chips.
Rachelle Brooks says
I’m so glad I came across this. I live in Manhattan (Little Apple), born & raised, so I know exactly, the raspberry black bean dip you posted about. Being sure that I would just have to find a recipe similar to So Long Saloon’s Raspberry Black Bean Dip and improvise the rest, I hopped on here hoping to find something “close” to make for Thanksgiving, and Lo and behold, yours was the FIRST one I opened! Thank you for the plug for our amazing little town!
How fun! Enjoy, Rachelle! xoxo
Rebecca Wachovec says
I have been making this recipe for a couple of years and it is always a hit. I can never find the rasberry chipotle sauce so I generally use rasberry jam and a mix of hot pepper cheese and white cheddar or pepper jack what ever I can find. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Yum! Those swaps sound great, Rebecca! Thank you for sharing! xo
Cody says
Can this be made in a crockpot?
Hm, we’re not sure if that would work! Let us know if you try it!
Carol says
I have a jar of chipotle raspberry jam – do you think I could use that instead of the raspberry chipotle sauce? Or would that be too different and throw off the recipe/make it overly sweet? Thx you :)
It could work, we aren’t sure! Let us know how it goes if you give it a try!
Liz says
This is one of my favorite recipes! It’s my go-to during the holidays since it looks so festive with colors of red, green, and white. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. I add smoked paprika to cranberry sauce to use in place of the raspberry chipotle sauce. We love it this way, so I purposefully make extra cranberry sauce to have just for this recipe. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed this, Liz. Love your tips as well! Thanks!
Kaye says
I live in Manhattan or MHK. I have made this recipe often and given the supplies and recipe away for gifts. I get my Bronco Bobs at Dillions (a Kroger) store. It has been known to sell out around these parts. The onions and cheese can be omitted and it is still a winner. Drain the black beans and rinse them. A pie plate makes one recipe. The rule of thumb I learned was: 1 can, one block cream cheese, 1/3 bottle of raspberry bbq. 1 cup white cheese. Thank you for visiting MHK you are always welcome!
Thanks so much for sharing, Kaye!
KM says
Everyone thinks I’m crazy when I make this delicious dip from back home. BTW So Long is in Aggieville, which is different from downtown. Glad you enjoyed! Hope you had a Nancy to go with it
Trent says
We lived in Manhattan Kansas for a few years and So Long Saloon in Aggieville was our favorite place in town hand down. I really missed the dip and this recipe nails it! It’s a must try and I promise it will be a hit at any party
YAY! So glad this lives up to the real deal. Thanks so much for the great review, Trent!
Kelsey says
I am very much looking forward to making this for the super bowl this year!
A note for anyone else interested: I was unsuccessful in locating the Raspberry Chipotle sauce at World Market (online) and the link shows that it is no longer available on Amazon, but if you search for the product by name, you can find it in different packaging.
Super helpful! Thank you for sharing, Kelsey!
Linda says
I Love this!!
I’ve made this dip from memory for many years. 😉
I also grew up in Manhattan
(The Little Apple) Kansas 💜
We spent many Friday nights at SoLong Saloon in Aggieville and always ordered the The Chipolte Black Bean Dip and the famous Nancy, Old Milwaukee and pineapple juice 😆 it’s true!!
Next time tell your friends to head to Rock A Belly Deli, their Hot Sub Sandwiches are wonderful. Cheese Dip is too 😋
So glad I found this recipe 💜
Thanks for the tip, Linda! Glad you enjoyed this one!
Jaime says
A winner at my Superbowl party. Highly recommend this dip for a refreshing change of pace to add to your dip rotation.
Amazing! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Jaime! xo
Jackie Ashcraft says
I have made this recipe for two different group parties. It was a hit both times, no leftovers. The unique combination of ingredients makes it a conversation piece and leaves people asking for the recipe.
Whoop! Thanks for sharing, Jackie! xo
Heather Knight says
I found your blog when I went looking for this exact recipe. It was in circulation with my college friend group at one point, but I lost track of it and plan to make it for the Oscar’s this weekend. One of my favorite birthday memories was eating this dip and sharing beverages with my college roomies at So Long Saloon while the rain poured down outside. So cozy! Thanks for faithfully replicating my food memory. I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in our little apple!
AprilBarnes says
I love this recipe! I’ve made it a few times and have put the left overs in quesadillas:) I made my own raspberry sauce from both fresh and frozen raspberries. Thank you!
Janessa says
Cool recipe. Can’t wait to try it but what chips are pictured?!
Hi Janessa! I think they were Trader Joe’s!
Aj says
Tasted today at little apple, it was awesome. Probably try this menu at home, Thanks to sharing!
Meg says
Love love LOVE Manhattan KS and the So Long Saloon! I’ve made this myself a few times after having it there, SO glad that someone made this available to the world!
Ticia says
So trying this tonight! Hopefully I can find the raspberry chipotle sauce at my whole foods!
Yay! Do it!
Alison Ethridge says
I went searching for the raspberry chipotle been dip from So Long Saloon and so happy to have found your recipe!! Best bean dip, hands down. Thank you for posting! I’m drooling just thinking about it!!
Lillie says
We’ve made this recipe a few times, once as the main course split by my husband and I and another as a side for a larger shared meal with friends. It is incredibly satisfying and filling! Everyone has loved and been surprised by the flavors of this recipe!
Haley says
So I was perusing your snack recipes for something to take to a potluck at work tomorrow and was so excited to find this recipe. I graduated from K-State a few years ago and definitely miss Varsity Donuts and Radina’s! I live in Denver now and there are lots of great doughnut, coffee, and food options, but MHK will always hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to share a (vegan) taste of Manhattan with my coworkers!
emma says
I’m so happy I found this I go to K-STATE and this is one of my all time favorite things!!
Heather HB says
I’m a Little Apple townie and I can’t wait to try this recipe! My hubby introduced me to this dip– he was astounded that I had never tried it, of course– and it would be nice to have a similar dip to make at home when we eventually leave Manhattan behind. Thanks so much for posting this! :)
Gabriel says
Thanks for the recipe, fellow townie. Having guests over for dinner and was stoked to find your site.
Take care!
Rachel says
I was happy to see radina’s on your list of places to visit! I worked there and miss it terribly! Living in a small college town offered a great sense of community! Just stumbled across your blog while looking up the recipe for so long’s black bean dip! It’s definitely a game changer!
Michelle says
Made this today for a large group of cheese loving Wisconsinites and it was devoured! I had multiple people ask me for the recipe. I made my own raspberry chipotle sauce too. I don’t always love daiya cheese but in this instance it worked really well. Thanks! I will definitely make this again.
TiffanyJ says
I graduated from K-State 10 years ago and still miss So Long! I’d always start with the dip and fried pickles and move onto a Boulevard Wheat with the Get Nekkid! Then not eat for three days after that. Oh to go home again! Thanks for the reminder!
Kelzee says
What a fun combination of flavors! I couldn’t find the raspberry chipotle sauce in a hurry, but I had some success with raspberry preserves, jalapenos, and a bit of BBQ sauce. Delicious! Plus all my friends were too busy stuffing their faces to be too down about Wisconsin’s loss to Kentucky over the weekend. The mark of truly successful dip. :)
Haha, nice! Glad you enjoyed this, Kelzee!
Meg @ The Housewife In Training Files says
You just became my favorite person! I LOVE So Long’s black bean dip. As a K-Stater, we lived for this appetizer. I love your simplicity with it and not over thinking the ingredients. I am definitely adding this to our next party!
Thanks Meg! Glad you found us! Do you still live in the Midwest?!
Meg @ The Housewife In Training Files says
I do! I live in KC, just outside of downtown. Whenever you guys venture up to KC, I would love to meet you! I have looked up to your blog for some time :)
Oh fun! We live in Midtown. Great to “meet” you. It’d be fun to get together sometime.
Meagan says
Just had to say that I made this last night…DELISH! My husband and I could not stop eating it!
Ha! Yay! That makes my day! Officially husband approved :D
Jenny @ BAKE says
I am so intrigued by all these flavours together! it sounds delicious
Lacey says
As a current Lawrencian & Jayhawk I am obligated to refuse anything Manhattan…however, I would have to make an exception for this dip! OMG! Or I’ll just have to make some right here in Lawrence ;)
Ha! I get you there. I was raised a Jayhawk and really am not a KSTATE fan. BUT, this dip does make me grow a fondness for Manhattan. That and Varsity Donuts. OMGEEE.
Claire (Eat Well. Party Hard.) says
Insane. As soon as I saw the title of this post, I thought “that sounds like the dip at So Long Saloon in Manhattan!” My best friend went to K-State and made SURE to introduce me to this stuff before she graduated :) Thanks for the flashback!
Katie @ Produce on Parade says
Goodness! This is gorgeous. What a clever combination; black beans and raspberries. I bet that’s wonderful! :)
DessertForTwo says
So Long’s black bean dip is amazing!!! I love So Long! I’m not a big meat eater, but even I would order a burger there. I’ve been making this dip for parties forever, and people are always shocked at how simple the ingredients are! I was going to share a recipe on my site, but it looks like you beat me to it, hehe!
Kait Snoddy says
I’ve called the little apple my home for 6 years! In fact, I left the big apple to downsize to this one.
You’re list is pretty accurate and this dip, while delicious, is just as good made at home (which is how I usually do it now). I must say that you’re missing a few key things.
1) The Co-Op there is SO cute. It’s still little and run by a small group What a food co-op was meant to be!
2) Radina’s is ok, (if you can find a table during finals) but Arrow, a new shop, is even better.
3) The best place to grab a drink is in a old speakeasy called Auntie Mae’s Parlor. It looks drab but it’s the oldest bar in town (that has never closed for a period of time) and has good atmosphere, strong classic cocktails and a staff that thrives in the space below ground.
4) If you’re there late night, Varsity doughnuts has a food truck in the back. You can get doughnuts fresh from the fryer and super unhealthy snacks like maple bacon fritters and grilled cheese mac and cheese sandwiches.
5) To walk off all that food go to the Konza. It’s beautiful!
Now that you’re travel guide is complete, come back some time!
Thanks for the tips! I’m planning a trip there sometime this summer and these stops sound delightful!
Rachel says
Kaitttttt….yes to all of these except that I haven’t had a chance to go to Arrow yet. I miss seeing your face at radina’s and what not.
Valerie says
WOW! This recipe looks delicious. I love the mix of raspberry chipotle. I might just have to make this for dinner tonight ;)
Isadora says
At first I thought that this recipe sounded a little bit strange, but reading on and looking at the pictures I’m not thinking that I need to eat this Raspberry Chipotle Black Bean Dip right now! I am very intrigued and will have to give it a try!
I know, so weird sounding. But so good! Hope you give it a go, Isadora!
Isadora says
Ooops, I meant to write *now thinking instead of not thinking :)
Susan Pantle says
A definite do!! Sounds delicious!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
This recipe is so inventive and has my mouth-watering! I NEED to try this!!
Madelein - mother to six wonderful kids says
Looks fantastic! Always nice to find new recipes
Katie @ The Surly Housewife says
I am totally intrigued by this recipe. I am always looking for ways to use up black beans when I make up a big batch from scratch. This dip sounds great! Pinned :)
Shannon says
Oh gurl, you speaking my kind of cray cray with this recipe. Seriously though, it sounds great. Alas I do not have a World Market nearby to purchase some raspberry chipotle sauce. Yesterday I was at Whole Foods, which is about an hour away from where I live, and I saw a different brand of said sauce but it was seriously 8 dollars (ahem, I was at Whole Foods after all….and I had already purchased some unnecessary food splurges like some dragonfuit and jackfruit). Any suggestions on concocting a homemade version? I thought I could mix up some natural raspberry preserves with a can of chipotles in adobo sauce. Thoughts? Also I was going to sub cream cheese with goat cheese, since I usually have that in stock.
Hmm, not sure! I would say subbing just another jam, such as plain raspberry, and then stirring in some chipotle peppers or powder! Hope that helps!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
I just about choked on my coffee! I’m feeling practically famous since I’ve lived in Manhattan my whole life! :) I agree, Varsity donuts are amazing. I’ve never even heard of this dip, but it also sounds amazing. I’ll have to go find it, try it, and then make this copycat. Thanks for sharing, pinned!
Ha! Manhattan is quite lovely. So wonderful that you’ve lived there your whole life! Thanks for sharing. I love knowing of readers in our neck of the woods ; D Varsity Donuts? I could eat nothing but their fresh blueberry donuts for life and be quite content. Cheers, Mary!
Terr says
SCORE! I already have some refried black beans left over in my freezer. I was just thinking today, what would I do with them? Living in Texas, there’s always a berry/chipotle jam or sauce around. So, I know what type of dip to whip up in the next couple of weeks, perfect for my DVD Saturdays.
You win, AGAIN Dana!
Love it! So glad you can try this dish. It’s a lovely Saturday snack!
Natalia says
OMG!!!! I was an exchange student at Manhattan, KS!!!! Such a coincidence!!! Of course back in 88 those places you mention did not exist, but still… I loved it!!! Such a different place from Barcelona, but still loved it, those skies, those sunsets were something out of this world. I would love to go back…
Such a beautiful place, no? But Barcelona!? Even better! Jealous.
Rachel Nordgren says
Manhattan!!! The wee lil’ Apple…one of my favorite places ever. Now I am craving a Radina’s latte and a Fruity Pebbles donut.
This recipe looks divine! Can’t wait to invent a reason to try it! That reason might be that it’s a Tuesday, but whatever.
We should totally go there sometime! I’d love to have a girls date :D
Rachel Nordgren says
Oh yes please! I would adore that!!! Let’s make it happen!
Sammi @Sammi Sunshine says
I just learned about Manhattan, KS! My friend told me she had to meet her ex- husband between Manhattan and KC (where we live), and I started freaking out! I kept asking all these questions about how long the drive was and if she wanted me to keep her company. I thought she meant MANHATTAN! Haha she told me there was one in KS, and I felt like a fool. But what she didn’t tell me was that it was a cool place to visit! Anyway, the dip is very intriguing… May have to try it sometime :)
Peace & Sunshine,
Sammi
Yes, Kansas is deceptive with our faux Manhattans : ) Hope you try the dip! And thanks for sharing the story. Always love hearing from readers!
trisha says
this looks so delicious and healthy! exactly what I want! x
Katy says
I haven’t had been dip in so long, and I don’t know why because it’s awesome. So addicting. But with raspberry, now that just sounds amazing. And I love exploring parts of your city that you haven’t before!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Dana OMG this is so me! The raspberry and the sweetness against the savory black beans with the chipotle smokiness. HEAVEN! Pinned!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Sounds like it would be worth the trip to Kansas for this dip. Isn’t it incredible what food can do? I will tuck this recipe away and definitely try it someday.
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
I am intrigued!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Loving all the fun flavours in this!! It looks awesome!