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Easy Hawaiian Dip

β˜… 3.8 (40 ratings)
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By Ella
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 0 min
Calories 225 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love This Easy Hawaiian Dip

This Easy Hawaiian Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer with the perfect combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham. The tropical flavors make it stand out from ordinary party dips, while the simple ingredients make it incredibly easy to prepare.

It's a great make-ahead appetizer for potlucks, holidays, game days, birthday parties, summer gatherings, and family get-togethers. Serve it chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for an irresistible snack.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 1 cup finely diced cooked ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Soften the Cream Cheese

Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature so it mixes easily. Place it in a medium mixing bowl and beat until smooth.

2. Add the Creamy Ingredients

Add the sour cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Hawaiian Flavors

Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, diced ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sliced green onions.

4. Season

Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper. Add chopped macadamia nuts or pecans if desired.

5. Chill

Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to blend and gives the dip a thicker consistency.

6. Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, green onions, parsley, or chopped nuts.

7. Serve

Serve chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or toasted bread.

Expert Tips

Drain the pineapple extremely well because excess liquid can make the dip watery. Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor. Prepare the dip several hours ahead so the flavors have time to develop.

Storage

Store leftover Hawaiian Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. Because this dip contains dairy and ham, keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with buttery crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, celery, carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches and Hawaiian-style sliders.

Recipe Variations

Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor, substitute smoked cheddar for regular cheddar, use shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack, add diced jalapeΓ±os for heat, or stir in toasted coconut for an extra tropical twist. For a sweeter version, add a small amount of finely diced maraschino cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Drain the crushed pineapple very thoroughly before adding it to the dip. Excess pineapple juice is the main cause of a watery texture.
Yes. Finely chop fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice before adding it to the dip.
Absolutely. Omit the ham for a vegetarian version or replace it with cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or smoked turkey.
Buttery crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, pita chips, toasted bread, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and bell pepper strips are all excellent choices.
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