Tailgate Recipe: Santiago Salsa (Beans and Rice Dip)

Nealey Dozier
Nealey Dozier
Nealey Dozier is a former wedding planner turned chef, culinary instructor, recipe developer, and food writer. She is based in Atlanta. You can find more of her Southern adventures in eating and entertaining at www.dixiecaviar.com.
updated Jan 29, 2020
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Santiago Salsa

Serves10 to 12

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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Every day is gameday at my house it seems, so I am always on the hunt for new appetizer recipes to keep our snacking interesting. The men in my life are easy to please: to them, Dixie Caviar, Buffalo Dip, and Beer Cheese will never get old. I’m the one that needs more excitement. It’s a curse of my profession!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

I dined at one of my favorite college haunts recently. As I scanned the menu I was thrilled to see their old standby, Santiago Salsa, still made the cut. Seriously, this simple appetizer (and maybe a Bloody Mary or two) got me through more than a couple of rough Sundays. I happily munched on my cheesy baked rice and beans, and then it dawned on me. “I can totally make this!” I hurriedly scribbled the ingredients onto a cocktail napkin and couldn’t wait to get home and get started.

My re-creation attempts were right on the money if I may say so myself. It’s so refreshing to have a new dip in my arsenal that doesn’t contain cream cheese or mayonnaise. I like it just the way it is, although I’m sure you could substitute brown rice and reduce the amount of cheese if you wanted to increase the health factor. What’s so great about this recipe is that leftovers (if there are any) could easily pass for a side dish alongside some chicken fajitas or grilled fish. I sure do love a dish that can pull double duty!

I really hope this delicious “salsa” makes its way to a tailgate near you. But don’t just limit it to football season; it’s perfect all year long. How about you? What are your go-to tailgate recipes?

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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Santiago Salsa

Serves 10 to 12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

For the dip:

  • 1

    (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1

    (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1

    (15-ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 cup

    cooked white rice

  • 1 cup

    diced tomato

  • 1/2 cup

    diced onion

  • 3 cups

    (12 ounces) grated cheddar-Monterey Jack blend, divided

  • 2 tablespoons

    finely diced pickled jalapeño

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon

    cayenne pepper (optional)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For serving:

  • Tortilla chips

  • Sour cream

  • Salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the beans, rice, tomato, onion, 2 cups of cheese, jalapeno, and spices. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper. Pour into a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet or round baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes.

  3. Remove from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and continue to bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 - 10 more minutes.

  4. Serve warm with tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.

Recipe Notes

Inspired by Amsterdam Cafe.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Related: Tailgating and Beyond: 10 Simple Dips

(Images: Nealey Dozier)

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appetizer