Volcanic Flow Spicy Cracker Dip (Print Version)

Crisp black crackers surround a spicy red-hot jelly for a dramatic party appetizer.

# Components:

→ Crackers

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons activated charcoal powder (food grade)
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1/3 cup water

→ Spicy Red-Hot Jelly

07 - 1 cup red pepper jelly
08 - 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, adjusted to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, activated charcoal powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil and water, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
03 - Roll the dough thinly between two sheets of parchment paper. Cut into irregular shapes resembling lava rocks using a knife or cookie cutter.
04 - Place shaped dough pieces onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until crackers are crisp and dry. Remove and let cool completely.
05 - In a small bowl, combine red pepper jelly, hot sauce, chili flakes, and lime juice. Warm gently if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
06 - Arrange the black crackers in a ring on a serving plate, leaving space in the center for the jelly.
07 - Spoon the spicy red-hot jelly into the center crater. Serve immediately, allowing guests to dip crackers into the jelly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly fancy but takes less time than ordering takeout.
  • The contrast of crispy, dramatic black crackers against spicy red jelly feels like a secret weapon at any gathering.
  • You can make it entirely vegetarian without anyone missing a thing.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the crackers completely before serving, or they'll absorb moisture from the jelly and turn soggy within minutes.
  • The activated charcoal needs to be food-grade and specifically labeled for consumption; anything else is off-limits.
  • If your jelly is too thick straight from the jar, a gentle warm-up for 30 seconds in a saucepan brings it back to pourable without losing its texture.
03 -
  • For extra drama, add finely minced fresh chili to the jelly mix about 10 minutes before serving so it doesn't overpower the other flavors.
  • If store-bought black crackers feel easier, they work beautifully here—save the homemade crackers for times when you want to impress yourself.
Return