Honduran Anafre (Bean and Cheese Dip)
Anafre is Honduras' beloved warm bean and cheese dip — a bubbling, shareable appetizer that anchors get-togethers and parties. It takes its name from the anafre, the small clay pot or brazier it is traditionally served in, kept warm over hot coals at the table.
The base is a smooth layer of refried red beans topped with plenty of melting cheese, often with crumbled chorizo stirred in for extra richness. It is served hot and gooey, with crisp tortilla chips or fried plantain chips for scooping.
Anafre is the Honduran answer to a shared bean dip, and it pairs naturally with the same flavors found in catrachas and baleadas. A spoonful of chismol or a few slices of avocado on top make it even better.
For the best anafre, use well-seasoned refried beans and a good melting cheese, and keep it warm while serving so it stays soft and scoopable. It is the ultimate Honduran party dip.
Honduran Anafre Recipe
Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups refried red beans
- 1/2 lb chorizo, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded melting cheese (quesillo or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup milk (to loosen the beans)
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips, to serve
Instructions
- Warm the refried beans in a pot, stirring in a little milk to make them smooth and spreadable.
- Stir in the cooked chorizo, if using.
- Transfer to an oven-proof clay pot or dish and top with the shredded cheese.
- Heat under the broiler or over coals until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips or plantain chips for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anafre?
Anafre is a warm Honduran dip of refried red beans and melted cheese, often with chorizo, served bubbling in a clay pot with tortilla or plantain chips.
Why is it called anafre?
It is named after the anafre, the small clay pot or brazier it is traditionally served in, which keeps the dip warm over hot coals at the table.
What do you eat with anafre?
It is scooped up with crisp tortilla chips or fried plantain chips, and is a popular shared appetizer at parties and gatherings.
What cheese is used in anafre?
A good melting cheese such as quesillo or a mozzarella-style cheese works best, layered over the refried beans until gooey.