Cheesy Refried Bean Dip Recipe

This cheesy, creamy fiesta in a dish is my ultimate go-to for any gathering, always stealing the spotlight with its mouthwatering layers of flavor. I love how easy it is to prepare, and the jalapeño kick at the end gives it that extra spicy touch, making it totally irresistible for my taste buds!

The Cheesy Refried Bean Dip I make is a perfect and bold blend of zesty flavors and creamy textures. Refried beans, a cup each of sour cream and cream cheese that have been softened, make up the really rich base of this dip.

I then layer on the extreme cheesiness of a cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack, along with salsa that packs a flavorful punch. Because a dip’s gotta dip, I use taco seasoning as a binder and then top it with fresh green onions and cilantro.

For a little extra lift, half of a lime’s worth of juice gets mixed in, and if you like your crowds to be pleasers, a little heat from jalapeños.

Ingredients

Refried Beans:
An excellent provider of fiber and protein, giving a creamy mouthfeel.

Sour Cream:
Imparts a sharp, zesty taste and velvety smoothness, with nutrients that are good for you.

Cheddar Cheese:
Delivers zesty taste and creamy meltability, with calcium and protein.

Monterey Jack Cheese:
Delivers a mild flavor and a growing melt, along with calcium.

Salsa:
Enhances fresh brightness, stuffed full of the vitamins packed in tomatoes and peppers.

Taco Seasoning:
Offers a zesty punch, blending together cumin, chili powder, and garlic.

Green Onions:
Injects sharp, vibrant flavor with a touch of freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups refried beans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. In a expansive mixing bowl, amalgamate the refried beans with the sour cream and the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is thoroughly blended.

3. Blend in the taco seasoning and salsa until fully mixed in.

4. Evenly spread the bean mixture into a baking dish.

5. Sprinkle the mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top of the beans.

6. In the oven that has been heated to the right temperature, bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is within a melting and bubbling state.

7. Take the dip out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

8. Top the dip with chopped green onions and cilantro.

9. If you want additional heat, put some sliced jalapeños on top.

10. Accompany with your preferred dippable snacks or warm tortilla chips.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Baking dish
7. Oven mitts
8. Knife
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?Certainly! Preparing the dip a day in advance is completely fine. Just make sure to cover it well, and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, bake it according to the directions. And enjoy!

  \- Prep dip a day in advance
  \- Cover and refrigerate
  \- Bake when ready to serve

• What is the best way to reheat leftovers?Microwave the dip for 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it is heated through. If you prefer, you can reheat it in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). If you do, plan on giving it about 15-20 minutes in the oven.
• Can I use different cheeses?Certainly! You can switch it up with your top cheeses. Pepper Jack or mozzarella would work well and add different flavors.
• Is there a non-spicy version of this dip?You can certainly leave out the jalapeño and go with a mild salsa to bring down the heat.
• Can I make this dip vegetarian?This dip is vegetarian already if you use vegetarian refried beans.
• What can I substitute for sour cream?Greek yogurt is a nutritious alternative to regular yogurt, with a creamier texture and a different taste that could add a new dimension to your recipes.
• How can I make this dip vegan?Make it vegan by using vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheese shreds in place of the non-vegan ingredients. Also, swap standard refried beans for vegan refried beans.

  Alternatively, make it plant-based using these same substitutions.

Substitutions and Variations

Refried beans: Replace with black beans or pinto beans, thoroughly smashed.
Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can be used as substitutes in place of sour cream but only if you want to reduce calories and lighten up that particular dip.
Mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative can be used in place of cream cheese.
Colby cheese or a Mexican cheese blend: Shredded cheddar cheese.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Use shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for a cheesy, gooey kind of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Layering for Texture Before baking the dip, consider adding a thin layer of whole black beans or corn between the bean mixture and cheese layers. This addition contributes color, texture, and flavor diversity to the dip.

2. Cheese Upgrade For a more complex flavor, substitute or add a smoked cheese like smoked cheddar or smoked gouda to the shredded cheese blend. This will add a rich, smokey dimension to the dip.

3. Lime Zest After baking, sprinkle a small amount of fresh lime zest over the top along with the cilantro and green onions. The citrus aroma and flavor will add freshness and enhance the overall taste.

4. Spice it Up If you prefer a spicier dip, mix a dash of cayenne pepper or a few splashes of hot sauce into the bean mixture along with the taco seasoning. You can also include finely chopped jalapeños in the mix for even heat distribution.

5. Customize with Toppings Consider adding other toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or avocado before serving. These additions can introduce new flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the dip.