Refried bean dip layers beans, cream cheese, salsa, cheddar, and green chiles, then bakes until bubbling. It disappears fast at any party.

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A Note From My Kitchen

Have you ever been shopping for taco night and found yourself impulse buying some refried beans just to get them home to open the can to find yourself standing there thinking, "How the heck am I supposed to make these?"

No? Just me? Okay then!

Regardless of whether that's happened to you or not, I am here with the skinny on what to do if you want to know how to make easy bean dip from a can of refried beans. Yes, friends. We're going to turn that boring old can of beans into the cheesiest, dreamiest, prettiest bean dip you ever did see.

So, if you're looking for something to serve with your Grilled Chicken Burritos, you're having a party, or you just want to use up the beans sitting in your pantry to make a scrumptious snack, this recipe is for you! After you bake this recipe for bean dip, you'll find yourself heading to the store specifically to pick up refried beans to make it over and over again.

Mark my words!

Happy cooking,

Two Bite Tested

Refried Bean Dip is a popular recipe because it is easy to make, has a pretty presentation, and is delicious hot or at room temperature.

This post will teach you how to make bean dip with refried beans and includes ingredient notes, answers to frequently asked questions, serving and storage suggestions, a detailed recipe card, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

• Refried Beans: Instead of making homemade refried beans, we're going to save time and look for canned refried beans in the ethnic food aisle of the grocery store near the taco seasoning and salsa.
• Green Chiles: Green chiles add a mild pepper flavor to the dip. If you like it spicy, look for a can of hot green chiles instead of mild.
• Sour Cream: You can use regular, fat-free, or even plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
• Cream Cheese: If you bring your cream cheese to room temperature, it will be much easier to incorporate into the dip.
• Salsa: Go with whatever brand or spiciness you like! I recommend medium salsa.
• Chili Powder: Chili powder, not to be confused with chile powder, is a spice blend you can pick up at the grocery store in the spice aisle.
• Cumin: Cumin is a spice that will add a warm and earthy taste to your dip.
• Pepperjack Cheese: This mild cheese studded with spicy peppers is the perfect melty accompaniment to the cheddar. For less heat, use Monterey jack cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Go with sharp for the best bold flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Refried Beans?

Refried beans are a popular Mexican side dish. They are commonly made from mashed pinto beans mixed with savory spices. They are a delicious source of protein and fiber. While some might complain refried beans are high in sodium, you can find low-sodium varieties if desired.

Is a can of refried beans the same as bean dip?

Refried beans are really yummy served as is, but this recipe transforms a can of beans into a smoother, creamier, flavorful cheesy dip. In this case, plain refried beans and this refried bean dip with cream cheese, salsa, and other mix-ins are not the same.

Can I Make Bean Dip in the Slow Cooker?

While this recipe could be adapted to prepare in the slow cooker, I suggest trying the World's Best Easy Cheesy Bean Dip recipe that I wrote specifically for crock pots and slow cookers. I think you'll enjoy it just as much as this baked version! Both would make an excellent party appetizer.

Can I make this hot bean dip recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Sure! You can make bean dip in advance following these instructions:

• Mix all of the ingredients and top with the cheese.
• Transfer to your baking dish, these are my favorite baking dishes, and refrigerate before baking.
• When ready to prepare the dip to serve, add just a few extra minutes of cooking time.
• Then top with the garnishes as directed.

Two Bite Take

"I took this dip to a party at my neighbor's house and it was the first thing to disappear! Not a drop left at the end of the party. It was a HIT!"

- Becky, recipe author

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With Refried Bean Dip

I suggest serving hot Mexican refried bean dip as a side dish or appetizer alongside tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or any of your other Mexican favorites.

Refried Bean Dip Variations

This dip could easily stand on its own right out of the oven, but the pretty garnishes really take it to the next level in taste and presentation. Here are my favorite (and suggested!) garnish ideas:

• fresh cubed avocado
• diced cherry tomatoes
• fresh chopped cilantro
• crumbled cotija cheese
• sliced green onion

What Dippers to Serve With Bean Dip

Think outside the box and serve your dip with one of these dippers:

• tortilla chips
• bagel chips
• fresh vegetables like carrot chips, bell peppers, or cucumbers
• toasted baguette slices

Got Leftovers?

What To Do With Leftover Refried Bean Dip

This bean dip is not only delicious but versatile when it comes to leftovers! Here are my favorite ways to use up leftover bean dip:

• folded into an omelet
• on top of nachos
• mixed into chili or soup
• spread onto sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs
• reheated and eaten with chips
• and so much more!

How To Store Refried Bean Dip

Enjoy leftover refried bean dip that has been stored in the refrigerator within 3-4 days.

Can you freeze refried bean dip?

Yes! You can freeze bean dip. Cool the bean dip completely, transfer it to an freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to one year.

Refried Bean Dip

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Refried bean dip layers beans, cream cheese, salsa, cheddar, and green chiles, then bakes until bubbling. It disappears fast at any party.

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INGREDIENTS

2 (16 ounce) cans refried beans
1 (4 ounce) can mild diced green chiles
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
fresh avocado, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine the cans of beans, green chiles, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and half of the pepperjack and cheddar cheese. Stir until completely combined.
3. Transfer the bean mixture to a glass baking dish and top with the remaining shredded pepperjack and cheddar cheese.
4. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the garnishes.

NOTES

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.

Behind the Bites

Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites. I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years, focusing on easy dishes that become family favorites. I’m glad you’re here! You can learn more about me and the blog here.

More Yummy Recipes

Looking for more awesome dip recipes with refried beans and other beans, too? Check out these popular bean dip recipes from the archives:

• Secret Ingredient Dill Dip
• Black Bean and Avocado Dip
• White Bean Dip
• Crock Pot Refried Bean Dip
• Black Bean Hummus