This bean dip is a creamy blend of refried beans, seasonings, cream cheese and sour cream, all topped with cheese and baked to melted and gooey perfection. A super easy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering!
Whenever I entertain, I offer a hot cheesy dip such as spinach dip, pizza dip, or this zesty Mexican style bean dip. Your family and friends will be sure to give this snack rave reviews!
No one can resist a rich and cheesy bean dip, and this version is the best I’ve ever had. It has the perfect blend of creaminess and spice, and it literally takes just minutes to put together. Best of all, it can be made in advance which makes it great for parties and family gatherings.
How do you make bean dip?
The key to bean dip is transforming ordinary refried beans to a flavorful and delectable dip. To make the dip creamy and smooth, beat softened cream cheese in a mixer along with some sour cream. Add in canned refried beans, taco seasoning and cheddar cheese and mix them with the creamy base. Once the dip ingredients are mixed together, place the dip in an oven safe dish, top with cheddar cheese, then bake. When the cheese has melted, top the dip with pico de gallo, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for bean dip
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of shredded cheese in a bag. The pre-shredded cheeses tend to use anti-caking agents which prevents the cheese from melting smoothly.
- Use high quality canned refried beans which have a dark color and a nice consistency. Some generic brand refried beans can be watery.
- If you want to save some calories, you can use low fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can make this dip in advance by assembling it, covering it, and storing in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When you are ready to serve the dip, simply uncover it and bake it. Make sure to add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Mexican Dip variations
This traditional bean dip is delicious as-is; however, you can boost the flavor with some extra ingredients.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra items such as green chiles, corn, salsa, sauteed onions or pickled jalapenos to the dip.
- Meat: Leftover Mexican style meat such as carnitas, taco meat, or shredded chicken can turn this dip into a meal.
- Toppings: You can add extra toppings such as a scoop of guacamole, sliced olives, green onions, diced red onion, chopped cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce.
How long does homemade bean dip last?
After the dish has been baked, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the dish has dairy components including sour cream and cream cheese, I wouldn’t keep it around any longer than 3 days.
Can you eat bean dip cold?
Bean dip is delicious hot or cold. You can certainly eat the bean dip cold. If you do eat it cold, you will want to use a spoon to put the dip on the chips as the dip will be thicker and may break chips if you try to dip them.
If you have ever wondered how they get restaurant bean dip to be so smooth and creamy, this recipe is your answer. Why go to a restaurant when you can have this delicious dip fresh and hot from your oven?
More Mexican recipes you’ll love
Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 16 ounce cans refried beans
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo optional garnish
- tortilla chips for serving
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 or 10 inch baking dish or skillet with cooking spray.
- Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer. Beat until light and fluffy. Add the sour cream and beat until well mixed.
- Stir in the refried beans, taco seasoning and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spoon the bean mixture into the prepared dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until dip is bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Top with pico de gallo, and serve with tortilla chips.
Does this dip heat up well? And if it can be reheated, how would you go about doing it thanks. 🙂
Yes you can reheat it in the microwave or oven.
It’s a great recipe but I should have halved it since there’s only two of us. Do you think it would freeze well?
Yes that should work!
Thank you, Sara. 🙂
Beware as this recipe is very addicting! We can’t stop eating it when I make it. Many times I just serve it with salad for dinner. (:
OMG! This dip is so amazing! I can’t stop eating it! May need to double the recipe next time.
So good! Cheesy and flavorful!
This is so addicting! I can’t stop eating it!
This has quickly become one of our new favorite game day snacks!
You really knocked it out of the park with this one! I couldn’t stop eating it!
I LOVE bean dip with all my heart, and this version is on my list to try this weekend for a party.
This bean dip looks incredibly delicious!
We really loved the flavor of this dip! Came out tasting great!
I need this dip for our weekend movie night! Mouthwatering!
Such a fantastic dip!! A must try!
Everyone always goes crazy over this dip! Seriously so easy and delicious!
This bean dip is always a big hit at parties!!
I can wait to make a batch of this goodness! Love bean dip!
Excellent info. Can’t wait to make the bean dip and cake balls which I’m making for a Bunco evening.
Carolyn W.