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One of my most requested recipes and a party favorite, this easy creamy refried bean dip is the perfect snack to go along with your afternoon happy hour, Taco Tuesday, or game day.
Jump to:
- What's in Refried Bean Dip
- How to Make Homemade Refried Bean Dip
- Easy Cocktails to Serve with Refried Bean Dip
- Recipe Tips
- Using Leftover Bean Dip
- Make This Refried Bean Dip Ahead of Time
- Serve Creamy Bean Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips
- More Easy Appetizer Recipes You'll Love
- Print the Recipe Card
- Refried Bean Dip Recipe (Without Cream Cheese)
Making a creamy bean dip from scratch is super easy, and since it comes together in minutes, you’ll be snacking in no time! This delicious dip skips the slow cooker and food processor, using only a small pot to create a cheesy bean dip on your stovetop.
This creamy, refried bean dip is the perfect appetizer anytime you need a quick, last minute dish to pass. It's made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at your favorite grocery store.
Hot bean dip is different from a layer dip but still contains lots of your favorite toppings like pinto beans, cheese and sour cream. I use a can of good quality refried pinto beans - refried black beans would also be delicious - in this simple recipe along with spices I always keep on hand.
This recipe has the texture of super creamy refried beans but doesn't rely on cream cheese. The sour cream gives it a tanginess that can't be found in a cream cheese bean dip.
This easy dip has been compared to a layer bean dip, but I think those are actually very separate dishes. The absence of ground beef, shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and black olives being a start. I also serve my bean dip warm - it's too thick at room temperature - unlike layered dip that's designed to be served at room temp.
Bean dip is one of my favorite recipes to make, and not just for game day. (Though I do make it often during football season!) I love this creamy dip as an easy appetizer anytime guests come over - especially with some homemade tortilla chips - or a delicious addition to a taco bar.
It often makes an appearance on Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesdays in our house as a dip for quesadillas, a side to tacos, or to use on tostadas. Make it for your next party. It's sure to be a huge hit!
What's in Refried Bean Dip
- Refried beans - Choose your favorite brand of refried beans. A can of refried black beans would be a delicious substitute for traditional refried pinto beans to turn this into an easy black bean dip recipe.
- Sour cream - Regular, low fat or fat free all work in this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese - Regular or low fat cheese both work for this dish. Skip the fat free cheese as it doesn't always melt smoothly.
- Salsa - Choose store bought or homemade salsa. The spice level of the salsa will be the spice level of your bean dip.
- Garlic powder, Onion powder, Cumin, Chili powder - Four pantry-staple spices that give this bean dip big flavor.
How to Make Homemade Refried Bean Dip
Warm the refried beans in a small pot over medium heat.
Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.
Reduce heat to low and let the dip simmer on the stove for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm with a big pile of homemade tortilla chips.
Easy Cocktails to Serve with Refried Bean Dip
Enjoy your creamy bean dip with a classic tequila cocktail for a delicious happy hour. Grapefruit Palomas and classic lime Margaritas are my favorite sips with this dip.
Want a non-alcoholic drink? Try my zero-proof Grapefruit Paloma Mocktails or these alcohol-free Margarita Mocktails.
Recipe Tips
- Spice it up! As written, this is a super mild dip made with mild spices. Add a can of drained, diced green chiles to this easy bean dip recipe to take it to the next level. You can also use hot salsa instead of mild salsa when making this recipe.
- Add fresh toppings for serving - like fresh cilantro or diced green onions - to your dip for a pretty presentation. Just scoop your bean dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle on your choice of garnish.
- Make this dip even faster by swapping out the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder for 2-3 teaspoons of spices from a packet of taco seasoning.
Using Leftover Bean Dip
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use leftover bean dip as filling in a burrito. I like to combine it with my tomato rice and beans and some extra cheese for an easy vegetarian burrito dinner. You can also use leftover dip on nachos or tostadas, or as a dip for quesadillas.
Make This Refried Bean Dip Ahead of Time
Yes! This dip is an awesome make ahead dip for parties. You can make bean dip up to 48 hours before you’re planning to eat it. Just reheat it in a pot over low heat on the stove or in 20 second increments the microwave. Be sure to stir it often as you reheat the dip.
Serve Creamy Bean Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Nothing elevates a dip like fresh chips! Make these quick, 3 ingredient homemade tortilla chips to go along with your easy, creamy refried bean dip.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes You'll Love
Print the Recipe Card
Refried Bean Dip Recipe (Without Cream Cheese)
Ingredients
- 15 oz can refried beans
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Warm the refried beans in a small pot over medium heat.15 oz can refried beans
- Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.½ cup sour cream, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup salsa, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin
- Reduce heat to low and let the dip simmer on the stove for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with fresh tortilla chips.
R Arroyo says
other recipes have lots of cheese & barely taste the bean; with this one u can & has right amount of tomato flavor; EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED
Katy McAvoy says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that!!