The Best Bean Dip Recipe for All Your Upcoming Parties

When you have something good, sometimes it is fun to share it. This week I want to share with you the best bean dip recipe for all your upcoming parties!

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

This is one of the most yummy dips that I make, and everyone is always asking for it. It is an easy dip to assemble, and it will have you licking your plate! I’m not even kidding, it’s totally true!

The perfect appetizer

Each time I plan a party, I am always thinking about the perfect appetizer. What makes the perfect appetizer you ask?

From a prep standpoint, it needs to be something that can be pre-made or assembled. It must be just as good at room temperature as it is just right out of the oven, and needs to be super delicious!

It is also great if it has basic ingredients (I usually keep all of these items on hand) that are easy to find, and it is simple to make. This bean dip covers all that criteria!

The great thing about this dip is it’s nothing that you need to drag the food processor out for. All ingredients can be mixed either in a large bowl or the baking dish that it will be cooked in.

A bean dip the whole family will love

To me, all great recipes start with most people liking it. Then it becomes a family favorite. Over the years, as I have made this creamy bean dip recipe for most holiday or family get togethers, I have tweaked and modified it until it was perfect for everyone.

Meaning, even the pickiest grandkids love it! It is the perfect dip for game day parties, Cinco de Mayo, Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, and every party in between. I have even made it for movie night, or a night at home, just because.

I’m telling you, you will want this at your next party or meal! There are a few ways that you can adjust the heat (the spicy kind), but this hot bean dip (temperature kind) will be your new favorite easy bean dip recipe.

The ultimate bean dip recipe

Because this bean dip is made with simple ingredients, it allows all of them to meld together perfectly and not have one that overwhelms.

I have found, as I have tried many homemade bean dip recipes over the years, some contain taco seasoning or too much chili powder or onion powder that ends up overwhelming the overall flavor.

I also prefer refried beans heated, and some layer dip recipes call for just opening a can of refried beans and adding it to all the fixings. So for the main reason of wanting a bean dip to be an easy cheesy bean dip that is served hot, this one is the best, in my humble opinion!

7 Simple ingredients

Okay, this is the best part. All these are ingredients I usually have hanging out in my fridge. After you try this warm bean dip recipe, you’ll be stockpiling them too!

You will need refried beans, green taco sauce, sour cream, shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, and pickled jalapeños. Let’s cover a few of these, because everyone always asks about substitutions, and if you are making one of your favorite dips, I like to stick to the recipe.

First, the refried beans. It does make a difference what kind you use. These Rosarita NO FAT Traditional ones are creamy refried beans, so these would be the best choice. Yes, you can make and use homemade refried beans (the kind where you use soaked beans). I have done that before as well, but it does change the flavor.

The cheese can be whatever is your favorite. I like the Cheddar and Monterey Jack mix, but you can use Pepper Jack Cheese (adjust jalapeños if you want), or plain Cheddar cheese. Queso fresco is a bit bland for this, so I would not recommend that. And always use the full-fat cream cheese. This is not a diet bean dip!

Is black bean dip the same as refried beans?

In short, NO! This is not the dip to switch up the kinds of beans to use. Save those for the layer bean dip recipes, and use classic refried beans. You will want the creamy texture, and black beans are very different than the pinto beans refried.

This bean dip can even be used as a side dish! Just make it prior and have it ready to serve with your favorite Mexican recipes. It is versatile and yummy!

How do you keep refried beans creamy?

This bean dip stays creamy because of the sour cream and cream cheese added. Either of those ingredients will always guarantee you have creamy beans.

I also do not cook this in a slow cooker, as it tends to dry out the beans and makes the edges a bit too crusty. Best if cooked in the oven, and served immediately with tortilla chips.

Is this a vegetarian or vegan bean dip?

This creamy dip could be vegetarian with some of the right ingredients. It obviously doesn’t contain ground beef or any meat, but the sour cream is not vegetarian, although there are choices out there to purchase if you want it to be.

It is definitely not vegan with all the creams and cheeses, as those are animal products.

The best refried bean dip

When I make this easy appetizer, it is always served with a bowl of tortilla chips. I also offer a hot sauce for those that want a little more spice.

If you and your whole gang like it hot, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper to this delicious dip. Remember, a little bit goes a long way, so be careful. But offering a fire sauce, as a way to kick up the heat, is a great addition to keep on the side.

If you have leftover party dip

Rarely do I ever have leftovers, but if you do, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. But I can promise you, it will be gone quick! So, best to cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and put it in the microwave the next day to heat up and enjoy. 

And I promise you, you will want to lick the plate! Follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration.

The Best Bean Dip Recipe for All Your Upcoming Parties

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This yummy, creamy bean dip is super cheesy and best served, hot right out of the oven! Serve with plenty of tortilla chips.

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Ingredients

• 2 cans of Rosarita traditional refried beans
• 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons bottled green taco sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese

Instructions

1. Place the first 6 ingredients into a bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of the cheese. Reserve the second cup for the topping.
3. Thoroughly mix all ingredients, making sure to incorporate most clumps from the cream cheese.
4. Place in a greased ovenproof baking pan.
5. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Cook in a preheated oven at between 375-400 degrees.
7. Bake for up to 30 minutes or until cheese and dip are hot and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

If making for a big crowd, you can increase the refried beans to 3 cans, and add another 4-8 ounces of cream cheese.

If everyone would like a spicier version, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture or add more jalapenos.