Why have normal bean dip when you can have baked Cream Cheese Bean Dip?! This easy recipe takes creamy and cheesy to another level and is the perfect appetizer to serve at your next group gathering!
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This post was originally published on June 28, 2022. It was updated on January 29, 2024.
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Table of contents
Homemade refried bean dip is typically one of my favorite dishes to dig into on a snack table. The satisfying crunch of a chip loaded with a dollop of rich, creamy, perfectly cheesy bean dip…okay, I’m already drooling. You can't go wrong with this recipe if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at a game day watch party, group get-together, potluck, or BBQ!
This bean and cheese dip is incredibly easy to prepare and is ready in about 30 minutes! The quick baking step elevates this seemingly simple snack with an irresistible melty cheese topping – dip in! It’s delicious paired with tortilla chips, thick-cut veggies like bell peppers and carrots, crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or Fritos.
Enjoy this tasty bean dip recipe straight from the oven so it is warm and creamy and the cheese is melted. We love to serve hot bean dip at almost any place a group of hungry friends are gathering. It never fails to be a hit! Try it out for yourself today!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Refried Bean Dip
- Easy Prep. It just takes 10 minutes to prep this delicious refried bean dip with cheese! Simply mix the ingredients, top with cheese, and let it bake in the oven while you wait for your guests.
- Simple Ingredients. Six ingredients are all you need for dip perfection. There are no mystery ingredients or added junk in this recipe! You can easily find all of the ingredients at most grocery stores.
- Versatile. This refried bean dip with cheese is incredibly satisfying as is with a variety of crunchy dippers. You can also punch up the recipe with different toppings and mix-ins from spices to added protein for a tasty twist!
- Budget Friendly. This recipe is very affordable to make with just a handful of common grocery store ingredients. It also serves up to 12 people, which is even more bang for your buck!
Ingredients
Refried Beans. Any variety of plain or unseasoned canned refried pinto beans works. You can even make this recipe with refried black beans, or use a mix of both!
Taco Seasoning. I made this recipe with a pre-made taco seasoning mix, but you can also make it with a homemade blend.
Cream Cheese. I prefer to use light cream cheese, but you can also use full-fat.
Sour Cream. Use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor results – it makes the taco bean dip extra creamy! Alternatively, swap the sour cream 1:1 with plain Greek yogurt.
How to Make Cream Cheese Refried Bean Dip
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a quart-size baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Pro tip: the cream cheese doesn't need to be at room temperature, but the mixture will blend easier if it is.
Step 3: Mix in the refried beans until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Fold in the salsa and ¾ cup of the shredded cheese mix into the bean mixture until combined.
Pro tip: you want the beans fully mixed into the bean mixture, but not completely pureed. Mix with the stand mixer or hand mixer, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until no streaks of the cream cheese mixture remain.
Step 5: Pour the bean dip into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dip with the remaining ¾ cup of cheese.
Step 6: Bake the dip until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
Pro tip: For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle the dip with up to ½ cup of extra cheese before baking.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing. The cream cheese will mix best when it’s not cold. Soften it before beginning the recipe by removing the foil wrapping and microwaving it in a microwave-safe dish on high for 15-20 seconds.
- Use freshly grated cheese. Easily elevate the flavor of this dish by using freshly grated cheese instead of store-bought. Mexican cheese blend typically includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, Asadero, and queso quesadilla cheeses.
- Serve the dip hot. I recommend timing your bean dip prep accordingly so you can enjoy it right out of the oven! It is best when served hot so the cheese is perfectly melty and the dip is warm and scoopable.
Recipe Variations
- Top with a garnish. Dress up your refried bean cheese dip with toppings just before serving for some added color and flavor. Try fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, sliced black or green olives, or jalapeños for extra spice.
- Add extra spices. Turn up the heat by adding 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or adding chopped jalopeños or green chiles to the dip before baking. Additionally, you can include garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, or onion powder for added flavor.
- Include mix-ins. While this Mexican bean dip recipe is delicious on its own, it is also a great base to add tasty mix-ins for added flavor and texture. Before topping the dip with cheese and baking, you can fold in roasted red peppers, corn kernels, sauteed onions, chopped bell peppers, or even cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for protein.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this tasty Mexican dip as an appetizer with your favorite dippers – from chips to veggies. It is also amazing when dolloped on top of a simple quesadilla or a plate of pork carnitas, chicken tacos, or ground turkey enchiladas. And if you want to be extra creative, you can use this refried beans cream cheese recipe to top my taco tator tot casserole or taco stuffed sweet potatoes – yum!
Storage Directions
- Refrigeration. Leftovers last covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing. Any remaining dip can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Reheating. Heat the bean dip on medium heat in the microwave for 1-2 minute increments, or until heated through and the cheese is melted
FAQs
Refried beans are typically pureed pinto beans mixed with simple seasonings like garlic, onion, and sometimes cumin and used as a side dish for various Mexican dishes. Bean dip is typically mashed, not completely blended, and mixed with other ingredients like sour cream, salsa, and spices. It is mostly enjoyed as an appetizer or a standalone snack with chips or veggies.
This bean cheese dip is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven, but you can still partially prepare it beforehand. Just prepare the dip, pour it into the prepared pan, sprinkle cheese on top, then cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking according to the recipe card directions.
Yes, easily! If you need to feed more than 12 people, simply double this recipe and prepare it in a 9x13” baking dish instead. You may need to add up to 5 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the dip heats properly.
Yes! If you have the time, you can prepare refried beans with cream cheese in a slow cooker instead of baking in the oven. Simply mix all ingredients except the shredded cheese. Then place half of the bean dip in the slow cooker, layer with ¾ cup shredded cheese, add the rest of the bean dip, then the remaining ¾ cup cheese. Cook on low for about 2-3 hours until heated through and the cheese is entirely melted. Note: it won’t have the same crispy topping as in the oven.
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Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
- Mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional)
- Silicone spatula
- 1-Quart baking dish
More Dip Recipes
- Zesty 5 Layer Bean Dip
- Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Peach Avocado Salsa
- Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you made and liked this recipe, don't forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it went for you in the comments! It always makes my day to hear from you!
Mackenzie says
I tried this bean dip for a game night recently and it was a hit! The cheesiness combined with refried beans is perfect. Thanks for sharing this crowd-pleaser!
Mae's Menu says
Awe, so glad to hear that you liked it! This is definitely on my list for the big game day coming up! Thanks again for sharing and reviewing!
Chelsea