Refried Bean Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer that comes together quickly and is perfect for scooping with crunchy tortilla chips.
Author’s Notes
Raised On Refried Beans!
Refried beans were a staple in my childhood kitchen. My mom used them in everything—from stretching ground beef for tacos to making bean-and-cheese burritos and baking a regular refried bean tortilla pie. Weekends often meant refried bean nachos or a simple warm bean dip with chips after church.
During my first pregnancy I craved this kind of dip and made a version of my mom’s almost every night for a month. This recipe keeps the beans front and center, adds a gentle kick from green chiles, and the melty pepper Jack cheese is a perfect finish. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
Refried Bean Dip Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Refried beans & green chiles | The beans form the creamy base; drained diced green chiles add mild heat and extra flavor. Drain the chiles so the dip stays thick. |
| Yellow onion & garlic | Sauté until soft and fragrant. Finely dice the onion so it blends smoothly into the dip. |
| Seasonings | Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt add warm, rounded flavor without overpowering the beans. |
| Sour cream & lime juice | Sour cream makes the dip extra creamy; lime juice brightens and balances the richness. |
| Pepper Jack & cilantro | Pepper Jack melts well and brings a touch of heat. Finish with fresh cilantro for brightness. |
How To Serve This Refried Bean Dip
- Tortilla chips: The classic choice for scooping and crunch.
- Fresh vegetables: Bell peppers, celery, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks for a lighter option.
- Taco spread: Add this dip to a taco-night spread alongside salsa, guacamole, and queso.
- Nachos: Spoon the dip over chips and add toppings for quick loaded nachos.
- Burritos & quesadillas: Use leftovers as a flavorful filling or spread.
Chelsea’s Notes
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet
This dip finishes under the broiler, so use an oven-safe skillet. A cast-iron skillet is ideal—it browns nicely and keeps the dip warm for serving.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended; the texture changes after thawing.
More Savory Dips
Appetizers
Veggie Dip
Appetizers
Easy 7 Layer Bean Dip
Side Dishes
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Dressings
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Refried Bean Dip
Equipment
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Large oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion about 1/2 large onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles drained; mild is suggested
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1-1/4 cups freshly shredded pepper Jack cheese packed into the measuring cup
- 1 large lime about 2 tablespoons juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
-
Preheat the broiler to high.
-
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring often, 3–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the refried beans and heat 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
-
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the drained green chiles, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the pepper Jack cheese, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet on the center rack and broil 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
-
Remove from the oven and add optional toppings such as halved cherry tomatoes, avocado, extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, Cotija, or green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.