Bean Dip Cheddar Cheese Zesty (Printable)
Creamy, zesty bean dip with melted cheddar cheese, ideal for parties or casual snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beans
01 - 2 cups refried beans (15 oz can)
02 - 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
→ Dairy
03 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup sour cream
05 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
06 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1 small tomato, diced
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine refried beans, black beans, 1 cup cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, jalapeño, red onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
03 - Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish (about 1-quart capacity).
04 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
05 - Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling at the edges.
06 - Remove from oven. Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped cilantro and diced tomato. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This dip has this magical way of making people linger at the appetizer table longer than anywhere else at the party
- The combination of warm refried beans with sharp cheddar creates this velvety texture that keeps everyone coming back for just one more chip
02 -
- Letting the dip rest for about 5 minutes after baking makes it easier to scoop and prevents that first bite from burning your tongue
- Room temperature cream cheese incorporates much more smoothly into the beans than cold from the fridge
03 -
- Drain the black beans really well or the dip can become too thin, especially as the cheeses melt
- A glass baking dish lets you see when the edges are bubbling so you know it's perfectly done