Bean Dip with Cheddar (Printable)

Creamy beans combined with sharp cheddar and spices, baked for a warm, flavorful bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans and Dairy Base

01 - 2 cups (15 oz can) refried beans, pinto or black
02 - 1/4 cup sour cream
03 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
05 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

→ Spices and Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese and Toppings

12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 1 small tomato, diced
15 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Combine refried beans, sour cream, and cream cheese in mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Stir in red onion, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
04 - Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
05 - Spread mixture into lightly greased 1-quart baking dish or pie plate.
06 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over surface.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is completely melted.
08 - Let cool 3-5 minutes. Top with cilantro, tomato, and green onions. Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetables, or crackers.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the cheese creates that perfect golden crust on top while staying impossibly creamy underneath
  • How something so simple can disappear from a party platter faster than you can say seconds please
02 -
  • Letting the dip rest for those few minutes after baking is crucial because it thickens up slightly and makes scooping much easier
  • The cream cheese really needs to be fully softened before you start mixing or you will end up with tiny pockets that never quite incorporate
03 -
  • Sprinkle a little extra cheese around the edges of the dish because those crispy bits are the first thing people will fight over
  • If your oven runs hot, check the dip at 15 minutes to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming oily

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