Refried bean dip couldn’t be simpler to make. If you’re a fan of taco recipes, you probably already have all these ingredients in your kitchen. All you have to do is dump them into a slow cooker!
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this refried dip. It’s rich, savory, creamy, cheesy, spicy and satisfyingly filling. No wonder it’s one of our most popular dip recipes ever! A bowl of this dip won’t last long on the potluck table, and it’s a shoo-in for game-day football food. It’s so simple, you can even throw it together for an impromptu night in with friends.
Ingredients for Refried Bean Dip
- Refried beans: We love bean dips of all sorts, and refried beans are especially good in them since they’re super smooth. We use vegetarian refried beans in this recipe, but some brands sell refried beans cooked in lard, which is more traditional. You can also make homemade refried beans!
- Picante sauce: Like a cross between tomato sauce and salsa, picante sauce adds a nice mild heat to the recipe, perfect for a group with varying spice tastes. You can use a hotter salsa if you prefer, but don’t go with a chunky option, or the dip’s texture will be off.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese dip recipes make any party better! They’re smooth, rich and a bit tangy. Make sure to use the cream cheese from the box, not a spread, which will be too thin. Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes to soften. It will be easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream: This makes the dip even creamier. Use a full-fat sour cream for the best-tasting bean dip; low-fat is fine, but nonfat would be too thin.
- Shredded cheese: This recipe calls for cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can modify these cheeses a bit, swapping in a white cheddar or pepper jack, but don’t get too creative. Soft and hard cheeses won’t work well in this recipe. Here are the best cheddar cheese brands according to our Test Kitchen pros.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the dip
In a large bowl, stir together the beans, picante sauce, cheeses, sour cream, cream cheese, chili powder and cumin.
Step 2: Cook
Transfer the bean mix to a 1-1/2-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for two hours, until heated through, stirring once or twice.
Step 3: Add toppings, and serve
Sprinkle any desired toppings onto the dip just before serving. We like sliced jalapenos, chopped green onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the dip with tortilla chips.
Editor’s Tip: These are our Test Kitchen’s picks for best tortilla chips. You can also go big and make homemade tortilla chips. The dip is also tasty with sliced raw vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Turn up the heat: This recipe is fairly mild, so spice lovers may want to add chopped hot jalapenos to the mixture, or simply a generous splash of hot sauce. Switching out the Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese will also add a kick.
- Play with spices: Cumin and chili powder are a fairly simple spice pairing, but swap in your favorite taco seasoning if you like. Add a dash of smoked paprika, green chile powder, dried thyme or oregano to add a deep, smoky flavor. Minced onion or garlic (fresh or dried) would also be delicious.
How to Store Refried Bean Dip
Store leftover refried bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until the dip is warmed through.
Can you make refried bean dip ahead of time?
Yes, it’s easy to make refried bean dip ahead of time. To make the night ahead, stir together the dip ingredients the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Cook the dip the next day as directed in the recipe. You can also prepare the full recipe a few hours ahead of time and keep the dip warm in the slow cooker (remember to stir it every now and then so it doesn’t clump or burn!).
Refried Bean Dip Tips
Can you cook refried bean dip on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make refried bean dip on the stovetop. If you don’t want to use a slow cooker, simply transfer the dip to a saucepan or Dutch oven, and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. You’ll need to stir frequently so the bottom of the dip doesn’t scorch.
How can you use leftover refried bean dip?
Leftover dip is delicious reheated and used for a second round of dipping. It also makes a sneakily good filling for bean burritos or beef burritos. You can also drizzle it on top of nachos!
What if refried bean dip is too thick?
If the bean dip looks a bit thick for your liking (which is especially likely if it has been sitting out or kept in the fridge), it’s easy to restore the smooth texture. A bit of extra picante sauce will loosen up a thick dip, as will a spoonful of milk or even water. A squeeze of lime juice will thin the dip while punching up the flavor.
