This delicious cheesy refried bean dip is the perfect, creamy and cheesy party appetizer that’s super easy to make.
Cheesy Refried Bean Dip
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This cheesy refried bean dip is the perfect appetizer to make for a crowd.

I’ve noticed more and more of my family and friends have been going vegetarian over the last few years.
Choosing what to make for parties can get a little tricky when trying to take everyone’s diets into consideration.

This bean dip is the perfect thing!
Everyone absolutely loves this recipe whether they avoid eating meat or not.
The beans bake so well with the cheese and other ingredients. It really is the perfect dip consistency.

I love that the toppings are all customizable so there’s freedom to really load it up if you’d like to.
I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you’ll love it just as much as my family and I do.
Fast. Simple. Delicious.
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How can I make this cheesy refried bean dip spicy?
I absolutely love spicy food but not everyone does.
When I’m making food for a party, I try to cater to the majority.

If you’d like to spice this dip up though, that’s absolutely doable! Here are some great ways to do that
- Add 1-2 tbs of hot sauce to the mixture before baking
- Choose a spicer cheese like pepper jack
- Try using hot salsa instead or mild or medium
- Use a Hot & Spicy taco seasoning packet
- Add in some diced jalapeños or chilis to the actual dip itself or use them as toppings.
Do I really have to shred the cheese myself?
Yes, absolutely!
This is the one thing that I’d really urge you not to take a shortcut on.

Pre-shredded bagged cheese has chemicals in it like cellulose.
This keeps the cheese from clumping but it also prevents it from melting properly.

Shred the cheese off the block and this cheesy refried bean dip will turn out much creamier.
Other easy dip recipes
If you like easy hot dip recipes like this one, here are some others that I know you’ll love, too.

- 3 ingredient chili dip
- Pepperoni pizza dip
- Copycat Applebees spinach & artichoke dip
- Easy beef queso
What toppings can I use for this cheesy refried bean dip?
I chose to add some freshly chopped parsley and diced tomatoes to the dip as a topping but the choice is yours.

Diced red onion, jalapeños, olives and whatever else you can think of would all be great choices.
Feel free to use your imagination and customize it to your own preferences.
How to soften cream cheese
Lots of recipes call for softened cream cheese and there are a few ways that you can do it.

First, just take it out of the fridge and toss it onto the counter for about 30 minutes. That’s all there is to it! The cream cheese will be perfect after that time.
Second, you can add it (still sealed) to a bowl of warm water. This method will take even faster. About 10-15 minutes.

And last but not least, you can always use the trusty microwave.
Take the cream cheese out of the package and place it onto a plate. Microwave it for about 30 seconds and you’re done!
Cheesy refried bean dip ingredients

- Refried beans
- Softened cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Taco seasoning
- Hand shredded cheddar cheese
- Hand shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salsa (mild or medium)
- Tostitos chips
- Diced tomatoes & freshly chopped parsely for garnish (optional
Instructions
First, in a large bowl, add all of the ingredients besides the tortilla chips, half of the cheeses and optional toppings.

Now, mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

Then, add it to a baking dish and smooth it out evenly.

Next, sprinkle the top with the rest of the cheese.

Now, bake it at 350° for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sides are bubbly.

Finally, let it cool slightly and add the parsley and chopped tomatoes as a garnish if you’d like.

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!


Cheesy Refried Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 16 oz can Refried Beans
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
- ½ c Sour Cream
- 3 tbs Taco Seasoning
- 1 c Cheddar Cheese, Hand Shredded
- 1 c Monterey Jack Cheese, Hand Shredded
- ¼ c Salsa
- Diced tomatoes & freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- First, in a large bowl, add all of the ingredients besides the tortilla chips, half of the cheeses and optional toppings. (We're going to save some cheese to top it off before its baked).
- Now, mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and add it to a baking dish or cast iron skillet and smooth it out evenly.
- Next, sprinkle the top with the rest of the cheese and bake it at 350° for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sides are bubbly.
- Finally, let it cool slightly and add the parsley and chopped tomatoes as a garnish if you’d like.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Anonymous says
Can't wait to try this! What is the seasoning packet used in the video?
Thanks!
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! It’s Taco seasoning mix ?
Anonymous says
Love refried beans. Can't wait to make this.
Al Dente Diva says
I hope you like it!