This easy homemade cheesy refried bean dip is a party favorite. Made with refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, and Tex‑Mex spices, it’s baked until warm and finished with melted cheddar for a rich, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
If you enjoy dips, try my other popular recipes like Rotel Dip and Buffalo Chicken Dip for more game-day or party options.
Why you’ll love this homemade bean dip recipe!
Bean dip is one of those effortless starters everyone reaches for. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for potlucks, tailgates, and family gatherings. This version uses cream cheese and sour cream for a smooth, velvety base and plenty of cheddar for a golden, melty top.
- Super creamy texture: Cream cheese and sour cream make it rich and smooth.
- Warm and cheesy: A blanket of melted cheddar finishes it perfectly.
- Quick to prep: Mix, spread, and bake—ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Tweak the spice, swap cheeses, or add toppings to suit your crowd.
- Ideal for gatherings: Serves easily and pairs with a variety of dippers.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this homemade bean dip recipe!
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Bean Dip With Refried Beans
- What to Serve With Refried Bean Dip
- Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Crowd-Pleasing Dip Recipes
- Refried Bean Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
- Cream cheese – Use full‑fat blocks for the creamiest result and soften before mixing.
- Sour cream – Full‑fat gives a silkier texture.
- Taco seasoning – Store‑bought packets or homemade blend both work.
- Refried beans – Pinto or black refried beans are both fine.
- Onion – Yellow, white, or red, diced to taste.
- Hot sauce – A few drops of Tabasco or your preferred hot sauce.
- Shredded cheddar – Freshly shredded melts best for a smooth, bubbly top.
Variations
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a milder or spicier melt.
- Use thinly sliced green onions for a subtler onion flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Top with fresh garnishes like tomatoes, black olives, green chiles, bell peppers, or cilantro.
How to Make Bean Dip With Refried Beans
- Make the base: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, refried beans, diced onion, hot sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar until smooth and combined.
- Transfer to dish: Spoon the mixture into a 2‑quart casserole or an 8×8 baking dish and smooth the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve With Refried Bean Dip
- Fritos Scoops or other corn chips
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips or sliced baguette
- Crackers or bagel chips
- Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or celery
Storage Instructions
- To store: Cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.
- Freezing: Not recommended; the texture can change and become grainy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. Most bean dips combine refried beans with cheese, cream, and seasonings for a richer, more flavorful dish.
Yes. Assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
Use canned black or pinto beans, drained and lightly mashed for a chunkier texture. Adjust seasonings as needed.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and mildly spiced. The exact flavor depends on the taco seasoning and hot sauce you choose, so adjust to your preference.
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Refried Bean Dip
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Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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8×8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 small onion diced
- 6-8 drops tabasco sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350ºF.
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In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, refried beans, onion, hot sauce, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until combined.
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Spread the mixture into a 2‑quart casserole dish or an 8×8 baking dish and smooth the top.
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Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Serve warm with corn chips or your favorite dippers.
Video
Notes
- Soften cream cheese before mixing for an even texture.
- Freshly shred cheese so it melts smoothly.
- Adjust hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Bake until bubbly but avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the dip sets slightly.