Baked Bean Dip
A quintessential party appetizer, this hot and creamy baked bean dip is irresistibly cheesy and flavorful. A simple blend of refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, and zesty seasonings is baked until bubbly and golden. Served warm with tortilla chips, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial for a creamy texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the refried beans, taco seasoning, drained green chiles, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Spread the bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top, covering the dip to the edges.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is fully melted and lightly golden.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as it will be very hot. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve warm with tortilla chips, corn chips, or fresh vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest dip, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- 2Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for the best meltability. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- 3This dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- 4Don't overbake, as the edges can become dry. Look for bubbling sides and melted cheese as your cue.
- 5Serve with sturdy tortilla chips that won't break in the thick dip. Bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and celery also make great dippers.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meaty Version
Stir in 1/2 pound of cooked and drained ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken along with the beans.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (with seeds for more heat) or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the bean mixture.
Layered DipLayered Dip
Instead of mixing everything, create layers. Start with the cream cheese/sour cream mixture, then top with the seasoned refried beans, and finish with the cheese.
Garnish OptionsGarnish Options
Top the finished dip with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The combination of beans and dairy products like cheese and sour cream provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Refried beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Calcium
The generous amounts of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese make this dip a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1/2 cup serving of this Baked Bean Dip contains approximately 320-350 calories, depending on the specific brands of cheese, sour cream, and beans used.