Hot Bean & Cheese Dip

When it’s time to party, Hot Bean & Cheese Dip is an easy, must-make dip that is cheesy, spicy, full of flavor, and a huge crowd-pleaser!

Bean and Cheese Bliss

At most parties, my guests and I hang out in the kitchen, having drinks and filling the space with lighthearted and comical chatter. This is not the case when I put a warm dish of Hot Bean & Cheese Dip out on the snack table! We all try to be polite at first, as we spoon some of the bean dips onto our plates, along with a small handful of tortilla or Fritos chips, which quickly morphs into us scooping as much as we can straight from the dish with all of the chips we can find. This addictive, creamy, and cheesy dip, with the perfect amount of spice, is more than a party favorite. It’s a party requirement!

Dips are easy to make, and you can never have too many options for guests, so make more delicious dips like crowd favorites Creamy Taco Dip and 7 Layer Dip!

Other Recipes to Serve with Hot Bean & Cheese Dip

• When it’s a game day and a potluck rolled into one, make a delicious and filling dish of Dorito Casserole to keep the good times going!
• Having the perfect drink on hand for guests is easy when you make Pina Ritas, which is full of sweet coconut and tropical flavors that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Refrigerated Items: To make this dip, you will need cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Low-fat or light options of cream cheese and sour cream can be used, but for the best flavor and creaminess, avoid non-fat options.

Pantry Items: Two cans of refried beans are needed to make this dip, so you can choose any refried bean variety you like, from regular to spicy jalapeno. You will also need hot sauce, like Cholula, Tabasco, or Tapatio. Lastly, you will need a packet of hot taco seasoning and a can of green chilis. Choose between mild or hot green chilis to achieve your desired spice level.

Garnish: Top the dip with sliced green onions, sliced black olives, and sliced jalapenos if you like.

How to Make Hot Bean & Cheese Dip

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning in a large bowl.

STEP TWO: Stir in the refried beans, green chilis, hot sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the shredded pepper jack cheese.

STEP THREE: Spoon the bean mixture into a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes.

STEP FOUR: Remove the dip and turn off the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the dip and return it to the warm oven to melt it for 10-15 minutes. Garnish the dip with sliced green onions, black olives, and jalapenos.

Tips for Success

• Light and low-fat cream cheese and sour cream options are OK in this dip, but skip the non-fat options for great flavor and creaminess.
• Not a fan of spicy? Stick to regular refried beans and cheddar cheese, and substitute mild taco seasoning for a great-tasting dip with less kick. If you love spice, nothing stops you from adding chopped jalapenos to the dip or other spicy favorites!
• To make this dip vegetarian, purchase vegetarian refried beans that do not contain lard.
• For a melty cheese, you can buy blocks of cheddar and pepper jack to grate instead. Pre-shredded cheese is a great time saver but contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting as nicely as blocks of cheese.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Hot Bean & Cheese Dip is a great appetizer to make ahead of time as it reheats beautifully. You can assemble and bake the dip up to three days ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. The cheese topping can be baked the first time, or you can wait to add it until you reheat the dip for the party. You can also make this bean dip in a crock pot and keep it warm throughout your party. Stir all ingredients together, except for the shredded cheese topping, and garnish. Cook on high for 2-3 hours. Before serving, add more shredded cheese to the top, along with the garnish.

What’s the difference between refried beans and bean dip?

Refried beans, which can be homemade or canned, are typically made with simmered pinto beans that have been mashed. Other beans, such as black or kidney beans, can also be used to make refried beans. Refried beans are thicker and served as a side dish or are used to make bean dips. Bean dips, typically made with refried beans, cheese, and spices, are softer and better for scooping. No one wants a dip that’s too hard to dig!

More Crowd Pleasing Dips to Love!

• Rotel Dip
• Layered Nacho Dip
• Jalapeno Crab Dip
• Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Easy Chicken Queso Dip

*This post was originally posted on 11/05/2013.