Baked Bean Dip
A warm, cheesy, and incredibly creamy bean dip that comes together in minutes and bakes to bubbly perfection. Layers of seasoned refried beans, tangy cream cheese, and melted cheddar make this the ultimate party appetizer. Serve it hot with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing snack.
For 6 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with a small dab of oil.
- saute · ~6 min
Sauté the onion and garlic.
1.Heat 1 tsp oil in a frying pan over medium heat.2.Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (4-5 min).3.Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec).TIPDon't let the garlic burn — it turns bitter quickly. Keep the heat at medium. - mix · ~5 min
Mash the beans and combine with creamy ingredients.
1.In a large mixing bowl, add the boiled pinto beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few chunky bits.2.Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and the sautéed onion-garlic mixture.3.Add the chopped green chili, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.4.Mix everything well until smooth and fully combined. - assemble · ~2 min
Layer the dip in the baking dish.
1.Spread the bean mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.2.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.3.Arrange the sliced jalapeno on top of the cheese. - bake · ~25 min
Bake until hot and bubbly.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
TIPWatch for the cheese to bubble — that's your sign it's ready. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes if you want a golden crust. - garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak dried pinto beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become creamy.
- 2Mash the beans while still warm for a smoother, more cohesive dip texture.
- 3Soften cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps when mixing.
- 4For a golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- 5Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets slightly and doesn't slide off chips.
- 6Make ahead: prepare the bean mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt and add a layer of seasoned ground turkey or beef for a protein-packed version.
veganVegan
Use vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and a plant-based cheddar alternative to make this dip entirely dairy-free.
smoky chipotleSmoky chipotle
Replace the green chili with 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper, smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with the beans.
low oilLow-oil
Sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of oil to reduce the fat content without losing flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Fiber
Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Rich in Protein
Both pinto beans and cheddar cheese contribute a solid amount of protein, making this dip more satiating than typical chip dips.
Source of Calcium
Cheddar cheese and sour cream add calcium for strong bones and teeth, especially important in a snackable party dish.
Antioxidant Boost from Spices
Cumin and chili powder provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, drain and rinse two 15-oz cans to replace the dried beans. Skip the soaking and boiling step.
