The Best Bean Dip Recipe
The Best Bean Dip Ever – creamy, spicy, and the perfect texture for dipping. Bring it to a friend’s house to watch the game and it’ll be a hit. Beans, salsa, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder and cumin make this recipe delicious. It’s the ultimate flavor combo and is seriously one of the best appetizers I’ve ever had.
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EASY BEAN DIP RECIPE
During my last pregnancy I had an overwhelming craving for bean dip. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking for but I was sure if I tasted enough bean dips I would find the right one to satisfy the craving.
I tried Taco Bell and drove around to every local restaurant in South Florida and nothing came close to what I wanted.
Growing up in Arizona we had a plethora of Mexican restaurants that were known just for their bean dip and that’s sooo what I wanted.
Just a couple thousand miles too far away.
I never did find one that did the trick until now…when I’m not pregnant anymore.
There are some foods that I ate while I was pregnant and honestly still have a hard time eating now because they bring back such strong memories of how sick I was.
Don’t let my wacky hormones fool you…those recipes are good. I’m just being honest.
SERVING
Generally this is served with chips or crackers. You can serve it room temperature but I like it warm.
WHAT IS IN BEAN DIP
This bean dip is pretty simple. Blending beans, salsa, shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder and cumin together. No taco seasoning just a few spices. It’s the ultimate combo and is seriously one of the best bean dips I’ve ever had.
But this, THIS is the dip. Couldn’t be anymore perfect. This is everything I ever wanted when I was pregnant…and not pregnant.
You could garnish the bean mixture with some green onions, tomatoes, black olives, or cilantro. Add some green chiles for more kick! Squeeze some lime juice for a little zing. Always add salt and pepper to taste.
ARE REFRIED BEANS GLUTEN-FREE?
Yes, in general but always check the label to make sure.
HOW TO MAKE BEAN DIP
This dish was meant for the slow cooker but due to my procrastination I’ve found that it can also be done in the oven in a baking dish and even the microwave in a medium bowl (ultra procrastinator).
WHAT’S THE BEST SLOW COOKER?
I use my 7-quart Crock-Pot to make my bean dip. I’ve had it for years, and I love that I can just set it and forget it for delicious bean dip as a snack or for entertaining. You can get it on Amazon for around $80 and it’s something that you’ll use for years to come!
OTHER DIP RECIPES:
- Chili’s Queso Dip
- Beef Enchilada Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Easy Feta Dip
- Hot BLT Dip
- Jalapeños Popper Dip
- White and Black Bean Dip
- Chip n’ Dips
- 7-Layer Mediterranean Dip
The Best Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, (4 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, (4 ounces)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, (or more to taste)
- tortilla chips
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; transfer to a small (1-1/2-qt) slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until heated through, stirring intermittently. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.
- Optional ways of preparing: The slow cooker is ideal because it keeps the dip warm but you can also prepare this in the oven or even microwave.
- For the Oven: Bake dip at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave safe bowl for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted and smooth. Stir every couple of minutes.
Video
well is it 3 ounces or 8 of cream cheese..
It’s 3 ounces a day.
I used 3 oz and it came out fine
WOW. This really IS the BEST Bean Dip. I made it in the oven to save time and used the Vegetarian Old el Paso refried beans and my homemade picante sauce which is just a can of Mild Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lime. I brought this to a small outdoor gathering yesterday and although I believe other people enjoyed this Bean Dip too I was much too focused on consuming a bucket of this dip myself with blue corn tortilla chips to notice. It is addictive and my husband has already asked when I will make The Best Bean Dip again.
The measurements here are confusing… one cup (of cheese) would be 8 ounces. A package of cream cheese is 8 ounces. This makes a huge difference….
Cheese is not measured the same. 8 ounces of cheese is 2 cups. Check any package at the store to see. Also there are 3 ounce packages of cream cheese. Not as common but they are there.
8 ounces is liquid. 1 cup is dry. They measure different.
I feel like an idiot, but what is “picante sauce”? I google it and it’s like salsa? Is it a brand? Can I use any salsa instead? I also find recipes on how to make your own picante sauce, but it just looks like salsa to me.
Yes, it’s just any chunky salsa.
What brand of picante sauce do you use?
Pace but any will do.
Made this in the microwave because it was a last minute, throw together after work sort of thing. Turned out great but look forward to making in the slow cooker when can plan better. For us, this recipe turned out perfectly as written, but look forward to making with homemade refried beans and salsa like one reviewer did 😋
Thanks Michele.
This is so delicious!
Thank you!
I see comments that are adding other spicy ingredients, but for those who think it’s spicy enough but want added flavor, I snipped in some fresh cilantro and it was yummy
Thank you!
Ooh I used my own refried beans from scratch; my own salsa instead of picante sauce; subbed quesadilla cheese for Monterey Jack; and I added a minced chipotle pepper and some green chile I had waiting to be used up. Outstanding recipe. I gave been using the leftovers from this in several other recipes with great results, too, including some jalapeno poppers 😲 Thank you so much.
Yum!
love bean dip
Thanks Denise!
So sour cream will melt smoothly
Yes!
Christy, thank you!! My family loved this dip. Even the little kids which isn’t always easy to please the men and the kids! What I love is it is so easy and the additions to the beans really stretches the recipe into a big batch which is exactly what I needed because they could not stop eating it :).
Yesssss. I love hearing that.
Can’t tell which was posted first, but this recipe is IDENTICAL to one on the Taste of Home website: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/championship-bean-dip/
You are right! Which is why I sourced Taste of Home in the recipe.
Never made bean dip before and figured why not. Came out creamier than what I was thinking. Still a hit. I think next time I’d double the beans to see if I like it better. It’s a light bean dip made this way good for snacking.
This dip is absolutely delicious!! So easy to make.
Didn’t consider this a bean dip, more of a creamy cheesey dip with a touch of beans. Tripled the beans and we were good to go.
Hello! This may sound terribly silly, but I only have a 5qt crockpot. Can I still make this bean dip in it? Thank you!
Can this dip be frozen?
And if yes,
Would it be best before or after cooking?
I would freeze it after cooking.
1 package of cream cheese is 8oz. Not 3. I just put a whole package in and then re-read the recipe. 🤦♀️
They do sell 3 ounce packages as well. Sorry!
I was just about to comment on the same thing. I thought the 3 was a typo. I’ve never seen a 3oz package of cream cheese. I would change your recipe wording. 1 package standard is 8oz. 3oz shouldn’t be labeled as one package.
The 3 oz packages are right beside the 8 oz packages in my grocery stores.
Yummy. Thank you
Thank you!
Is there cream cheese in the recipe? In the description it talks about cream cheese but I don’t see it in the ingredient list
Yes, it’s in the ingredient list. It’s 3 ounces of cream cheese.
Do you have to cook it in the crock pot for 1hour or 2hours it says 1hour at the top and 2hours in the actual recipe.
You just need it to get warm and blended so it depends on your slow cooker.
Just made your delicious 😋 dip!
LOVE 💜!
Love this dip!
A good recipe but was lacking a few things.
I added a can of rotel, baked it at your recommended and then topped with and then alittle sliced black olives and baked another 5 min then topped with a pinch of fresh green onion stalks. Yea I know it was your recipe but it was lacking a few things. This made it top notch.
Thanks for the feedback!
Will try this, sounds good
Thanks!
Very good! Was a hit at football party!
Good to hear!
this might sound sill but is there any blending involved or do you just mix and bake?
Just mix and bake!
The picture looks a lot like Garcia’s (in Arizona) bean dip which is the best that I ever had! Since you are from Az, did you ever eat there? Their Pollo Asada was my favorite! But all of their offerings were absolutely delicious! We live in southern Utah now, and I really miss Garcia’s Mexican cuisine!!!
Oh my gosh. Yes, we lived a mile away from Garcias!
I lived in AZ when I would young. Garcias was the BEST mexican food ever!
A package of cream cheese is 8 ounces. Could the stated 3 ounces in this recipe be incorrect?
The 3 ounces is correct. Cream cheese comes in 3 ounce packages in some places.
This dip looks amazing! I will definitely be making this soon.
Yep, you’re right. This is the best ever. We loved it.
Haha glad you agree!
Yum! My kids loved the texture and taste of this!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.
This looks amazing! I love a good bean dip!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Hey Paige! Thanks!
I always thought bean dips were a bit boring, but this tasty version was a big hit at a Cinco de Mayo potluck. It disappeared quickly! Also super simple to make and just the right balance of beans and cheese so it is creamy enough to scoop without breaking the tortilla chip! I will make again.
Just double checking…it calls for one package of cream cheese, which is 3 Oz….it’s it really just 3oz or was it supposed to be 8 Oz, which is a typical size for cream cheese?
Hi Julie – I just realized the same thing as I’m measuring out my cream cheese, there is actually no cream cheese on this recipe at all 😂 I could have sworn I read cream cheese too but looking back at the ingredient list it’s just not there !
Leo, look again. Cream cheese is right after sour cream (light gray print, optional?)
Cream cheese? 3oz or 8oz?
The recipe lists 3 ounces but 8 ounces might be good too.
This recipe is so good. So funny, I’ve made this several times for gatherings with my friends and it was such a hit. Now I’m pregnant and I can’t keep anything but beans and rice on my stomach. My mum then suggested, oh you should make that yummy bean dip you used to make! I made it today, fingers crossed I wouldn’t get sick, and it was a success. Thanks for sharing!!!
I quadrupled this recipe and heated it in my 8-quart Instant Pot for a school concession stand last night. It sold out! Everyone loved it.
I used colby jack, by the way…I shredded it from a block so it got nice and gooey and stringy.
Straight from the block is always good!
I JUST PUT IT ALL IN THE SLOW COOKER…IT LOOKS MORE LIKE CHEESE DIP THAN BEANS. DOES IT EVEN OUT TO LOOK MORE LIKE BEANS?
Yep. It will even out I promise.
This was absolutely delicious. I tripled it and added some cayenne and more cumin to taste. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe!
This is great! I used a little less picante sauce because our was “hot” but did everything else as written. I would make this again!
Awesome to hear!
I forgot that I was looking for a bean dip recipe when I read the long story before the recipe. Why do people put a long story before a recipe? May I suggest getting a puppy if you’re lonely? Stop the rambling.
Margaret……..why do people put a long story before a recipe you ask? Well, I ask WHY do some people leave snide comments? Your not a very nice person to do so.
Possibly because most of the audience enjoys having a little background and meaning and a personal connection when they seek out recipes… Sharing stories (and food, of course!) fills the soul, not just the belly.
Haha thank you!
Margaret, this is my blog if you don’t like it you’re free to leave. Sounds like you might need a puppy.
Well, I agree you should get a puppy… because everyone should get a puppy 🙂 Enjoyed the post and recipe. Thanks!
Hahaha
LMAO!!!
To the one who said stop rambling perhaps you’re the one that really needs a friend and have nobody else to critique. Recipe was awesome thank you for sharing in the story before it 😁
Haha thanks rabbitman.
Poor Margaret. The only interesting thing she has in her life is the ability to spread negative energy all over the pages of lovely people with delicious recipes. This bean dip and your blog are bright spots on the internet. Thank you!
Thank you Susette!
Ever use in a 7 layer dip? That’s what I am about to try.
Um yes. That would be fabulous!
Hey Christy,
This is Harleen ,I’m a guy. I just made your bean dip for me and my wife and boy is it great!!
I did a few addtion such as fresh garlic and onion and jalapeno! ummmmm umh!
Thanks for posting this blog > Be Blessed the more.
Thanks Harleen! I’m glad you liked it!
Girl! I baked it for my Fourth of July and it’s SO GOOD !!!!!!!!! Im so used to pre packaged bean dip and it’s so good !!
It’s so good! I agree!
We just went to Julio’s, too in Scottsdale and had their bean dip and I said need know how to make this! Thank you! When we get home- I am so trying this!
Hi I’m excited to try this but unfortunately only have a tiny “Little Dipper” crock pot that measures at .5 qts. Any recommendations? Do I cut the recipe in half maybe?
Yes, definitely cut it in half or use your microwave or a saucepan. It’s all the same.
Thank you so much!!! My pregnancy brain suddenly craved this on my way home from work and I needed to have it! Thanks mainly for the microwave recipe bc I needed it NOW!! The twins inside my belly thank you for this yummy dinner. Yes, I’m having this for dinner. 😂
Hi there!
What kind pf beans do you use?
What does refried mean?
Refried is a type of Mexican bean and can be found by the MExican seasonings.
Can I use a can of rotels instead of salsa?
Sure!
Any idea how many people this recipe serves?
It serves about 18 (1/4 cup).
Oh you are a woman after my same heart. I cannot wait to try this!! While pregnant with boy 2 out of 3 I walked into the grocery store and smelled cinnamon raisin bread. I smelled every loaf just because I wanted the one that I smelled. My husband gave me that look like this did not happen. A really nice gentleman walked by and told him it’s ok for have children too.
Hahaha. How funny! Now I’m craving cinnamon bread.
Is the picante sauce from Pace or what brand do you use?
I like Pace!
Delicious!! I too am a bean dip aficionado and this one took top prize. Thank you for sharing! (My pregnancy craving was milk, but especially chocolate milk. I couldn’t get enough of it. And now my son won’t drink it… what the heck?!)
Haha I guess he got his fill in the womb.
Great dip best I’ve tried yet. I’ve fixed it twice within a week. Family eats most of it before I get any. Thanks
Thank you!!!
Awesome dip! I’ve made it a few times now. Yum
I just made it by following the recipe through. It taste really good, but it’s way too spicy! Next time, I’m going to reduce the amount of spice in half or even less than that. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely delightful!!!! Yummylicious!!! Can’t stop eating it. I covered it with Colby cheese. Would make it again & again!!!
I’m so glad you agree!
I’m actually not a fan of bean dip, but my daughter is in love with beans, so of course I had to make it, long story short, everyone including me loves it!
This is my first time commenting on a Pinterest recipe, but I felt compelled to do so.. This bean dip is DA BOMB!!!!! Seriously, its life changing people. Mexican night is forever changed at our house. If you like bean dip, do yourself a favor and make this. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!!
Have you ever used dry black beans to make the refried beans vs buying them?
I haven’t. But you could!
Really good. I used home made salsa as I didn’t have picante sauce. I will make again! Thank you for tecipe.
Recipe…sorry.
Thank you!
Delicious, but I added more beans! Otherwise it seems like cheese dip with some beans in it. Lol.
Had to laugh reading your commentary leading up to the recipe. I’m pregnant and thinking about what to make for lunch. I thought of making some sort of bean taco/burrito but then I wanted BEAN DIP … But I think I’ve only had a bean dip once? It didn’t matter, I had to have it! So I went to mr. Google and he led me straight to you. I’m patiently waiting as it gets melty in the oven. Thanks! 🙂
Bless your heart! I totally get it girl!
made this yesterday and I wasn’t a fan.
Sorry you didn’t love it!
This is delish!! Thanks for another terrific recipe!
You’re welcome!
I made this for a get together last night and it was delicious. I used a medium spiced salsa with black beans and corn in place of the picante sauce and substituted taco seasoning for the chili powder and cumin. The whole dip was devoured by six people within a very short time 🙂 Great recipe!
Thanks!
Bean was good, I tried the 2nd time I made it using about a little less than half a packet of Taco seasoning instead of the Chili powder and defnitely improved it, also added onions.
Thanks for the feedback!
What do you recommend for the Picante sauce? Do you like a certain brand? Is that the same as salsa? Thank you. This looks so delicious!
Yes, it’s the same as salsa. You can use any kind you like. I use one from Costco or just Pace.
I made a double batch of this for a party tonight and we didn’t eat as much of it as I thought. Do you think it would freeze?
Yes but I’ve never tried it!
Pinning this to try at my next party! Sounds so yummy!
Can I substitute the sour cream for greek yogurt?? thanks
Sure! I substitute that all the time.
Can I substitute the sour cream for greek yogurt?? thanks
Thanks for providing non-slow cooker options for those of us with tiny kitchens. I love love love a good bean dip.
You’re welcome! I totally agree.
This sounds and looks amazing! I love bean anything! I have to try this dip. I am thinking on tostadas! Thanks for sharing! Pinned 🙂
You know what—-after I read the recipe this might really be THE best bean dip. I like it. The picture
certainly pulls one in, but the recipe backs it up.
Thanks Carol. Bean dip is hard to photograph so I was worried.
Whoa, I would eat dips for every meal if I could. I wish it was socially acceptable. This one looks AMAZING! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It looks amazzzingggggg! So delicious! Need to try this recipe.
http://www.trangscorner.com
Yum, it’s like queso and black bean dip in one 🙂
This looks perfect for our Super Bowl party. Quick question though–it says 1 package/3oz cream cheese. The normal packages of cream cheese are 8 oz. So is it a smaller package?
Thanks!
Yes! Only 3 ounces. There are smaller packages out there or just use part of an 8 ounce.
MmMmm yummy! This sounds amazing and would be so perfect for Super Bowl Sunday! Thanks for the recipe, pinned!
Im mexican and we dont really eat bean dip but that looks good. I would love to share some authentic and delicious mexican recipes that my husband and friend that they are not mexicans at all love them!! I love your recipes i tried some before even i share your recipes on my Facebook page thank you!!!
I would love if you shared your recipes!!!
Christy,
I would love to try your recipe. However, would you please clarify the measurements in the recipe. Both cheeses call for 1 cup but next to those measurements it says 4oz. there are 8oz in a cup.
Michelle,
Yes, when dealing with liquids 8oz measures as a cup but with cheeses 4 ounces is 1 cup.
Oh wow! Your right! I did not even pick up on that. So glad you brought that to our attention.
This looks interesting – I had to google refried beans and picante sauce, but they both look easy enough to make and useful. Is Monterey Jack cheese similar to Mozzarella? I’ve read a couple of descriptions that make it sound like it. Mostly the mild flavour and smooshieness when cooked. Or if not similar would it make a decent substitute?
Ari,
Monterey Jack is somewhat similar to Mozzarella. You can substitute with any cheese really. You could use all cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese. You can’t go wrong!
Refried beans can be bought in the Mexican aisle and picante is just a type of salsa. Use any salsa you like.
Nice recipes. Thanks so much and have a great day.