Hot Bean and Cheese Dip

Hot Bean and Cheese Dip is a must make for your next party. This easy dip is made with 2 cheese, refried beans, jalapeños and onions.

If you are looking for a dip for your next taco Tuesday, game day celebration, tailgate party, potluck or backyard BBQ, you have got to try this Hot Bean and Cheese Dip. This deliciously cheesy dip is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients that you might even have on hand already.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it. 

Hot Bean Cheese Dip Ingredients: 

• OLIVE OIL: To sauté the jalapeños and onions. 
• JALAPEÑO: This will add a bit of heat and texture to the dip. 
• ONIONS: Sautéing the onions with jalapeños will add flavor to the dip. 
• REFRIED BEANS: You can use pinto or black refried beans. I’ve also made this with the spicy jalapeño refried beans for even more of a kick. 
• SOUR CREAM: Helps make the dip slightly creamy and smooth. 
• CUMIN: Adds a smoky warmth flavor to the dip. 
• SALT
• MEDIUM CHEDDAR CHEESE: Medium cheddar cheese is going to add a mild cheddar flavor. If you want a bit more pronounced cheddar flavor you can use sharp cheddar. 
• PEPPER JACK CHEESE: You can use pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese. Pepper jack will add a bit more flavor but either will work for this recipe. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Making this Hot Bean and Cheese Dip could not be any easier. Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions to see just how easy it is. 

• STEP #1: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in onions and jalapeños. Cook just until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. 
• STEP #2: Stir in the refried beans. Continue to heat over medium heat until they are warmed through. Stirring occasionally. 
• STEP #3: After beans are warmed through add in remaining ingredients. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the dip is warmed through.

The best choice for dippers for this Hot Bean and Cheese Dip is tortilla chips. It’s a bit of a thicker dip so make sure the chips are thick. I like to use Mission Tortilla Strips.  

The hardest part about making this dip is keeping it hot. It is still delicious warm, or at room temperature but is best when hot. To do this you can keep this over low on the stove and scoop it into individual bowls for dipping or you can also keep it a small slow cooker on the warm setting. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

This dip makes for great leftovers all you need to do is warm it up in a microwave safe dish until it’s warmed through. Use within a few days. 

Looking for more easy appetizers for your next game day? Try these: 

Crockpot Spinach Dip is an easy hot dip that is perfect for parties! 

Pepperoni Pizza Bites are an easy crowd pleasing appetizer and a must make for pizza lovers. 

It’s not a party without chicken wings! These Deep Fried Chicken Wings are a reader favorite! 

Note: Originally published in 2009. Updated in 2024 with new photos, a slightly modified recipe, step by step photos and nutrition information.