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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. 

What is the difference between refried beans and bean dip?

Refried beans are beans that are seasoned with salt and cooked in lard while bean dip is made with refried beans and usually has a lot more seasonings and other ingredients.

Is bean dip supposed to be hot?

This recipe is best served hot or warm so that the cheese is melty. It gets a bit thicker and harder to scoop when it’s cold.

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.

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.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 153 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 jalapeno diced (optional)
  • 14.5 ounces canned refried beans
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ounces medium cheddar cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes, plus a little shredded for garnish
  • 2 ounces pepper jack cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onions and jalapeno (reserve a couple jalapeño pieces for garnish if desired) for 3 minutes or until softened slightly.
  • Stir in refried beans. Cook until smooth, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook until cheese melts.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños for garnish.

Notes

This is best served hot so serve it in a dish that keeps heat fairly well. If it starts to cool, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. 
If you like you can also shred the cheese. For flavor and consistency, I recommend shredding your own, rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. 
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 708mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 277IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 168mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: 4th of July Recipes, bean dip, cheese dip, Dip, Jalapeno, mexican cusine, onions, refried beans, super bowl, Vegetarian

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Kevin
    July 4, 2009 at 11:15 am

    A hot cheesy bean dip sounds so good!

  • Reply
    Risa
    June 17, 2009 at 11:37 am

    This sounds absolutely incredible!

  • Reply
    oneshotbeyond
    June 16, 2009 at 9:19 am

    I make this for parties but use cans of no bean chili and cream cheese. Then add in mild green chilis and shredded jack cheese at the end. Such a huge hit and fits well in the tiny crock pots for all night snacking! I love them best with the scoop size fritos! Your version looks great too. I bet your version would be fantastic as the bean layer in 7 layer dip!

  • Reply
    Liesl
    June 16, 2009 at 8:10 am

    This dip looks fantastic!! My husband and I love dips!

  • Reply
    SarahKate
    June 16, 2009 at 2:45 am

    That sounds really yummy! Sometimes mistakes in the kitchen yield the best results!

  • Reply
    Megan{Feasting on Art}
    June 16, 2009 at 1:17 am

    Ohh looks so delicious. I like the spicy jalapenos!

  • Reply
    Rita
    June 15, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    That’s funny! Did he like the dip? I hope so, it sounds yummy!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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