The best Homemade Bean Dip made with refried beans, a few seasonings and your favorite melty cheese. This simple recipe takes no time to make and is perfect for game day, BBQs or just snacking. It is make-ahead and freezer friendly.
Homemade bean dip is nothing like the canned stuff you buy from the store. Homemade bean dip has far better flavor and texture. It is also super easy to make and a great way to use leftover refried beans. I have a whole post about making refried beans from scratch, which is where this bean dip recipe starts. If you are crunched for time, you can certainly use canned refried beans or even canned pinto beans to make bean dip.
If you have the time, please make the refried beans yourself. To cut down on time I recommend making the refried beans the day before or even 2 days before. Not only does this move the process along faster the day you plan to serve the bean dip, but it also gives the beans better flavor. This is because the flavors are given time to “marry”. Which is why most leftovers taste better the next day.
This homemade bean dip’s flavor and texture comes from the beans themselves. There are no other ingredients needed to make a creamy bean dip. When cooked, pinto beans develop a great creamy liquid commonly referred to as “pot liquor” that adds flavor and texture to the refried beans.
Just a few additional seasonings, if you want, and some cheese on top, totally optional, and you have the best homemade bean dip, ever. I love making bean dip this way, because you are getting the flavor of the beans, which is REALLY good. Simple ingredients and a little time are all you need to make this delicious dip.
Tips
- When making the refried beans from scratch, reserve all of the cooking liquid to use for thinning out the bean dip. This yields better flavor.
- Use your leftover pinto beans to make this bean dip!
- Freeze or use leftover bean dip for tacos, quesadillas or any other recipe you would normally use refried beans in.
How to Make Homemade Bean Dip
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat add the refried beans and seasonings. Stir to combine. One the beans start to warm up add water, a little at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
2. Once the desired consistency is reached and the beans are heated through, pour into an oven save serving dish, top with your favorite melty cheese.
3. Place in a 375° F oven just long enough to melt the cheese.
4. Remove from the oven and serve. Enjoy!
Serve the dip hot or at room temperature.
Variations
You can easily customize your refried bean dip. Here are a few suggestions.
- Top the dip with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cotija or quesadilla cheese.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Stir cayenne powder or chipotle powder into the beans when heating to make a spicey bean dip.
- Serve with tortilla chips, Fritos, veggies or your favorite crackers.
Try out one of these great recipes!
Storing Homemade Bean Dip
Store the bean dip in an airtight container for up to 7 days (from the date you made the beans).
To freezer bean dip, place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months.
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Homemade Bean Dip
The best Homemade Bean Dip made with refried beans, a few seasonings and your favorite melty cheese. This simple recipe takes no time to make and is perfect for gameday, BBQs or just snacking. It is make-ahead and freezer friendly.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat add the refried beans and seasonings. Stir to combine. One the beans start to warm up add water, a little at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
-
Once the desired consistency is reached and the beans are heated through, pour into an oven save serving dish, top with your favorite melty cheese.
-
Place in a 375° F oven just long enough to melt the cheese.
-
Remove from the oven and serve. Enjoy!
