Championship Bean Dip (Printer-friendly)
Creamy, cheesy bean dip bursting with spices and heat, ideal for gatherings and snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Ingredients
01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) refried beans
02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
→ Cheeses
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Flavorings & Spices
06 - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
07 - 1/2 cup salsa
08 - 1 tsp onion powder
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Toppings
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
17 - 1 small tomato, diced
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Combine refried beans, sour cream, and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, drained green chilies, salsa, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 - Spread the mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe casserole dish.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the bean mixture.
06 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted cheese.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow dip to set slightly.
08 - Top with green onions, cilantro, and diced tomato if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates the velvety texture that makes people keep coming back for just one more chip
- You can prep everything ahead of time and pop it in the oven when guests arrive, which means less stress and more time actually hanging out
02 -
- The dip thickens as it cools slightly, so those five minutes of resting time actually make a big difference in texture
- I learned the hard way that using a shallow dish means more surface area for that cheesy crust everyone fights over
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend together much more smoothly, so take everything out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start
- Sprinkle a little extra cheese around the edges of the dish because those crispy, browned corners are what everyone reaches for first