Championship Bean Dip (Printable Version)
Creamy and flavorful dip with beans, cheese, and spices, great for parties or casual snacking.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 (15 oz) cans refried beans
02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
→ Cheeses
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Flavorings & Spices
06 - 1 (4 oz) can 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
→ 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 - In a large mixing bowl, combine refried beans, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, green chilies, salsa, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
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 dip 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 the dip to set slightly.
08 - Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and diced tomato if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cream cheese makes it impossibly smooth while the spices create layers of flavor that keep people coming back for just one more bite
- It's practically foolproof and can be thrown together in minutes, then baked while you handle everything else on your party prep list
02 -
- Don't skip the 5-minute cooling period after baking or you'll burn your mouth on the first bite, which I may have learned the hard way
- The dip firms up slightly as it cools, making it easier to scoop, so serve it warm but not piping hot
03 -
- Let your cream cheese soften completely at room temperature before mixing to avoid any lumpy bits in the final dip
- Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of using pre-shredded bags for better melting and creamier texture