Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2024)

This recipe is: dairy freeegg freegluten freenut freevegan

This healthy refried bean dip recipe is super easy to make. It’s served warm and layered with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo. There’s no cream cheese, so it’s already dairy free, but you can make it vegan by swapping the refried beans. Makes 16 servings.

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Refried Bean Dip Recipe (1)

Why I love this refried bean dip recipe

I love a good dip, especially when it’s the tortilla chip kind. I can always get behind a good taco dip or salsa, and refried bean dip is no exception. There never seems to be enough to go around.

What is bean dip made of?Normally, warm bean dip is made with heavy cream cheese and topped with cheddar, but I wanted to make something that was a little bit lighter this time around. Plus, cheese in my dip is not really an option anymore.

That’s why I love this recipe. It’s flavorful and creamy, and it’s so much healthier than traditional bean dip because there’s no dairy. You can top it with whatever extras you want (extra cilantro, please), or you can serve it as is.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

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Refried Bean Dip Recipe (3)

How to make refried bean dip

Simmer the seasonings.Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add some olive oil, a bit of garlic, some taco seasoning and a can of diced green chilies. Let it simmer until it smells really good, about 1 minute.

Add the beans and broth.Slowly whisk the refried beans and the broth into the pan to combine with the seasonings. The beans will loosen up as they warm, so you don’t have to force it. Just keep everything moving the seasonings don’t burn your dip.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (4)

If you need extra simmering time, go ahead and add more broth. This way the dip won’t get too thick, and you can keep adding as needed if you’re not ready to serve.

Garnish with toppings.Let everything get good and hot in the pan, and just before serving, top it with whatever garnish you want. You can also serve the garnish on the side (this is especially great for larger parties).

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FAQs and Tips for making refried bean dip

What chips are good with bean dip?I serve this recipe with tortilla chips, but corn chips (like Fritos) would also be great.

How long does bean dip last? You’ll want to reheat it before serving, but you can store this dip for up to one week in the refrigerator.

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Can I make this ahead of time?You can definitely make this ahead to time. Be sure to add a little extra broth when reheating, and hold off on the toppings/garnishes until just before serving.

To make this bean dip recipe vegan, simply swap the refried beans for a vegetarian version (that doesn’t include lard in the ingredients) and use vegetable broth.

If you want this recipe to be gluten free, be sure to check your labels and use a gluten free taco seasoning (we use the spice island brand from Costco).

What goes good with bean dip?

  • Pineapple margaritas
  • Jalapeño margaritas
  • Fajita marinade
  • Instant pot carnitas
  • Slow cooker beef tacos
  • Mexican quinoa
Refried Bean Dip Recipe (7)

More bean recipes:

  • Instant pot baked beans
  • Refried black beans
  • Green bean casserole
  • Black eyed pea salad
  • Mediterranean chickpea salad

More dairy free dip recipes:

  • Caramelized onion dip
  • Chili con queso or vegan queso if you’re looking for something meat-free
  • Chipotle salsa
  • Vegan spinach artichoke dip
  • Homemade ranch dip

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Refried Bean Dip Recipe (8)

Refried Bean Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Print Recipe

This healthy, refried bean dip recipe is super easy to make. It’s served warm and layered with fresh cilantro and with salsa (optional). There’s no cheese, so it’s already dairy free, but you can make it vegan by swapping the refried beans. #beandip #dairyfree

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (11 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
  • 4 teaspoons taco seasoning*
  • 2 15-ounce cans refried beans*
  • 1/4 cup chicken, vegetable or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil, garlic, chiles and taco seasoning. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add refried beans, broth and lime juice to the skillet. Gently whisk until smooth.
  3. Simmer until ready to serve. If needed, add additional broth to thin the dip.
  4. Garnish with desired toppings before serving.
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 0.6 g
  • Sodium: 256 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
  • Fiber: 2.3 g
  • Protein: 2.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Published: June 6, 2019. Updated: January 23, 2024.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is bean dip just refried beans? ›

While refried beans usually resemble a chunky, mashed mixture perfect for spreading on tortillas or serving alongside warm rice, bean dip can be made with whole beans with a fresh appeal similar to classic pico de gallo or puréed into a smooth consistency with several different ingredients.

How to make can refried beans taste good? ›

I like to sprinkle in some taco seasoning, but you could add whatever spices you like — garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are all good calls. Then, you mash the beans up directly in the pan and add just a little bit of vinegar at the end to really make the beans sing.

What is the bean dip comment? ›

Another internet definition suggests that a bean dip is to “flick a man or woman's breast with an index finger.” Of course, suggesting that someone should do this to a woman out of the blue and uninvited is never okay—and plenty of Love Is Blind viewers were quick to weigh in on social media.

What makes refried beans so good? ›

If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat. Restaurant-made refried beans honor traditional Mexican culinary practices by adding a hearty helping of lard or bacon fat drippings to their recipe.

What are refried beans made of? ›

In the United States, refried beans are most commonly made from pinto beans. They are served as a side dish with most Tex-Mex restaurant meals. They also have become very popular as a dip for corn tortilla chips. Refried beans are also a primary ingredient in many tostada, chimichanga, and pupusa recipes.

Why is it called a bean dip? ›

Urban Dictionary defines "bean dip" as "(flicking) a woman's (or man's) breast with the index finger." It's "dubbed 'bean dip' because the move is similar to that of scooping up bean dip," the website reads.

How do restaurants make refried beans taste so good? ›

If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat. Restaurant-made refried beans honor traditional Mexican culinary practices by adding a hearty helping of lard or bacon fat drippings to their recipe.

What to add to refried beans? ›

Salt and pepper: I usually add a generous pinch of each, but add as much as you would like, to taste. Lime juice: Freshly-squeezed, to help brighten up the flavor of these beans. Butter or oil: If you are making vegan refried beans, skip the butter and use avocado oil or olive oil to sauté the veggies.

What do you eat with refried beans? ›

Skip the bowl and just make the refried beans. You can serve them with these Crispy Roasted Potato Bites, 30-minute Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, or use them as a dip with these Homemade Baked Potato Chips. You can also serve them as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Or spread them inside a quesadilla.

Why is my bean dip watery? ›

Dips can turn watery if food, such as chips or vegetables like carrots and celery, is being dipped directly into the container and then refrigerated and re-opened for later use.

How do you thicken bean dip? ›

Mix a bit of cornstarch and water to make a slurry, and gradually whisk it into the liquid surrounding the beans.

Is bean dip supposed to be hot? ›

It is served warmed so the cheese is melty and OH SO GOOD! This bean dip recipe is the perfect appetizer for game day, Cinco de Mayo, or any party!

What is the secret of refried beans? ›

If you want a thicker refried bean, then use less water. If you want thinner beans, then you will use more broth. Save the leftover bean broth and use it to stir into your leftover beans. As they sit in the refrigerator and chill, they will thicken.

Why is it called refried beans? ›

"Refried" doesn't mean the beans have been fried twice. The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish—frijoles refritos. In Spanish "refritos" means "well fried". To make the beans you have to cook them in water first to soften them.

What thickens refried beans? ›

Cream cheese is the not-so-secret weapon for making refried beans a yummy side dish to accompany rice, or a versatile taco or nacho topping. The dairy in cream cheese not only thickens refried beans to a creamier consistency — cream is in the name — but it also incorporates the rich, silky flavor of dairy.

Is bean dip similar to refried beans? ›

Bean dip is made of cooked (in water) beans which are mashed/pureed but not cooked any further. Refried beans are cooked in water, mashed, and then sauteed in some cooking fat, traditionally lard but now usually oil.

Is black bean dip the same as refried beans? ›

No, this bean dip is a quick no-cook blender recipe, while refried beans are usually cooked with garlic, onion, and spices before they are mashed. Do you eat bean dip hot or cold? You can eat bean dip cold from the fridge, at room temperature, or warm.

What is Mexican bean dip made of? ›

Mix refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together in a large bowl; fold in jalapeño pepper. Spread mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

What's the difference between beans and refried beans? ›

Meanwhile, we include whole pinto beans as an ingredient in our Bueno Bowls and offer them as a side. Refried beans are pinto beans that have been mashed and pan-fried, and they are typically seasoned with a little chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

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