Spicy, cheesy, creamy, and totally crave-worthy
Hey There!
This refried jalapeño bean dip is my go-to when I need something fast, easy, and seriously delicious.
It’s warm, creamy, just a little spicy, and ridiculously satisfying with chips, veggies, or even spooned onto tacos. You toss everything into a skillet, stir, melt the cheese, and it’s done. Simple as that.
If you like cheesy dips with a little heat and lots of flavor, this one is going to be a new favorite. Let’s make it together!
🍴 What You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1 (4 oz) can diced jalapeños, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
This dip has saved me more times than I can count—game day, last-minute guests, or just a snacky weekend. Here’s why I keep making it:
- Comes together in 15 minutes
- Perfect amount of heat—not too much, just enough
- Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
- Amazing texture—creamy, cheesy, and scoopable
- Always a crowd-pleaser
🍽 Servings & Time
Serves: 4–6 as a dip
Cook Time: 15 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Refried beans act as a thick base that holds flavor and creaminess.
- Fat (olive oil + cheese + sour cream) helps mellow the heat from jalapeños and makes everything rich and smooth.
- Heating the dip slowly melts the cheese without breaking the sour cream, keeping it creamy.
🍴 Meal Plan Ideas
- Taco Tuesday: Serve on the side of tacos or burrito bowls
- Nacho night: Pour over chips and broil for loaded nachos
- Leftover lunch: Spread in a wrap with rice and avocado
- Party appetizer: Serve with chips, celery sticks, and crackers
😬 Common Mistakes
- Overheating the sour cream – Can curdle if boiled. Stir it in gently at the end.
- Skipping salt – Even canned beans need seasoning! Taste and adjust.
- Using too much jalapeño juice – Makes the dip runny and overly spicy. Drain well.
🔢 Macros (Per Serving – Approx. 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
🧂 Tools Needed
- Medium nonstick skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use black refried beans instead of pinto
- Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Add cream cheese for extra richness
- Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty version
- Use fresh diced jalapeños for more heat and texture
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the dip a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
🔪 How to Make Refried Jalapeño Bean Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add Refried Beans and Jalapeños
Stir in refried beans and diced jalapeños. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine and heat through.
Step 3: Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese
Turn heat to low. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Add salt to taste. Stir gently.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer dip to a serving bowl. Top with extra cheese, sliced green onions, and a few jalapeños.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen.
- Don’t freeze—dairy-based dips don’t thaw well.
🧡 What to Serve With
- Tortilla chips
- Warm soft pretzels
- Crunchy celery and carrots
- Toasted baguette slices
- Layered into quesadillas or tacos
❓ FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Use half the jalapeños or skip them. You can also add more sour cream to mellow it out.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a bigger pan and stir well to melt everything evenly.
Is this vegetarian?
Yes—just make sure your refried beans don’t contain lard (many do).
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of canned?
Yes! Just finely dice and sauté them with the onions in step 1.
Ready to Dig In?
Now you’ve got yourself a spicy, creamy, cheesy dip that comes together fast and hits all the right notes. Whether it’s for game night or just snack time, this refried jalapeño bean dip brings the flavor. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—or what you served it with!
Happy snacking 🧡