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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 beans and other ingredients for dip in a variety of bowls on a gray surface with a cutting board in the back

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

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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.

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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.

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).

refried bean dip garnished with pico de gallo, jalapenos and salsa in a cast iron skillet, image has text overlay for Pinterest

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.

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?

hand holding a tortilla chip that was just dipped into refried bean dip which sits on the surface below in a cast iron skillet

More bean recipes:

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