Easy Refried Bean Dip

This easy refried bean dip is made with creamy refried beans, warm spices, and a fresh salsa topping: it’s an easy party appetizer made in minutes!

My friends love bringing over this legendary refried bean and queso dip from a local Mexican restaurant. It’s so, so good: but they asked us: could you make it without the cheese as a healthy spin?

Enter this refried bean dip. It’s seriously delicious but has no cheese. (How?!) It’s just as satisfying as a cheesy Mexican dip, without the extra calories. You can make either Instant Pot refried beans or easy stovetop refried beans, or start with canned refried beans as well. It’s a healthy appetizer I can’t get enough of!

5 Star Reader Review

“Made this on the fly with Siete refried beans – so tasty – and added my homemade salsa fresca for a side for enchiladas verdes! Omg! Love the warmed beans with your spice and herb combo!” -Nicholas

Ingredients You’ll Need

This refried bean dip is very easy to make. For the very best flavor, we’d recommend making your own refried beans using this Instant Pot refried beans or homemade stovetop refried beans method, but canned works too!

Refried beans: For the very best flavor, I’d recommend making your own refried beans using this Instant Pot refried beans or homemade stovetop refried beans method: both come out miles better than anything from a can. Short on time? Canned refried beans work in a pinch (more on that below).
Mild green chiles: This adds a mellow heat and a roasted flavor.
Lime juice: Use fresh-squeezed lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Ground cumin and smoked paprika: My secret savory spices.
Hot sauce: Just a bit adds more tangy notes and a hint of heat.
Salsa fresca topping: Diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, and lime, makes a quick pico de gallo.

Pro Tip For Canned Beans

However! For a quick and simple refried bean dip: use canned refried beans instead. You may need to thin out the consistency using a little broth or water, and you may need to add a bit more seasoning than the recipe calls for. But it will still taste great!

If you can, use the best quality refried beans you can find. (You may need to experiment with brands from the grocery: which gives you a reason to make it often!)

How To Make Refried Bean Dip

This recipe was born out of a challenge to create a delicious Mexican-style dip: without the cheese. It’s a healthy spin on this skillet Mexican cheese dip which I love topping with the pico de gallo topping that adds a tangy freshness of the dip that’s incredibly delicious. Of course, you could add cheese if you like.

Here’s how to make this refried bean dip:

Make the Instant Pot refried beans or stovetop refried beans, or warm the canned refried beans.
Stir in the green chilis, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.
Pour into a shallow serving dish and top with salsa fresca topping. Serve with tortilla chips.

Ways to Serve It

Naturally, you can serve this refried bean dip with your favorite tortilla chips. If you have time, we have a Homemade Tortilla Chips recipe that’s a fun DIY. They’re baked and come out perfectly crispy and salty. It’s also great as a side to go with tacos.

We first served this dip as part of a fun dinner party menu on the patio. It had the perfect vibe for dinner al fresco. So many people love fall, but for me: eating a dinner like this one on our patio in the summer is pretty darn perfect. Here was our menu:

Grilled Shrimp Tacos (or try Crispy Cauliflower Tacos, Quinoa Tacos or Easy Vegan Tacos for vegetarian and vegan options)
Lime Daiquiris
Mexican Coleslaw (extras from the tacos!)
Fresh pineapple

How To Store Refried Bean Dip

Store the bean base and the salsa fresca separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Reheat the beans gently on the stovetop add the fresh topping just before serving.

Dietary Notes

This refried bean dip recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free. (For vegan, use the olive oil option for the refried beans.)