Cheesy Refried Bean Dip

A cheesy note: I think 8 ounces of cheese is a good balance. You can taste the beans AND the cheese, with neither one overpowering the other. Of course, if you prefer to add more or less cheese, I won’t judge. 

A note on canned refried beans: Canned refried beans come in a variety of textures. I recommend choosing a smooth one vs. one that is slightly chunky. Though if you’d prefer some texture, who am I to stop you? You can always take a moment to blend the beans before adding the Velveeta if you’d like super-smooth beans as well. 

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some snazzy substitutions for this cheese and bean dip.

• Refried beans - Refried beans come in a variety of textures and flavors, from Traditional to Spicy Chipotle. You can even buy canned refried beans that use black beans instead of pinto beans. Choose whatever you'd like to use for this dip.
• Bacon grease - I realize that not everyone stockpiles bacon grease as I do. Instead, you can use lard or butter. You could also use olive oil or vegetable oil. Just use amounts equivalent to what's called for in the recipe.
• Sour cream - Sub in cream cheese (YUM) or heavy whipping cream. Milk also works here. 
• Hot sauce - Use almost any hot sauce you prefer here, just remember that you can add but not take away! I love Cholula, but Tabasco and Texas Pete’s are fantastic as well. 
• Cheese (Velveeta) - Velveeta is such a great melting cheese I couldn’t resist including it. If you aren’t a fan you can also use shredded cheddar cheese in its place - but I’d recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself vs. pre-shredded. I find that cheese from blocks melts better pre-shredded due to the anti-clumping agent added to prevent the pre-shredded cheese from sticking together. 
• Taco seasoning - I didn’t include seasonings in this recipe because I pushed the easy button and opted for hot sauce. And why not include some choice seasoning to add flavor? Try this homemade (and low-sodium) Taco Seasoning! Start with a teaspoon and increase the amount until you’re satisfied with the resulting flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Refried Bean Dip - Directions

1. Step 1: Add the canned refried beans, sour cream, bacon fat, and hot sauce to a small pot over medium heat. Stir until combined, then keep stirring frequently as the refried beans continue to warm up.

Note: If you’d like super smooth beans, take a moment to blend with an immersion blender. Or add to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. 

2. Step 2: Once heated through, add the Velveeta cheese.

3. Step 3: Keep stirring frequently until the cheese has completely melted. 

4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve with tortilla chips. 

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Cheesy Velveeta Refried Bean Dip in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

To reheat, add to a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat and put a lid on it, but be sure to stir frequently as it warms up. When heated through, remove from heat and serve. You could also slowly reheat in a Crockpot over Warm or Low settings.

What do you garnish Cheesy Refried Bean Dip with?

I’ll be the first to admit that Cheesy Refried Bean Dip may not be the most beautiful thing to look at on its own. If you really want to make this dip pop, consider a few garnishes before serving, like the following.

Cheese, of course! From gooey melty shredded cheddar cheese to lovely crumbles of cotija, cheese is the perfect garnish.

Cilantro, spring onion, and fresh (or pickled) jalapeno make fresh additions. 

Pepitas. Raw or roasted and salted, pepitas add a nice crunch. 

Sour cream. You’ve already got it out, why not use a dollop for garnish? 

Salsa! Why not add another element of flavor with one of these fantastic salsas? Try one of these!