What’s a great day in front of the TV without a great snack? Whether it’s movie night, game day or just an evening of watching TV with the kids (every Saturday they get to pick the shows), a snack is called for and in my opinion it’s hard to beat a good homemade bean dip.
Aside from being a lot healthier than sour cream based dips, bean dip tends to hold up better to serious snacking, especially when there are two pre-teen boys or a group of men involved. it’s more filling, far more savory and suited as a condiment for a slew of different applications, including burritos.
This is a simple recipe that tastes best if allowed to sit for a few hours before serving. The flavors never seem to come together unless it has a chance to rest. When ready to serve just sprinkle with some cheese, bake for a few minutes and enjoy! You’ll be glad you did.

Bean and Cheddar Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced fine
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for cooking and flavor)
- 2 tbsp green peppers (canned, diced)
- 1-15 oz can refried beans
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 tbsp chicken stock or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
- 4 green onions (scallions), sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Season immediately with salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent. Stir in green peppers and cook for approximately 2 minutes. Stir in chili powder, oregano and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add refried beans and stock or water. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until heated through, stirring frequently. Add cheese a handful at a time, stirring each batch until it is completely incorporated. (Reserve some cheese for garnish.) Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
- Store covered for at least three hours or overnight in refrigerator.
- Place dip in an oven safe casserole or small cast iron skillet. Sprinkle with cheese and a few green onion stems. Bake at 400 degrees until cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately with bread, tortilla chips, corn chips, pita or whatever makes you happy.
- Share and Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
32Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 31Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 81mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
What I would have done Differently had I thought of it at the time:
I would have added some cumin had I had any on hand. Also, I think olives would have been a nice addition. Queso Fresco instead of cheddar also might be a good touch. There are a lot of ways this can be tweaked and I intend to try all of them… I’ve been snacking on this for hours now.
Links to other recipes like this:
- Hot Cheesy Bean Dip, from Closet Cooking
- Black and White Bean Dip, from My Kitchen Cafe