This 10-minute homemade refried bean dip is my potluck secret weapon. It starts with refried or simply cooked beans, gets crunch from red bell pepper, onion, and fresh jalapeño, and a splash of red wine vinegar wakes the whole bowl up.
Forget the store-bought stuff! This homemade Refried Bean Dip is ridiculously easy, packed with fresh flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate versatile snack—creamy, a little chunky, and perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or anything else you can dream of. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just need a quick and satisfying bite, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
• 3 cups / 680g (24 oz) Twice-Cooked (Refried) Beans, or cooked pinto beans
• 1 cup / 240ml bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock, as needed
• 1/2 cup / 75g (2.65 oz) red bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 cup / 80g (2.82 oz) onion, minced
• 1/2 cup / 90g (3.17 oz) peeled tomato, drained and diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon / 15g (0.53 oz) fresh chile, like jalapeño, minced
• 1 teaspoon / 5ml (0.2 fl oz) red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of the beans with about 1/2 cup (480 ml) of the bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid as needed to reach a puréed consistency.
2. In a separate medium bowl, lightly mash the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of beans with a fork or potato masher to create some texture.
3. Scrape the puréed beans from the food processor into the bowl with the mashed beans. Add the minced red bell pepper, onion, optional tomato, fresh chile, and vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the dip is too thick for your liking, stir in a little more bean liquid or stock until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature or reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Serving: 1/4 cup (960 ml) | Calories: 95kcal | Protein: 5g (0.18 oz) | Fat: 1g (0.04 oz) | Carbohydrates: 17g (0.6 oz) | Fiber: 6g (0.21 oz)
• Please note this is an estimate and will vary based on the specific used.
Pro Tips
• for the Perfect Bean Dip
• For the best texture, purée most of the beans but hand-mash a portion to stir in at the end. This creates a dip that’s both creamy and satisfyingly chunky.
• In a hurry? Swap the minced pepper, onion, tomato, chile, and vinegar for 1 ½ cups of your favorite fresh salsa for a super-fast version.
• For a richer, tangier dip, replace the bean-cooking liquid with an equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• To make a warm, cheesy dip, gently heat the finished dip on the stove over low heat and stir in ¾ cup of grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
FAQ
Q: Is this refried bean dip recipe vegan
A: Yes, this refried bean dip is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable stock or the bean-cooking liquid. To keep it completely plant-based, avoid the pro-tip suggestions of adding dairy-based sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cheese.
Q: Is this vegetarian bean dip a good source of protein
A: Absolutely! Pinto beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. A single 1/4 cup (960 ml) serving of this dip provides approximately 5 grams (0.18 oz / 5.1 g) of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian snack.
Q: Can I use other beans besides pinto beans for this dip
A: Yes, you can easily substitute other beans. Black beans are a great alternative and will create a delicious black bean dip. Canned cannellini or kidney beans would also work well in this recipe, though the flavor and color will be slightly different.
Q: How long does homemade vegetarian bean dip last
A: This homemade bean dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat it before serving.
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10-Minute Homemade Refried Bean Dip
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of the beans with about 1/2 cup (480 ml) of the bean-cooking liquid or vegetable stock.
- Blend until smooth, adding more liquid as needed to reach a puréed consistency.
- In a separate medium bowl, lightly mash the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of beans with a fork or potato masher to create some texture.
- Scrape the puréed beans from the food processor into the bowl with the mashed beans.
- Add the minced red bell pepper, onion, optional tomato, fresh chile, and vinegar.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the dip is too thick for your liking, stir in a little more bean liquid or stock until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature or reheat gently before serving.
- In a hurry? Swap the minced pepper, onion, tomato, chile, and vinegar for 1 ½ cups of your favorite fresh salsa for a super-fast version.
