🧀 Cheesy Chili Bean Dip – Game Day Favorite
This hot, gooey dip is loaded with melted cheese, hearty beans, and bold chili flavor—perfect for scooping on game day, movie night, or any party!
If you’re looking for the ultimate party dip that’s hot, cheesy, and totally addictive, this Cheesy Chili Bean Dip delivers every time. It’s bold, hearty, and loaded with layers of melted cheese, savory beans, and flavorful chili—everything you want in a game day snack. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just in the mood for something comforting, this dip hits the spot.
Instead of spending hours prepping complicated appetizers, you can throw this together in minutes. Just layer canned chili, creamy refried beans, and shredded cheese into a baking dish, then bake until it’s bubbly and golden. As a result, you get a gooey, scoopable dip that’s perfect with tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh veggies.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chili Bean Dip
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy – Every bite is packed with gooey, melty cheese that pulls perfectly with every scoop.
🌶️ Bold Flavor – The combo of savory chili, creamy beans, and spices creates rich, crave-worthy flavor.
🕒 Quick & Easy – In fact, you can prep it in under 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
🍽️ Perfect Party Food – As a result, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, movie nights, or potlucks.
🔁 Customizable – For example, add jalapeños, ground beef, or green onions for your own twist.
🔥 Serve It Hot & Fresh – It bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in about 20 minutes.
♻️ Great Leftovers – In addition, it reheats well and makes a killer nacho topping the next day.
✅ One Dish, No Fuss – Therefore, cleanup is easy and you’ll spend less time in the kitchen.
🔪 How to Make Cheesy Chili Bean Dip
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
Layer the Dip
Spread refried beans in an even layer, followed by your favorite chili. Top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Top with optional green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
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Chili Cheese Bean Dip
Ingredients
16 oz Refried Beans can- 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 2 oz Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 Tbsp Avocado oil
- 1 Large Lime juiced
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream or Mexican crema
- 3 Cloves Garlic crushed or finely minced
- ¼ Cup Green Onions thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro leaves, packed, chopped
- ½ tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Chipotle ground
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Large Jalapeno Peppers seeded and minced
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, add the refried beans, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado oil, lime juice, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chipotle powder, chili powder, and finely diced jalapeño. Use a spatula to stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined. Make sure the cheese is evenly mixed throughout the dip. Note: If making the day before, do not add garlic, onions, and cilantro until 1 to 2 hours before serving; otherwise, the flavors might overpower the dip. Wrap and chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving for best results, but the dip can be served immediately, if desired.16 oz Refried Beans, 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, 2 oz Cheddar Cheese, 2 Tbsp Avocado oil, 1 Large Lime, ¼ Cup Sour Cream, 3 Cloves Garlic, ¼ Cup Green Onions, ¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro, ½ tsp Ground Cumin, 1 tsp Chipotle, 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 Large Jalapeno Peppers
Nutrition
Notes
- Refried Beans: Use your favorite brand or homemade refried beans.
- Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese provides a good melting and flavor combination.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil adds a healthy fat and a creamy texture. You can substitute with another oil, like olive oil.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a bright and zesty flavor.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent flavor.
- Green Onions: Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Spices: Cumin, chipotle powder, and chili powder create a warm and smoky flavor base.
- Jalapeño: Finely diced jalapeño adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir with a spatula until well combined. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dip is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, add more cheese or refried beans.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more lime juice, hot sauce, or spices.
- Serve Warm: This dip is best served warm. You can heat it in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
- Dippers: Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Spicy: Add more jalapeño, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Hearty: Add cooked ground beef, chorizo, or black beans for a more substantial dip.
- Creamy: Add more sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Cheesy: Add more cheese or use a different type of cheese, like pepper jack.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🍽️ What to Serve With Cheesy Chili Bean Dip
This gooey, bold-flavored dip is the life of the party—and it pairs perfectly with all your favorite dippers and sides. Whether you’re hosting game day or setting up a snack table, here are some delicious ways to serve it:
🧂 Classic Dippers
Tortilla chips – The obvious choice for maximum scoopability
Crackers – Try buttery rounds or sturdy wheat crackers for a crispy contrast
Toasted baguette slices – Great for a heartier dip base
Soft pretzel bites – A warm, salty pairing with melty cheese
🥕 Fresh Crunch
Celery sticks – Adds a refreshing crunch
Carrot sticks – Naturally sweet and perfect with heat
Bell pepper strips – Colorful and sturdy enough to hold every bite
🌮 Sidekicks & Add-ons
Nachos – Drizzle over chips and top with jalapeños and sour cream
Baked potatoes – Spoon over for an indulgent twist
Quesadillas or tacos – Use leftovers as a bold filling
❓ Cheesy Chili Bean Dip FAQ
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dip a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed until hot and bubbly.
Q: Can I make it in the microwave instead of the oven?
A: Absolutely. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until the cheese is fully melted. It won’t get quite as bubbly or golden, but it still tastes great.
Q: Does this recipe work with homemade chili?
A: Definitely! If you have leftover chili, it works beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too watery—thicker chili holds up better in this layered dip.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes. Use vegetarian chili and skip the meat, or go fully vegan by using plant-based cheese and beans. The result is still hearty and satisfying.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
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