Having guests over? It might be time to upgrade your traditional chips and dip recipe with this Southern refried bean version. The warm, perfectly spiced beans are complemented by the richness, zing and creaminess of the cream cheese and sour cream layer, with a hint of fresh cilantro. If you don’t have time to make a full seven layers, repeating these two a few times in a clear glass dish will give a similarly impressive effect. Plus, this dip is scarily addictive!
Leftovers can find new life in a burrito or quesadilla … or they’ll keep in the fridge for some late night munching, if they last that long!
Southern Refried Bean Dip
6
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 16-ounce cans pinto beans, undrained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups pepper jack cheese, grated
2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream cheese
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips
Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and garlic; sweat until translucent.
Add the pinto beans, spices, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook 7-10 minutes, until the beans begin to soften. Use a potato masher to mash the beans slightly.
Cook the beans an additional 5-10 minutes, until they begin to thicken. Give them an additional mash until they've reached the desired texture, and reduce the heat to low.
Add the cheese and hot sauce, and stir until the cheese has completely melted.
In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, measure out the cream cheese. Microwave for 30-second intervals until the cream cheese is softened all the way through. Add the sour cream, and stir to combine.
Spoon a thick, even layer of the bean mixture into the bottom of a serving dish. Top with a thin layer of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture, and then a sprinkling of cilantro. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
