Dessert

Cheesy Bean Dip with Tomatoes and Jalapenos Recipe

ByLuna Ryder January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This creamy and flavorful bean dip is perfect for any gathering or game day snack. Layers of seasoned cream cheese, refried beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese come together to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and delicious.

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered dip consisting of three main layers: a bottom layer of creamy beige refried beans spread evenly to the edges, a middle layer of chunky red tomato salsa visible through the top, and a thick top layer of melted yellow and white cheddar cheese covering the center. On top, finely chopped green onions, red onion, and small diced red tomatoes are scattered across the cheesy surface. A silver spoon is partially resting inside the dip on the right side. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby and some yellow tortilla chips partially visible on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
2 (10 oz.) cans Rotel diced tomatoes (drained very well)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese (or pepper jack)
Cilantro, green onions, red onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° F.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: In the same bowl, mix the refried beans with the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Spread this layer over the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the drained tomatoes, then layer them evenly over the refried beans.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and melted.
Step 8: Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings such as cilantro, green onions, red onions, fresh tomatoes, or jalapeno peppers. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

To add extra heat, mix diced jalapenos into the refried beans layer before baking.
For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Try different cheese blends like a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor.
Drain the tomatoes well to prevent a soggy dip.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway for even heating.

How to Serve

A baked dish in a white rectangular ceramic dish shows three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick reddish brown refried bean spread with a creamy texture, followed by a melted layer of orange-yellow cheddar and white cheese covering most of the middle, and topped with a colorful mix of finely chopped red tomatoes, green onions, purple onions, and fresh green herbs scattered over the cheese. A silver spoon rests inside the dish scooping some of the food. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partly visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake when ready to serve.

What can I serve this dip with besides tortilla chips?

This dip pairs well with fresh vegetable sticks, pita bread, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Luna Ryder