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    Home » Recipes » Dip

    Vegan Bean Dip

    Jan 21, 2013 by Kaitlin

    A warm Vegan Bean Dip recipe made with a hearty combination of both refried beans and black beans! Quick and easy to prepare, and perfect for gatherings, game time, or snacking. (Gluten-free.)

    Glass baking dish with bean dip topped with tomatoes and green onions

    This tasty vegan bean dip is made with a satisfying combination of refried beans and black beans. Then it's topped with fresh, crisp vegetables!

    Plus it's quick and easy to prepare, and easily customizable.

    Bean dips are usually very crowd-pleasing, so it's great for parties, gatherings, and snacking.

    Onion, tomatoes, spices, and garlic ingredients laid out on a white table

    Ingredients for Vegan Bean Dip

    For this recipe you will combine then bake in the oven:

    • Vegan refried beans: Be sure to find vegan-style because most traditional refried beans are made with lard. Most often I either use the Cadia brand or Amy's brand.
    • Black beans: These are so tasty in this dip, and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
    • Yellow onion: Or you can use a sweet onion or white onion if needed.
    • Fresh garlic cloves: Or you can substitute a teaspoon of dried garlic powder if desired.
    • Ground cumin: Be sure your pantry spices are fresh (not expired) for best flavor.
    • Smoked paprika
    • Vegan shredded cheese: Lately I've been using Follow Your Heart mozzarella and cheddar (finely shredded). But simply use your own favorite dairy-free cheese blend or what's available.
    • Tortilla chips for dipping

    Prefer queso? Instead of shredded cheese, try this easy Vegan Cashew Queso! It's a tasty, healthier, homemade option.

    Preparing the bean dip in a skillet with blue spatula

    Customizing

    Spices + seasoning: Change up the flavors with your own favorite spices. Chili powder, Taco Seasoning, dried oregano, etc. (Or you could include diced bell pepper when you sauté the onion.)

    Make it "meaty": Add your favorite vegan ground beef crumbles to the mixture. Cook these separately according to package instructions, then stir them into the warm bean mixture. (You can include these in place of the black beans, or in addition to them.)

    Make it spicy: Stir in a tiny amount of ground chipotle powder while cooking the beans on the stovetop, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or simply top with hot sauce to taste before serving.

    Preparing Ahead

    This recipe comes together pretty quick but you could also prepare it in advance (through all steps except heating in the oven).

    Then just cover, refrigerate, and pop in the oven when you are ready!

    A spoon scooping out refried bean dip in a glass baking dish

    Serving

    After it heats in the oven, top this bean dip bowl with your favorite flavors and garnishes. A few ideas include:

    • Diced grape tomatoes
    • Salsa (such as this Restaurant Style Blender Salsa, Pico de Gallo, or Fresh Garden Salsa)
    • Avocado or guacamole
    • Green onions
    • Fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno
    • Vegan sour cream
    • Black olives
    • Cooked sweet corn (or fire-roasted corn)
    • Finely chopped romaine lettuce

    It's great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack!

    Vegan bean dip in a glass dish topped with tomatoes and green onions

    For more inspiration, also browse all bean recipes or dip recipes.

    A spoon scooping out refried bean dip in a glass baking dish

    Vegan Bean Dip

    A warm bean dip made with a hearty combination of refried and black beans. Quick to prepare and great for gatherings, game-time, or snacking.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 8 side servings

    Ingredients

    • 15 oz. can refried beans (vegan/vegetarian-style)
    • 15 oz. can black beans
    • 1 small yellow onion
    • 2-3 cloves garlic
    • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 2/3 cup vegan shredded cheese* (more or less)
    • Tortilla chips for dipping
    • Optional toppings: tomatoes, salsa, green onion, avocado, guacamole, olives, vegan sour cream, etc.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
    • Dice onion. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté onion for about 8 minutes or until softened. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method.)
    • Meanwhile, mince garlic.
    • Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to skillet. Stir and sauté 1 minute.
    • Reduce heat to medium-low. Add refried beans and black beans (rinsed and drained). Stir with spatula to combine. Heat for about 3 minutes until refried beans soften. Salt to taste if desired.
    • Transfer bean mixture to an 8 x 8 inch glass baking dish. Spread into an even layer. Then sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. (I like to turn on the broiler for the last minute or two of cooking to help melt the cheese. Watch closely so it doesn't burn.)
    • Remove from oven. Add toppings of choice and serve with tortilla chips.

    Notes

    *Vegan cheese: Instead of shredded cheese, you can use creamy homemade Vegan Cashew Queso if you'd like.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Bean Dip
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    122
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    2
    g
    3
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Potassium
     
    196
    mg
    6
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    19
    g
    6
    %
    Fiber
     
    7
    g
    29
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    113
    IU
    2
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    51
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Sodium: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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    If you are enjoying this Mexican-style vegan refried bean dip recipe, also check out:

    • Loaded Veggie and Black Bean Quesadilla
    • Corn and Black Bean Fajitas

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Anonymous

      May 23, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      Look delicious! Thanks for the idea. Making this tonight for a game night. I'll see how the dairy free cheese fairs with the non-allergy eaters!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        May 25, 2014 at 3:16 pm

        Wonderful! Hope it's enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Anonymous

      August 16, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      I have already made it twice. Love it.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        August 19, 2013 at 9:05 pm

        So great! Thanks for giving it a try.

        Reply
    3. Leah

      January 23, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you, I can't wait to make this for the Super Bowl! Hubby thanks you too, he's going to be thrilled with this one.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        January 23, 2013 at 6:07 pm

        That's great to hear - hope you enjoy!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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