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.)
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.
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.
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!
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!
For more inspiration, also browse all bean recipes or dip recipes.
Vegan Bean Dip
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.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°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
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: 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.
If you are enjoying this Mexican-style vegan refried bean dip recipe, also check out:
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Anonymous says
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!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer says
Wonderful! Hope it's enjoyed!
Anonymous says
I have already made it twice. Love it.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer says
So great! Thanks for giving it a try.
Leah says
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.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer says
That's great to hear - hope you enjoy!