This cheesy salsa bean dip is a dip recipe perfect for entertaining! It’s easy, cheesy, and just thick enough for a satisfying and customizable appetizer or snack.

This cheesy salsa bean dip is a dip recipe perfect for entertaining! It's easy, cheesy, and just thick enough for a satisfying and customizable appetizer or snack.

Hi guys! It’s Alyssa from My Sequined Life with another easy recipe that’s great for entertaining (see also this easy ice cream pie and orzo pasta salad). This time we’re talking dips and this cheesy salsa bean dip is a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and (optionally) spicy…and basically begging to be served alongside chips at your next party. The beans thicken it up just right for a substantial party dip recipe that’s sure to please.

Is Bean Dip Gluten Free?

It depends on what you add to your bean dip.

Refried beans are gluten free.

The ingredients in this bean dip are all gluten free.

Because we have some texture-sensitive people in my family (especially when it comes to tomatoes), I blend the salsa before adding it to the saucepan with the rest of the ingredients to make sure it’s nice and smooth. That step is optional though!

Does Bean Dip Need to be Refrigerated?

Yes, it should be refrigerated if you intend to keep it more than overnight.

This cheesy salsa bean dip is a dip recipe perfect for entertaining! It's easy, cheesy, and just thick enough for a satisfying and customizable appetizer or snack.

There’s some wiggle room with the ingredients here, most notably with the salsa. I used a mild variety of salsa for more of a tomato-y addition and adjusted the spice with the jalapeño pepper. Your favorite salsa can be used with as much (or as little) of the jalapeño as it fits your tastes. I also used reduced-fat cream cheese (aka neufchâtel) to lighten it up a little bit, along with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a really nice and balanced flavor. As for the refried beans, the variety I used was reduced-sodium but any would work. Choose vegetarian if that fits!

Are Refried Beans High in Fiber?

Refried beans can be part of a healthy diet when eaten with other nutrient-dense foods.

They are high in fiber and protein and, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, high-fiber diets have many health benefits.

This cheesy salsa bean dip is a dip recipe perfect for entertaining! It's easy, cheesy, and just thick enough for a satisfying and customizable appetizer or snack.

Do Refried Beans Have Protein?

Like other beans, refried beans contain carbohydrates, protein, fiber, minerals – like magnesium, phosphate and potassium – and several B-vitamins.

Because they provide significant amounts of both carbohydrates and protein, refried beans are counted as partly starch and partly protein.

While this dip is best served warm, I have considerable experience in sneaking chip-fuls straight from leftover dip in the fridge. It’s delicious either way!