Mult-layer Cheese and Bean Dip
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12
Description
This appetizer is so delicious you might want to make it your whole meal.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 (13.6 oz/385 g) container refried pinto beans
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) plain, low-fat yogurt
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz (170 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (or use a full 8 oz/225 g if you want!)
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60 g) pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Stir the refried beans and spread them in the bottom of a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan.
- Stir together the cream cheese, yogurt, onion, cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2/3 of the shredded cheese (reserving 1/3 of the shredded cheese for topping). Spread the cheese mixture on top of the refried beans.
- Spread the tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture, and then sprinkle the olives on top. Top with the reserved 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Bake until bubbling in the center, about 20 minutes. If you want it more browned on top, run it under the broiler for a couple minutes (stay with it, because it will brown quickly under the broiler!).
- Sprinkle the parsley on top; serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the cheese layer use yogurt instead of sour cream?
I combine 4 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of plain low-fat yogurt (along with onion, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder) rather than the sour cream typical of layered dips. Yogurt lightens the texture while keeping the layer creamy enough to spread over the refried beans.
When should I put it under the broiler and how closely do I need to watch it?
After the initial 20 minutes at 400°F until the dip is bubbling in the center, run it under the broiler for a couple of minutes if you want more browning on the cheese topping. Stay with it — it will brown very quickly under the broiler.
Wow my first time making this and it was a hit! All the flavors really come together. Tastes great with Doritos spicy chips!