Mouth-watering black bean dip with pureed black beans, corn, bell pepper, Cotija cheese, and classic Mexican toppings. This no-cook, 10-minute bean dip is a must-have Mexican recipe!
There's something about black beans and Mexican flavors that just belong together. This black bean dip is a Mexican fiesta in a bowl! The dip is made with classic ingredients like cilantro, lime, Serrano pepper, and cumin. Then it's topped with fresh produce and Cotija cheese. This ain't your 7-layer bean dip (but we love that too!
Black Bean Dip Ingredients
- black beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
- jalapeno or serrano pepper
- green onions
- fresh cilantro
- fresh lime
- fresh garlic cumin, salt, and pepper
How to make black bean dip
- Add cooked black beans, Serrano pepper, garlic, green onion stalk, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings to food processor (I've had this one for several years and I love it!).
- Blend until creamy.
- If you like a thinner consistency, add small amounts of water until you've reached the sweet spot.
- Transfer the black bean dip to an airtight bowl and refrigerate up to three days.
- To serve, load it up with toppings and serve it immediately.
Black Bean Dip Toppings
The sky really is the limit on your topping selection, but here's what I used for this bean dip recipe:
- corn - You can use frozen, canned, or fresh.
- Bell pepper - Red bell pepper mix this really pretty, But any bell pepper will do.
- Cotija cheese - This is the white crumbly stuff you see on top of my black bean dip. You could use a typical, four-cheese shredded blend, But oh man do I love the authentic vibes of Cotija cheese. It has a mild flavor, and a little goes a long way.
- Fresh cilantro - Again, we're team "fresh" cilantro over here because nothing brings the Mexican food vibes like cilantro.
- Green Onions - The green onion tops, actually. I like to blend the white stalk of the onion into the beans.
- Lime wedges - Serve these alongside the dip for the lime-crazed people (like me).
Scratch-cooked or canned black beans?
Either. You can use canned black beans or cook them from scratch via pressure cooker, slow cooker, or using my hands free oven method. During cooler months, I almost always opt for this method.
How to make black bean dip spicier
Jalapenos tend to me be more mild than serranos, so always taste either pepper before adding to the recipe. You want to make sure you're getting the right level of heat...and not too much!
Can I use dried cilantro for this recipe?
I prefer fresh cilantro for black bean dip. This is not a recipe that calls for dried cilantro. Trust me on this one. You'll never achieve that authentic amazing flavor and aroma with anything but fresh cilantro.
How to make bean dip consistency thinner
Water. Plain and simple. You can use water to thin the consistency of this bean dip. If you do, only add in small amounts because if you make it too thin, the only way to thicken it is with more black beans.
How to serve bean dip
To serve as a chilled appetizer spread the dip into a wide, shallow bowl or plate, and sprinkle on toppings to your liking. (I used corn, bell pepper, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges). Serve with tortilla chips or raw vegetables.
To serve as a warm appetizer, simply heat the bean dip via microwave or stovetop (your choice), plate it, then add the toppings and serve. (I used corn, bell pepper, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges). Serve with tortilla chips or raw vegetables.
Recommended Tools
- chef knife
- cutting board
- citrus juicer (or a fork will do)
- 7 cup food processor fitted with the chopping blade (a standard blender works too!)
Mexican party food recipes
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Totchos Tater Tot Nachos
- How To Make Black Refried Beans
- 5-Minute Homemade Salsa
Loaded Black Bean Dip
INGREDIENTS
Black Bean Dip Ingredients
- 2 (15 ounce cans) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 Serrano Pepper (or Jalapeno), seeded and chopped
- 1 Green Onion, separate white and green parts
- ½ cup Cilantro, loosely chopped
- 2 Limes, juiced
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Water to thin as needed
Black Bean Dip TOPPINGS
- ½ cup Corn
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons Cotija Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Make black bean dip base
- In a food processor, puree the BLACK BEANS, SERRANO PEPPER, GARLIC, GREEN ONION (white part), CILANTRO, LIME JUICE, GARLIC, CUMIN, SALT, and PEPPER. Add water in small amounts to adjust consistency as needed.
- Transfer the black bean dip to an airtight bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve black bean dip COLD
- Place pureed bean dip in a serving bowl. Sprinkle CORN, BELL PEPPER, COTIJA CHEESE, CILANTRO, and LIME over bean dip. Serve chilled.
To serve black bean dip WARM
- Heat the bean dip via microwave or stove, transfer to serving bowl, and add toppings. Serve warm *see recipe footnotes for serving suggestion
RECIPE VIDEO
Traci's Recipe Notes
How to serve black bean dip
To serve as a chilled appetizer spread the dip into a wide, shallow bowl or plate, and sprinkle on toppings to your liking. (I used corn, bell pepper, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges). Serve with tortilla chips or raw vegetables. To serve as a warm appetizer, simply heat the bean dip via microwave or stovetop (your choice), plate it, then add the toppings and serve. (I used corn, bell pepper, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges). Serve with tortilla chips or raw vegetables. Scratch-cooked or canned black beans? Either. You can use canned black beans or cook them from scratch via pressure cooker, slow cooker, or using my hands free oven method. During cooler months, I almost always opt for this method. How to make black bean dip spicier Jalapenos tend to me be more mild than serranos, so always taste either pepper before adding to the recipe. You want to make sure you're getting the right level of heat...and not too much! Can I use dried cilantro for this recipe? I prefer fresh cilantro for black bean dip. This is not a recipe that calls for dried cilantro. Trust me on this one. You'll never achieve that authentic amazing flavor and aroma with anything but fresh cilantro. How to make bean dip consistency thinner Water. Plain and simple. You can use water to thin the consistency of this bean dip. If you do, only add in small amounts because if you make it too thin, the only way to thicken it is with more black beans.NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Gina Taylor says
This truly was amazing, we served with corn chips and guacamole, thank you
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Gina...so glad everyone enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to review!
Katrina says
Oh my gosh, this looks fantastic! I'm excited to try it!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Katrina! Hope you love it! Great for parties...so easy and everyone LOVES it!
Jacqui Debono says
I have bags of black beans languishing in the freezer, that I didn't know what to do with. This would be a perfect recipe to use them on!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Jacqui! Loaded bean dip is the PERFECT way to put them to use...enjoy!
Jacqueline Debono says
This black bean dip looks amazing! I love the idea of adding toppings. It really makes it party fit!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Jacqueline! Love hearing it...enjoy! 🙂
Kimberly says
This sounds so yummy, I can't wait to try it!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Kimberly...hope you enjoy!
Claudia Lamascolo says
this is a delicious black bean dip I always have had it with refried and cant wait to try this version!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much, Claudia...hope you love it like we do 🙂
Tisha says
Great dip for upcoming game days! Definitely perfect for entertaining!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Tisha! It's a total party hit!
Kathi says
Huge fan of black beans and love how this is loaded up with fresh flavors! Yum! pinned!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Kathy! Love hearing that 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Now this looks like such a tasty dip! I love that its gluten free and vegetarian too!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Bintu! Yes...hooray for ALL the healthy things 🙂
Dahn says
This is such a great addition to a party. I always look for healthier choices like this one.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Dahn! Yes, it's so indulgent and secretly healthy 🙂
Kavita Favelle says
I like how easy this looks, and the colourful garnishes really make it look so appetising!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Kavita! Love hearing that...enjoy!
Alisa Infanti says
This would also make a great school snack with some tortilla chips!
Traci Antonovich says
That's how I roll too, Alisa 🙂 Thanks!
Demeter says
I'm so ready to dip into this! We'll definitely be making this for every party.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay, Demeter! It's so easy and loved by all. Enjoy! 🙂
Kate says
Wow this looks incredible! Making this ASAP thanks for sharing!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Kate! Enjoy 🙂