Simple Cream Cheese Bean Dip – Appetizer Recipe

Four simple ingredients makes four savory layers all complimenting one another in one delicious cream cheese bean dip. Serve with warm tortilla chips for the ultimate easy appetizer for dinner!

It’s quick.

Sometimes, if you’re like me, I’ll push off the “What’s for dinner?” question until the eleventh hour. (Even though I enjoy cooking!)

In that case, a recipe such as this one comes in handy. 

One of my favorite things about it is: no ground beef (or any meat for that matter) to thaw and cook, just simple ingredients I most likely already have in the pantry and fridge.

It’s easy.

And to us, that’s appealing, especially in busy seasons.

Only four ingredients! (Plus some tortilla chips for serving.) This comes together in a hurry and and the bake time is minimal as well!

It’s delicious.

At first glance, you (like me!) may think bean dip sounds disgusting. 

But no!

I was pleasantly surprised how tasty it really was!

Simple Cream Cheese Bean Dip is a wonderful crowd pleaser for a last minute treat or snack at your next party or get-together, or it also makes a perfect appetizer. (Cinco de Mayo or Super Bowl parties, maybe?)

Unlike alot of homemade bean dip recipes out there, this one contains no chili powder, taco seasoning, or some more of those common ingredients you might think of when you think of a Mexican bean dip.

Not only can this cream cheese bean dip recipe be a great side dish or delicious appetizer, it’s an easy meal idea as well, if you’re looking for a quick and tasty lunch. 

Which is exactly what I decided to use it as today.

Our dinner.

Speaking of dinner, check out some more of our faves from our small town!

One Skillet Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Pan Sauce

Pizza Casserole

Taco Potato Haystack Casserole

This post contains affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Ingredients 

Cream cheese – regular full fat cream cheese at room temperature.

Black beans – from a can, drained and rinsed.

Salsa – we use the homemade salsa (similar to this recipe) we make and can in the summer, but bought is great too!

Shredded cheese – mozzarella and cheddar cheese, freshly grated from a block.

Tortilla chips – for serving

How can I quickly soften cream cheese?

If you’re stovetop has a warm zone, place the cold block of cream cheese on the warm zone and turn it on low or medium heat. 

Flip the cream cheese block about every 5 to 10 minutes until it’s soft and spreadable!

Supplies we used to make Cream Cheese Bean Dip 

• Glass baking pan
• Strainer or colander
• Silicone spatula
• Grater

How to make our Simple Cream Cheese Bean Dip – Appetizer Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a baking dish (we used our trusty glass 9 x 13 baking dish) and spread the softened cream cheese in the bottom.

Rinse and drain the black beans in a colander or strainer if you haven’t already, then add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pan, creating the second layer.

Spread the salsa on next.

Lastly, sprinkle the shredded cheese on the top and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.

Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Notes

Store the leftover bean dip in an airtight container for up 5 days in the refrigerator.

This easy bean dip recipe is wonderful as is, but here’s a few ideas and substitutions, just because.

A can of refried beans or even chili beans work well in place of black beans.

Use mild or hot salsa depending on the level of spiciness you desire! Hot sauce could be a good way to add extra flavor too if you like.

Turn this into more of a Taco dip fit for a Mexican feast with Mexican blend cheese or another cheese blend instead of regular shredded cheese.

Green onions and black olives make a pretty garnish. .

There are endless options in the chip aisle at the grocery store. How about pita chips or corn chips instead of tortilla chips?

Have you tried our easy recipe for Simple Cream Cheese Bean Dip?

Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear about it!

There is no joy in possession without sharing. Erasmus