Gluten Free Refried Bean Dip
Warm, smoky, and deeply savory, this skillet dip is the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears before you even sit down. Pinto beans get cooked down with sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika before being mashed right in the pan into a thick, scoopable spread with just enough texture to feel satisfying. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up, and a blanket of melted cheddar on top takes it fully over the edge. Store-bought refried bean dips can be a minefield — thickeners, additives, and shared production lines make label-reading exhausting — so making it from scratch with simple, whole ingredients is genuinely worth the extra twenty minutes. Served warm from the skillet with gluten free tortilla chips, it's the kind of dip that makes people hover around the table. Optional cilantro and sour cream add a cool, fresh contrast to all that smoky depth. This recipe serves six, making it an easy go-to for game days, potlucks, or any night you want something seriously good with minimal effort.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained, liquid reserved
- ¼ cup reserved bean liquid or water
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For serving
- gluten free tortilla chips, for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch the garlic closely so it does not brown.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!