Maco Dip
Cream cheese layered with spicy refried beans and melted cheese creates a rich, savory dip perfect for parties and snacking with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Spread cream cheese evenly in an ungreased 10-inch casserole dish; set aside.
- In a saucepan over low heat, mix refried beans, minced garlic, minced onion, and salt.
- When mixture is hot, add 1/2 cup shredded cheese and stir until melted.
- Spread bean mixture over the cream cheese in the casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then cover with foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are bubbling.
- Remove from oven, take off foil, and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider mixing in some sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, canned refried beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans, just mash them up. You can also customize the cheese blend, using pepper jack for a spicy kick or a Mexican blend for more depth. For more ideas, check out similar Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip hot alongside crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with fresh guacamole or pico de gallo for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Easy Mock Enchilada Casserole or a simple salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maco Dip contains roughly 680 calories, with 16g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate, and when ready to serve, bake it according to the recipe instructions. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of cheese works best for this dip?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works wonderfully, providing a nice balance of flavor and melt. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Gouda or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick, depending on your preference.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! This dip is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just ensure that the cheese you use is rennet-free if you're looking for a vegetarian cheese option. You can also add some sautéed bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).