Texas Trash Dip is the kind of dish that embodies everything I’ve come to love—and find fascinating—about American comfort food. Growing up in Italy, the idea of combining beans, cheese, and cream into a single bubbling tray of indulgence wasn’t something I’d ever encountered.
But after my first Super Bowl party, I quickly realized this isn’t just food; it’s a centerpiece for gathering, laughter, and unapologetic indulgence. It’s a far cry from the simplicity of bruschetta or a light antipasto, but there’s something so wonderfully bold and communal about it that it instantly won me over.
Ultimate Texas Trash Dip
This creamy and cheesy Texas Trash Dip is loaded with refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, making it the ultimate party snack. Serve it warm with tortilla chips for a dip that’s always a crowd favorite.
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cans refried beans 16 ounces each
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend or cheddar
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional
- Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F to get it hot and ready for baking the dip.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine refried beans, softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir until smooth and fully combined.2 cans refried beans, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Add the Cheese: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheese into the mixture for extra cheesiness. Reserve the second cup of cheese to sprinkle on top.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top. For added color, sprinkle a little taco seasoning or paprika.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbrowning.
- Serve: Let the dip cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like celery or bell peppers.Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping
Notes
Make Ahead: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cold.
Slow Cooker Option: After mixing the ingredients, transfer to a slow cooker and set it on low to keep the dip warm for hours during a party.
Add Spice: For extra heat, stir in diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Alternate Dippers: While tortilla chips are traditional, serve with pretzel sticks, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, celery, or bell peppers.
Double the Recipe: For a large crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.
Extra Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or smoked gouda to create a unique flavor profile.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the dip during baking to ensure the cheese on top melts and becomes bubbly without burning.
Reheating Leftovers: Warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Customization: Experiment with additional ingredients like cooked chorizo, ground beef, or diced green chiles for more texture and flavor.
