Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm, cheesy bean dip spiced with roasted jalapeños and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for summer parties and game day gatherings. This mexican-inspired snacks (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends shredded Monterey Jack cheese, finely diced red onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 whole jalapeño peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until skins are blistered. Remove and let cool, then dice finely.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed pinto beans and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the diced roasted jalapeños. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Mash the bean mixture lightly with the back of a spoon until chunky but spreadable. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice over the dip. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.