Warm, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, Texas Trash Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. This creamy, baked dip combines smooth refried beans, rich cream cheese, and zesty taco seasoning, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. Whether served at game day gatherings, family parties, or casual get-togethers, this dip is always a hit. It’s simple to make with pantry staples and can be customized to suit any spice preference. Best of all, it pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredient Breakdown
A combination of simple ingredients comes together to create a dip that is both creamy and full of bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Refried Beans provide a hearty and smooth base, making the dip thick and satisfying. Their mild flavor allows the spices and cheese to shine while adding a comforting texture.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream work together to create a rich and velvety consistency. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang while the sour cream lightens the dip, preventing it from becoming too dense.
Green Chiles offer a mild, slightly tangy kick that enhances the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. Draining and rinsing them ensures the dip stays thick and creamy.
Taco Seasoning & Spices bring a smoky, zesty heat that complements the creamy elements. A blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper adds layers of flavor, making every bite dynamic.
Mexican Blend Cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy topping. Using a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other melty cheeses ensures the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
Scallions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, giving the dish a fresh contrast against the richness of the cheese and beans.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Prepping the Ingredients
Softening the cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture, making it easier to blend with the other ingredients. Letting it sit at room temperature or microwaving it briefly allows it to mix seamlessly with the sour cream. The green chiles should be well-drained and rinsed to prevent excess moisture from thinning out the dip. Measuring out the spices and cheese in advance ensures even seasoning and easy assembly.
Mixing the Dip Base
Heating the cream cheese and sour cream together results in a silky, well-blended consistency. Stirring in the refried beans and green chiles adds body and texture, creating a rich and creamy mixture. Evenly distributing the taco seasoning and additional spices ensures that every bite is full of bold, Tex-Mex flavor. Finally, folding in half of the shredded cheese infuses the dip with an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Layering and Baking
Spreading the dip evenly into the prepared baking dish allows it to cook uniformly, preventing any dry spots. A layer of cheese is incorporated into the dip to enhance the creaminess, while the remaining cheese is generously sprinkled on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Baking at 350°F ensures that the flavors meld together while allowing the cheese to fully melt without becoming greasy.
Finishing Touches & Serving
Fresh scallions are added after baking to provide a crisp, mildly sweet contrast to the rich dip. Allowing the dip to rest for a few minutes before serving helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serving it warm with crunchy tortilla chips ensures the perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures in every bite.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to achieve the perfect cheese melt without overcooking:
Bake just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Overbaking can cause the cheese to become greasy.
Adjusting the spice level for milder or bolder flavors:
Reduce the cayenne for a milder dip or add extra chili powder for a spicier kick. A few dashes of hot sauce can also enhance the heat.
Making the dip ahead of time for easy party prep:
Assemble the dip and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Preventing the dip from drying out while baking:
Covering with foil for the first 10 minutes helps retain moisture, ensuring a creamy, smooth texture.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate it before baking or bake it and reheat later.
How do I keep the dip warm for a party?
Serve in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it at the perfect temperature.
Can I add meat to this dip?
Yes, cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled chorizo can be mixed in for added protein and flavor.
What’s the best cheese blend to use?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack works well, but any good melting cheese will do.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers and side dishes.
Best Dipping Options: Classic tortilla chips are the go-to choice, but pita chips, toasted baguette slices, and crunchy veggie sticks also work well.
Pairing with Other Dishes: Serve alongside tacos, fajitas, or quesadillas for a complete Tex-Mex spread. It also complements grilled meats and burrito bowls.
Drink Pairings: A cold Mexican beer, a classic margarita, or even a sparkling lime-infused water balances the richness of the dip.
Texas Trash Dip is the ultimate cheesy, flavorful appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With its creamy, gooey texture and bold seasoning, it’s a dip that disappears fast. Whether served with crispy tortilla chips or as part of a larger Tex-Mex spread, this warm, satisfying dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and effortless entertaining. Experiment with different cheeses, spice levels, and mix-ins to make it your own, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 (15-oz.) cans refried beans
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ½-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained and rinsed
1 (1-oz.) envelope taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (16-oz.) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 4 cups), divided
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese and sour cream on HIGH for approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cream cheese becomes soft. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Add the refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed. Fold in 2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese blend, mixing until the dip is creamy and uniform.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the surface, covering it completely for a gooey, golden topping.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges. Once out of the oven, garnish with sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Texas Trash Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 15-oz. cans refried beans
- 1 8-oz. package cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 4 ½-oz. can chopped green chiles, drained and rinsed
- 1 1-oz. envelope taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 16-oz. package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 4 cups), divided
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese and sour cream on HIGH for approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cream cheese becomes soft. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed. Fold in 2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese blend, mixing until the dip is creamy and uniform.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the surface, covering it completely for a gooey, golden topping.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges. Once out of the oven, garnish with sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
