Texas Trash Dip
Texas Trash Dip is the ultimate warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Loaded with creamy refried beans, zesty taco seasoning, and melty cheese, this dip is baked until bubbling and golden. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings, it disappears fast once it hits the table!
Reasons to Love This Recipe
Super easy to make – just mix, bake, and serve!
Bold Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
Always a party hit – great for feeding a crowd.
Comfort food at its best – warm, creamy, and cheesy.
Totally customizable – add meat, heat, or veggies as you like!
Key Ingredients
Cream cheese & sour cream – create a smooth and rich base.
Refried beans – add heartiness and texture.
Taco seasoning & spices – provide big, savory flavor.
Chopped green chiles – for a mild kick and extra depth.
Mexican blend cheese – melty and flavorful, it ties the whole dish together.
Scallions – a fresh finishing touch.
Texas Trash Dip
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 (15-oz.) cans refried beans
1 (4 1/2-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained and rinsed
1 (1-oz.) envelope taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 (16-oz.) pkg. shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 4 cups), divided
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Get the oven and dish ready
Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Soften the dairy
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cream cheese softens. Stir together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix in the flavor
Add the refried beans, green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is fully blended.
Step 4: Build the dip
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake and finish
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Take it out and sprinkle sliced scallions across the top. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes for Texas Trash Dip
Soften Cream Cheese Properly:
Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth, lump-free dip. If you forget to microwave it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Customize the Heat Level:
This dip is mildly spiced, but you can make it hotter by adding extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or even a few dashes of hot sauce.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients for Best Flavor:
While you can substitute low-fat dairy, the full-fat versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese provide the richest, creamiest texture and flavor.
Pre-Shredded Cheese Tip:
Bagged shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own from a block melts more smoothly and has better flavor since it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t Skip the Taco Seasoning:
The taco seasoning brings all the Tex-Mex flavor, so don’t leave it out. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Make Ahead Friendly:
You can assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the dip warm for best flavor and texture. Tortilla chips are classic, but it’s also delicious with veggie sticks or even spread inside a warm tortilla.
Scallion Garnish Adds Freshness:
The thinly sliced scallions added at the end give the dip a fresh pop of color and flavor. Don’t skip them unless you absolutely have to!
Nutrition Information
(Per serving; makes about 12 servings)
Calories: 290 | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 10g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 630mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
13×9-inch baking dish
Large microwave-safe bowl
Mixing spoon or spatula
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch more cayenne.
Add meat: Mix in cooked ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken.
Change the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Go low-fat: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese if preferred.
Add veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing not recommended – dairy-based dips can separate when thawed.
Food and Drink Pairings
Dippers: Tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, toasted pita.
Drinks: Margaritas, Mexican beers, or a sparkling lime soda.
Mains: Serve alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled fajitas for a full Tex-Mex spread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Texas Trash Dip?
It’s a hot, cheesy bean dip with Southwestern flavors, baked until bubbly and topped with scallions.
Is this dip spicy?
It has mild heat from chili powder and cayenne, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust heat to your liking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Just use vegetarian refried beans and ensure your taco seasoning is meat-free.
How many people does it serve?
This recipe makes enough for about 10–12 people as an appetizer.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm. Cold leftovers can be reheated easily in the oven or microwave.
Do I have to microwave the cream cheese?
Microwaving softens it quickly for easy mixing. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temp instead.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Use about 3 tablespoons of your favorite blend.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different baking dish size?
Yes, just adjust bake time accordingly. A smaller dish will make a thicker dip and may take a few minutes longer.
What if I don’t have green chiles?
You can skip them or replace with a little salsa or chopped jalapeños.