Best Bean Dip Ever

I have been known to exaggerate.  A LOT.  I love everything, I'm happy ALL the time, and put a gazillion adjectives everywhere.  The one downside to this is I don't know how to describe something that EVERYONE will LOVE.

You'll just have to trust me, and my many friends and family that request it.

So. Do you have that one recipe that everyone insist you bring to the party? And it gets to the point where they don't ask anymore, but you're expected to bring it? Yep. That's this dish. I hosted a BBQ one summer and was feeling more like salads and fresh, cool food and *gasp* didn't make it. Two different people asked where it was, so I just made it. Keep the ingredients on hand, people. You'll need them.

Now, if any of you in my life know where I got this recipe, I would love to know. I have been making it for over 15 years. Shane & Heather - from Bunko? JB & Jayne - from poker nights? Any family care to take credit?

Best Bean Dip Ever

1 15 oz can of refried beans

8 oz cream cheese, softened

16 oz sour cream

3 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup (4-6 stalks), green onion finely sliced (use the green and white parts), or heaping tbsp of onion flakes (optional)

1 lb bag of Kraft Colby Jack and Cheddar finely shredded cheese*

Call your friend to preheat their oven to 350-375 degrees. 

In KitchenAid mixer (or you can mix by hand or use a hand mixer, but a) why do all the work? and b) it makes a smoother dip) blend all ingredients except shredded cheese until smooth and no lumps.

Spread into a pan (can use 9" x 13" glass pan, or the beloved Pampered Chef 11" Round Baker Pie Pan as pictured below - if my pan could talk!)

Sprinkle (I dump since it's a HUGE bag of cheesy goodness) the cheese on top of the mixture.   Nicole swears it's better by mixing a cup of cheese into the dip before putting it in the pan, but I can't tell a difference when she does it.  LOL

Cover with foil to transport to your friend's house.

Remove foil.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown on edges, and bubbly.  I can also smell when it's done after making it a 100 times.  

Serve with tortilla chips, we like the blue corn chips.

*I have tried every brand, every texture, every flavor of cheese known to man, including shredding my own.  Kraft Colby Jack and Cheddar is the best amount, texture, and is the least oily.  Really, any kind will work, whatever you have on hand, but do NOT use a generic brand.  It is WAY too oily. This is my most requested recipe.  I can't go to any party with my friends without bringing it.  I don't even ask what I can bring anymore...yes, La will have her bean dip. I'm told the secret is the pan I bake it in, but I'm sure it will taste great for you, no matter the dish used.