Gloria’s Black Bean Dip Recipe

Growing up in California, I never knew what real Mexican food was until my trip to Dallas. When we visited Gloria’s Latin Restaurant, their black bean dip completely changed my view of what a simple dip could be. After trying it, I knew I had to recreate this Gloria’s Black Bean Dip Recipe at home.

I spent months testing different recipes from YouTube, but none hit the mark. Finally, through a Reddit connection with a former Gloria’s employee, I got my hands on the authentic recipe.

Now I can share this Dallas treasure with you, and trust me, it’s just as good as what you’ll get at the restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

1. Perfect restaurant-style taste and texture
2. Takes just 20 minutes to make
3. Uses simple ingredients from any grocery store
4. Great make-ahead option for busy days
5. Freezes well for later

What Is in Gloria’s Black Bean Dip?

• 1 tsp vegetable oil: Used for sautéing and helps bring out the flavor of the garlic and onions.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm and aromatic base to the dip.
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped: Sweet and savory, onions are key to building the dip’s depth of flavor.
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained: The heart of the recipe, black beans are packed with protein and creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup mild picante sauce: Provides a tangy and mildly spicy kick that balances the beans perfectly.
• 1 tsp cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is essential for that signature Latin flavor.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the dip.
• 3/4 cup tomatoes, chopped: Fresh and juicy, tomatoes add brightness to the dish.
• 1 tbsp lime juice: Brings a tangy, zesty note that lifts all the flavors.
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: The herbal freshness of cilantro ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Possible Substitutions for This Recipe

1. Vegetable Oil: Substitute with olive oil for a slightly richer flavor.
2. Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available (1/4 tsp per clove).
3. Picante Sauce: Swap with salsa or even diced canned tomatoes with green chilies.
4. Cumin and Chili Powder: If you’re out, taco seasoning can be a quick replacement.
5. Cilantro: Replace with parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s taste.

Kitchen Appliances You’ll Need

1. Frying pan: For sautéing the garlic, onions, and cooking the beans.
2. Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix and stir the ingredients.
3. Knife and cutting board: For chopping veggies and herbs.
4. Serving bowl: For presenting the finished dip.

How to Make Gloria’s Black Bean Dip

Step 1 | Heat the oil

Place a frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tsp of vegetable oil.

Step 2 | Sauté garlic and onions

Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3 | Add black beans and seasoning

Stir in the black beans, 1/2 cup mild picante sauce, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes.

Step 4 | Add tomatoes

Add 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes to the pan and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5 | Finish with lime juice and cilantro

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

Step 6 | Serve

Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or as a spread for your favorite wraps.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dish

• Rinse your beans until the water runs clear
• Let the dip sit for 10 minutes after cooking – it gets better as the flavors mix
• Mash some of the beans while cooking for a creamier texture
• Cut all ingredients about the same size for even cooking
• If the dip seems dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth

How to Serve This Black Bean Dip

Here’s my favorite ways to serve this dip:

1. With Tortilla Chips: The classic way! Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the creamy, flavorful dip.
2. Topped on Nachos: Spread it over a plate of crispy nachos, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an irresistible appetizer.
3. In Tacos or Burritos: Use it as a filling or spread in tacos, burritos, or wraps to add extra flavor and creaminess.
4. With Quesadillas: Serve it alongside cheese quesadillas as a dipping sauce or drizzle it inside for added flavor.
5. As a Spread: Spread it on toast, crackers, or bagels for a quick snack.
6. With Grilled Meats: Use it as a side dish or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Serve for no longer than 2 hours. For outdoor or warm settings, use a cold serving dish or place the bowl on ice to keep it fresh.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing to prevent a skin from forming and keep the flavors fresh.

Freezer: Freeze in portioned, labeled, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Let the dip cool completely before storing to avoid condensation that can make it watery. Spread it thin in the container to cool faster. Reheat with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth per cup, stirring frequently. On the stovetop, use medium-low heat; in the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Separation after storage is normal—just stir it well when reheating to bring it back together.

Gloria’s Black Bean Dip Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! I actually think it tastes better the next day. The flavors have time to blend together. Make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before serving and give it a good stir.

2. How spicy is this dip?

Using mild picante sauce and regular chili powder makes this dip mild enough for most people. If you want more heat, use medium or hot picante sauce, or add a diced jalapeño. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.

3. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Start with 1 cup of dried black beans, soak them overnight, then cook until tender (about 1 hour). This equals roughly two 15-oz cans. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

4. My dip seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

Start by adding warm water or extra picante sauce, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the dip will thicken as it cools, so make it slightly thinner than you want.

5. How do I make this dip smoother?

Use a food processor or blender to puree some or all of the dip. I like to blend half the mixture and combine it with the chunky half for the perfect texture. If using a blender, pulse in short bursts to control the consistency.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Sure! Double all ingredients and use a larger pan. Cooking time stays about the same, but you might need an extra minute or two for the vegetables to soften. Perfect when you’re serving a bigger group.

7. Why do I need to rinse the beans?

Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and the thick liquid they’re packed in. This helps control the saltiness and gives you better texture. It also prevents the dip from being too soupy.

Continue to Content

Gloria's Black Bean Dip Recipe

Yield: 1/4 cup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Make Gloria's Black Bean Dip Recipe in just 20 minutes! This restaurant-style dip is packed with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup mild picante sauce
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Place a frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tsp of vegetable oil.
2. Sauté garlic and onions: Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add black beans and seasoning: Stir in black beans, picante sauce, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish with lime juice and cilantro: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
6. Serve: Serve warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or as a spread.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 85Total Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 4gProtein: 4g

Conclusion

Gloria’s Black Bean Dip Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors with a Latin twist. This simple yet flavorful dish has become a family favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it does the same in yours. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes.