This American Flag Bean Dip is Your Shortcut to Party Perfection!

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Add a splash of red, white, and blue to your snack table with this American flag bean dip. This will be the hit of your Memorial Day or 4th of July gathering – and this patriotic masterpiece is super easy to make. 

Layers of creamy refried beans, sharp white cheddar cheese, and a constellation of black olives and cherry tomatoes combine for a flag-themed appetizer- the perfect make-ahead dish for your next summer gathering. With just four simple ingredients and a flag cookie cutter, you can make it in no time. 

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In this post, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this star-spangled appetizer. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, but I’ll include a few tips to make sure your dip is the star of the show!

Looking for more patriotic recipes for your next cookout? Try my red, white, blue smoothie, patriotic fruit parfaits, or a show-stopping flag poke cake!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

🥘Ingredient Notes

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

  • White Cheddar Cheese: It needs to be white to be the flag’s stripes.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes work well too.
  • Black Olives
  • Refried Beans
  • Star Cookie Cutter: This isn’t really an ingredient, but you need it to hold the olives and create the star section of the flag.
A variety of grocery items on a marble countertop, including white cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, refried beans, black olives, and a star-shaped cookie cutter.

🥣How to Make American Flag Bean Dip

  1. Take your refried beans and spread them out in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. You’ll want a nice, even layer here.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese over the beans. 
  3. Slice the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side down to create those iconic red stripes. Kids like helping with this step! 
  4. Put your cookie cutter in the top left corner of your tray. Now, fill it with black olives to create the star section of the flag. 
A glass dish containing beans with a gold spoon, partially scooped, on a marble surface.
Spread the beans.
A glass baking dish filled with beans topped with shredded cheese, on a marble countertop.
Sprinkle the cheese.

🍴Serving Ideas

You’ve got your American flag bean dip looking all sorts of festive, but how do you serve it to make sure it’s the hit of your backyard bash? 

  • With a Crunch: I love serving this with a big bowl of tortilla chips. They’re the perfect vessel for scooping up all that cheesy, beany goodness. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good chip-and-dip combo?
  • Veggie Delight: If you’re looking to lighten things up or add some variety, crisp veggies like bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or even jicama sticks make fantastic dippers.
  • Go Bread-y: For a heartier option, pita chips or a sliced baguette can be a delicious way to enjoy the dip. Plus, they hold up well if you want to load up on toppings.

💭How to Store

Scoop any unused dip into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just cover it well so the cheese doesn’t dry out and the flavors stay locked in.

A bean dish with shredded cheese topping and cherry tomatoes arranged in stripes, mimicking the american flag, on a patriotic-themed napkin.

⭐Tips

Be sure to check out the step by step instructions

  • Opt for a block of high-quality white cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the flavor. 
  • This might sound like a no-brainer, but make sure your refried beans are at room temperature before spreading. Cold beans are like trying to spread concrete.
  • When filling your star cookie cutter with olives, chop them up a bit. Whole olives are great, but smaller pieces will stay put better and make for easier dipping. 

📝Reader Questions

Can I make this dip the night before? 

Absolutely! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the tomatoes and olives just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

What if I don’t have a star cookie cutter? 

No star cookie cutter? No problem! You can freehand some stars with sliced olives or sprinkle them on the upper left and don’t worry about the stars. It’s about the spirit, not perfection!

Can I swap out the white cheddar for another cheese? 

Feel free to use another white cheese, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

How do I keep the dip from getting soggy if it’s sitting out? 

To prevent sogginess, don’t let the dip sit out too long, especially in hot weather. If it’s going to be out for an extended period, use an ice tray underneath your serving dish.

⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!

A bean dish with shredded cheese topping and cherry tomatoes arranged in stripes, mimicking the american flag, on a patriotic-themed napkin.
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This American Flag Bean Dip is Your Shortcut to Party Perfection!

Published By Anne
This easy American Flag Bean Dip recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or celebrating any occasion. Layers of creamy refried beans and cheese create a festive flag design that's delicious and patriotic!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings: 8
Print Save Rate Pin

Ingredients
 

  • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Black Olives
  • 1 Can Refried Beans 15 ounces
  • Star Cookie Cutter

Instructions

  • Spread the refried beans out on in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
    1 Can Refried Beans
  • Sprinkle the cheese on top.
    8 ounces white cheddar cheese
  • Slice the tomatoes in half and create flag stripes.
    1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
  • Place the star cookie cutter on the top left corner & fill with sliced olives.
    1/4 cup Black Olives, Star Cookie Cutter

Notes

  • Make sure your refried beans are at room temperature before spreading. Cold beans are like trying to spread concrete.
  • Don’t let the dip sit out too long for food safety, especially in hot weather. Use an ice tray underneath your serving dish if it will be out for an extended period.
  • If you don’t have a star cookie cutter, just sprinkle olives in the upper left, and don’t worry about the stars. It’s about the spirit, not perfection!

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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A bean dish with shredded cheese topping and cherry tomatoes arranged in stripes, mimicking the american flag, on a patriotic-themed napkin.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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