Ever found yourself staring at your plate, thinking, “Beans again?” We get it. Refried beans are great and all, but sometimes, taste buds scream for a change.
Enter our list of 7 delicious alternatives. Each offers a unique flair to your meals, promising to shake things up in the flavor department. We’ve personally tested these swaps, ensuring they’re more than up to the task of refreshing your palate.
Expect surprises and new favorites to emerge. Our kitchens have been busy, our forks never resting, until we found these gems. Ready for a change? We sure are.
7 Easy Substitutes for Refried Beans
| ubstitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Black Beans | Rich, earthy | Creamy, smooth | Tacos, burritos, nachos |
| Lentils | Nutty, savory | Thick, hearty | Chili, soups, casseroles |
| Chickpeas | Nutty, slightly sweet | Creamy, spreadable | Wraps, dips, sandwiches |
| Cauliflower Mash | Mild, slightly sweet | Smooth, creamy | Burrito bowls, taco fillings |
| Sweet Potato Puree | Sweet, slightly spicy | Smooth, velvety | Quesadillas, enchiladas |
| Avocado Spread | Creamy, buttery | Spreadable, chunky | Toast, sandwiches, dips |
| Hummus | Nutty, garlicky | Smooth, creamy | Pita, veggies, wraps |
In case you’re wondering, refried beans are neither fried nor technically “refried.” The name actually comes from the Spanish term “frijoles refritos,” which means well-fried beans. But enough with the history lesson, let’s dive into these alternatives that will make your taste buds dance.
1 – Black Beans
Swap out refried beans with black beans for a simple change. Black beans bring a smooth texture and rich flavor to the dish. We tossed them in salads and tacos, and oh boy, were we impressed. They didn’t just sit there; they made each bite interesting.
Black beans also mix well with spices. We added cumin, garlic, and a dash of chili pepper. It turned our meals from “meh” to “wow.” They work wonders in giving dishes a kick.
Substitute black beans at a 1:1 ratio for refried beans. Try this in your next recipe. Fancy more bean swaps? Peek at alternative beans for your recipes.
2 – Lentils
We found lentils to be a stellar swap. They’re small, yet they pack a flavor that surprises you. Lentils can soak up any seasoning you throw at them. We loved how versatile they were.
In our trials, lentils did well in both soups and tacos. They added a nice texture without overpowering the other ingredients. The substitution ratio? A solid 1:1. Lentils for refried beans worked like a charm.
And here’s a fun fact we stumbled upon. Lentils cook faster than you’d expect. We saved time in the kitchen without losing any of the flavors we craved.
Our dishes turned out so well, we kept going back for seconds. If you’re also curious about different kinds of lentils, find more options here.
3 – Chickpeas
Chickpeas make an epic swap for refried beans. Their texture? Firm yet tender. They bring a nutty taste that’s hard to beat. We tossed these in salads and wraps, and the outcome was top-notch.
They also gel well with spices. Toss them with some coriander and paprika. This combo upgraded our dishes big time. We found chickpeas to be a solid substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
We often end up scooping more onto our plates. For those eager for other chickpea swaps, peek at alternatives to chickpeas.
4 – Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower mash steps in and takes the spotlight. It’s simple; we mash boiled cauliflower. We found it creates a creamy texture, perfect for those cozy dinners. Swap at a 1:1 ratio.
We love this because it’s easy to make. Just cook, mash, and it’s ready to go. Cauliflower takes on any flavor we throw at it. Spices love this veggie.
5 – Sweet Potato Puree
Sweet potatoes step up as a game-changer. We boil them first, then mash. It results in a soft, creamy blend. This swap works one-for-one with refried beans.
We’ve thrown it into tacos before. What a transformation! The puree adds a subtle sweetness, making the dish pop. This one’s a winner in our book.
It mixes well, too. We spice ours up with cinnamon and nutmeg. Every bite brings a cozy warmth.
For a quick meal fix, sweet potato puree saves the day. It’s as easy as cooking and mashing. Try this in your recipes. It’s a simple twist that brings big changes.
6 – Avocado Spread
We tried avocado. It worked wonders. Creamy and smooth, right? We spread it on everything. Substitute avocado at a 1:1 ratio.
Easy to prep. Just smash it up. It adds a rich, buttery texture to dishes. We threw some on toast. Our mornings got a whole lot better.
Avocado loves spices. We mixed in some lime and salt. Our dishes sang. Give it a shot in your next meal. You won’t regret it.
This swap is a breeze. Cook, smash, done. It’s a game changer in meals. Try this twist. Your plate will thank you.
7 – Hummus
Hummus steps in as a creamy marvel. It blends seamlessly into meals. We swap it like we do refried beans, easy. Its texture? Smooth. Flavors? Bold and versatile.
We’ve slathered it onto wraps and it was a hit. The spread makes every bite better. Mix ratio? A straight 1:1.
Trying it in tacos changed the game for us. We dig its creamy consistency.
For those who love to experiment, find similar ideas here.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.