Ultimate Layered Taco Dip (Printable Version)

Festive layers of creamy, zesty, and crunchy elements with tortilla chips to enjoy.

# What You Need:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
02 - 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

→ Creamy Layer

03 - 1 cup sour cream
04 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Salsa Layer

07 - 1 cup chunky salsa, drained of excess liquid

→ Toppings

08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
11 - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
12 - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
13 - 1 medium avocado, diced and tossed with lime juice
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Tortilla chips for serving

→ Optional Protein Layer

16 - 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked with taco seasoning and cooled

# How To Make It:

01 - Mix refried beans with taco seasoning in a medium bowl until well combined. Spread evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch serving dish or trifle bowl.
02 - Whisk sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and garlic powder together until completely smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bean layer.
03 - Carefully spoon drained salsa over the creamy layer, spreading gently to maintain distinct layers without mixing.
04 - If using meat, distribute the cooled seasoned ground beef or turkey evenly over the salsa layer.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses uniformly over the previous layer.
06 - Layer diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, avocado, and cilantro over the cheese.
07 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold accompanied by tortilla chips.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You can assemble everything hours before guests arrive and actually enjoy your own party
  • Every spoonful delivers that perfect collision of cool creamy beans tangy cheese and fresh crunch
  • People will hover over this dish like its the only food in the room
02 -
  • Draining the salsa is non negotiable or your dip will turn into a watery mess within an hour
  • Wait to add the avocado until right before serving or those dice will turn an unappetizing brown
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends much smoother than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
  • Press a paper towel gently onto the salsa layer to absorb any remaining liquid before adding cheese
  • Season each component with salt as you go since some ingredients need more help than others

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