Touchdown Tex Mex Layer Dip (Printable version)
This colorful layered dip combines classic Tex-Mex flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any festive occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
02 - 1 tablespoon 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
→ Guacamole Layer
07 - 2 large ripe avocados
08 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
→ Salsa Layer
12 - 1 cup chunky salsa, excess liquid drained
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 3/4 cup sliced black olives
16 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
17 - 1/2 cup sliced green onions
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Tortilla chips, for serving
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the refried beans with the taco seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass dish or trifle bowl to form the base layer.
02 - In a separate bowl, whip together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. Carefully spread this creamy preparation over the refried bean layer.
03 - In a third bowl, mash the ripe avocados with lime juice and salt until mostly smooth, leaving some texture if preferred. Fold in the finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Gently spread this guacamole layer over the creamy cheese mixture.
04 - Distribute the drained chunky salsa uniformly over the guacamole.
05 - Evenly sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the salsa layer.
06 - Artfully arrange the sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions over the cheese. Optionally, scatter additional chopped fresh cilantro as a final garnish.
07 - Cover the layered dip and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to set. Serve chilled alongside tortilla chips.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This dip is an absolute showstopper without requiring any cooking, meaning more time for mingling!
- It's endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the spice or add your favorite veggie toppings every time.
02 -
- Draining your salsa thoroughly is absolutely non-negotiable; I learned the hard way that watery dip layers are a sad sight.
- Always make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature before blending; it makes all the difference in achieving that silky-smooth layer.
03 -
- For the cleanest layers, lightly press down each layer before adding the next, which helps create a stable foundation.
- Always keep the dip covered and chilled until the very last moment; a cold dip tastes infinitely better and holds its structure beautifully.