4-Way Layered Dip (Printable Version)

Multi-layered party dip with beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheese—ready in 20 minutes for any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base Layer

01 - 16 oz canned refried beans
02 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - 1 cup softened cream cheese
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Salsa Layer

08 - 1 cup chunky salsa, drained
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
11 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Topping Layer

12 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
14 - 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
15 - 1/2 cup sliced green onions

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - In another bowl, blend together sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the bean layer.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine drained salsa, diced tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Spoon this mixture evenly over the creamy layer, draining any excess liquid if necessary.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer. Evenly sprinkle black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions over the cheese.
05 - Refrigerate the layered dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Every single layer brings a different texture and flavor, so each bite feels like a little surprise.
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble it right before guests arrive without breaking a sweat.
  • It looks impressive enough to be the centerpiece of your snack table, but secretly takes less effort than making cookies.
  • Everyone gets to customize their scoop, piling on extra olives or skipping the onions without anyone judging.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa really well, or the whole dip will turn into a watery mess that slides off your chip.
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before mixing, or you'll end up with frustrating lumps no amount of stirring will fix.
  • Don't skip the chilling time, the flavors need that half hour to settle and the layers need to firm up just enough to hold their shape.
03 -
  • Use a clear dish with straight sides so the layers show off cleanly, it makes all the difference in presentation.
  • Let the cream cheese sit on the counter for at least thirty minutes before mixing, it'll blend like a dream and save your arm from unnecessary whisking.
  • Taste your salsa before adding it, if it's too spicy or too mild, you can adjust the heat in the bean layer instead.
  • Keep a small bowl of extra toppings on the side so guests can reload the dip as it gets scraped down, nobody likes staring at a sad, half-empty dish.
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