4-Way Layered Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered party dip with beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheese toppings. Ready in just 20 minutes.

# What you'll need:

→ Base Layer

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

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
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 red onion, finely chopped
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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder in a medium bowl, mixing until well incorporated. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - Blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, fresh lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth and uniform. Spread this mixture carefully over the bean layer, ensuring even coverage.
03 - Combine chunky salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in another bowl. Drain any excess liquid, then spoon the salsa mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer. Top with sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions, spreading them evenly across the surface.
05 - Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Present with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks incredibly impressive but takes less time than making a grilled cheese.
  • Every single bite gives you a different combination of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and fresh.
  • You can prep it entirely ahead and just pull it out when guests arrive.
  • Everyone always asks for the recipe, which feels pretty great.
02 -
  • Always drain your salsa or the whole dip will weep liquid and turn into a soupy disaster.
  • Use a clear glass dish if you have one, the layers are half the appeal and people love seeing them.
  • Soften your cream cheese completely or you will end up with lumpy streaks in the creamy layer.
03 -
  • Use a glass or clear dish so everyone can see the beautiful layers before they dig in.
  • Let the cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to avoid lumps and make blending effortless.
  • Drain the salsa in a fine mesh strainer while you prep the other layers to save time and avoid a watery dip.
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