4-Way Layered Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered party dip with creamy beans, tangy cream cheese, fresh salsa, and cheddar cheese in just 20 minutes.

# 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 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. Spread mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - Blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. Spread carefully over the bean layer, ensuring even coverage.
03 - Combine chunky salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in a bowl. Drain excess liquid if necessary, then spoon evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, then distribute black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions evenly across the top.
05 - Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but really takes less time than ordering takeout.
  • Every layer brings a different flavor and texture so no two bites taste exactly the same.
  • You can prep it in advance and let it chill while you actually enjoy your own party.
  • Its endlessly customizable so you can swap ingredients based on what you have or what your crowd loves.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa really well or the whole dip will turn into a soupy mess and your layers will blur together.
  • Softening the cream cheese completely is non-negotiable, or youll end up with chunks that never blend in.
  • Chilling the dip isnt optional if you want clean layers, warm dip turns into a muddy swirl when people start digging in.
03 -
  • Use a clear glass dish if you have one so people can see all the layers from the side, it makes the whole thing look even more impressive.
  • If youre transporting this, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface so nothing shifts or dries out on the way.
  • Always make more than you think youll need because this dip goes faster than you expect, especially once people realize how good it is.
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