4-Way Layered Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered dip with beans, cream, salsa, and cheese—perfect for parties and gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 (16 ounce) can 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 - In a medium bowl, combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder, stirring until evenly blended. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt until smooth and no lumps remain. Carefully spread this mixture over the bean layer, ensuring even coverage.
03 - In another bowl, combine chunky salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. If excess liquid has accumulated, drain before spooning the mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer, then sprinkle sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions uniformly across the surface.
05 - Refrigerate the layered dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but requires zero cooking, just smart layering and a little patience.
  • Every bite gives you something different: creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh all at once.
  • You can make it a few hours ahead and let it chill while you do literally anything else.
02 -
  • Drain the salsa well or the dip will turn into a puddle, I learned this the hard way at a potluck and had to spoon off liquid in front of everyone.
  • Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing or you'll get lumps that won't blend no matter how much you stir.
  • Use a clear glass dish if you have one so people can see all the layers from the side, it makes it look twice as good.
03 -
  • Press the bean layer down firmly so it doesn't mix with the cream when you spread the second layer on top.
  • Taste the creamy layer before spreading it, you might want an extra squeeze of lime or pinch of salt depending on your sour cream.
  • If you're serving a big crowd, double the recipe and use a 9x13 inch dish so there's enough to go around without running out halfway through.
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