4-Way Layered Dip (Print Version)

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

# 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 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish or shallow bowl.
02 - In another bowl, blend 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, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Spoon this mixture evenly over the creamy layer, draining excess liquid if necessary.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer. Evenly sprinkle black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions across the top.
05 - Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Every scoop delivers all four layers at once, so theres no such thing as a boring bite.
  • You can prep the whole thing in under half an hour without turning on the stove.
  • It looks ridiculously impressive but requires zero technical skill.
  • Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge and taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa thoroughly or the creamy layer will turn into a watery swamp.
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before mixing or youll fight lumps the entire time.
  • Let the dip chill for the full 30 minutes, it really does taste better when the layers have time to meld.
  • Use a shallow, wide dish instead of a deep bowl so you can see all the layers when you scoop.
03 -
  • Add a thin layer of guacamole or mashed avocado for a fifth layer that takes it over the top.
  • If you want heat, tuck sliced pickled jalapeños into the topping layer instead of serving them on the side.
  • Make the bean and cream layers a few hours ahead, then add the fresh toppings right before serving to keep everything crisp.
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