4-Way Layered Dip (Printable Version)

Multi-layered appetizer with beans, sour cream, salsa, and cheese—perfect for any party or gathering.

# What You Need:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 (16 oz) 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. 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.
03 - Combine salsa, diced tomato, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Drain excess liquid and spoon mixture evenly over the cream layer.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, then evenly sprinkle black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions.
05 - Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but requires zero cooking, just stacking and chilling.
  • Every bite gives you a little bit of everything: creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh.
  • You can prep it hours ahead and let it wait in the fridge while you handle everything else.
  • Its endlessly customizable, so you can make it spicier, lighter, or heartier depending on your crowd.
02 -
  • Always drain your salsa well or the dip will turn watery and the layers will bleed together.
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before mixing or you will end up with lumps that refuse to blend.
  • Use a clear glass dish if you can, the layers look stunning and people love seeing what they are about to eat.
  • Do not skip the chilling time, it lets everything set and makes scooping cleaner and easier.
03 -
  • Add a thin layer of guacamole or mashed avocado between the beans and cream for an extra dimension.
  • Use a glass trifle dish if you have one, the tall sides show off every layer like a work of art.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the cheese layer for a subtle smoky note that surprises people.
  • Serve with a small spoon so guests can scoop vertically and get all four layers in one bite.
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