Four-Way Layered Dip (Printable Version)

Multi-layered dip featuring creamy, zesty, and crunchy elements—perfect for parties and gatherings.

# What You’ll 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder. Mix until evenly seasoned. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish, creating a compact, even layer.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt until the mixture achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency. Carefully layer this cream mixture over the bean base, spreading gently to maintain layer separation.
03 - In another bowl, combine drained salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cream layer, taking care to distribute flavors uniformly across the surface.
04 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer. Distribute sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions across the cheese, ensuring balanced visual presentation and flavor distribution.
05 - Refrigerate the assembled dip for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks impressive but takes less than half an hour from start to finish.
  • Every scoop gives you a little bit of every layer, so no bite is ever boring.
  • You can make it ahead and let it chill while you handle everything else.
  • It works for game days, potlucks, or just a Tuesday when you want something fun.
02 -
  • Always drain the salsa or the dip will get watery and the layers will slide apart.
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before mixing or you will end up with lumps that never smooth out.
  • Do not skip the chilling time, it makes the dip easier to scoop and the flavors deepen as it sits.
03 -
  • Use a small offset spatula to spread the cream layer without disturbing the beans underneath.
  • If your salsa is too watery, let it sit in a fine mesh strainer for 10 minutes before adding it.
  • For a smoky twist, stir a pinch of smoked paprika into the bean layer.
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