4-Way Layered Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered dip with beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar—perfect for parties and gatherings in 20 minutes.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder. Spread mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - In another bowl, blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt until smooth and uniform. Carefully spread this mixture over the bean layer.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine drained chunky salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Spoon this mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, then evenly distribute sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions across the surface.
05 - Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but comes together in twenty minutes with zero heat required.
  • Every bite gives you a different combination of textures and flavors, so it never gets boring.
  • You can prep it a few hours ahead and let it chill while you handle everything else.
  • Guests always ask what's in it, and the answer is simple enough that they leave confident they can make it too.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa well or the whole dip will turn into a watery mess by the time you serve it.
  • Soften the cream cheese completely before mixing or you'll end up with lumps that won't smooth out no matter how hard you stir.
  • Let the dip chill for the full thirty minutes, the layers need time to set or they'll smear together when people start scooping.
03 -
  • Spread each layer gently and deliberately, rushing makes the colors bleed together and ruins the visual appeal.
  • Taste the bean layer before you spread it, if it's bland, add another pinch of cumin or a squeeze of lime to wake it up.
  • Keep a small spatula nearby when serving so people can scoop cleanly and the layers stay intact longer.
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