4-Way Layered Dip (Print)

Show-stopping layered dip with beans, creamy cheese, salsa, and fresh toppings—perfect for entertaining guests.

# Components:

→ 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 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 - Combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder in a medium mixing bowl. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish or shallow bowl.
02 - Blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt together in a separate bowl until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the bean layer in an even layer.
03 - Combine salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in a separate bowl. Drain excess liquid if necessary, then spoon the salsa mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer. Evenly sprinkle black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions across the top of the cheese.
05 - Refrigerate the layered 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 enough to make guests think you spent hours in the kitchen when really you just assembled four stunning layers.
  • Every single bite has a different texture and flavor because you're not mixing anything—the layers stay distinct and surprising.
  • You can prep it in twenty minutes and chill it while you do literally anything else.
02 -
  • Draining your salsa isn't optional—I once skipped this step thinking it would add more flavor, and instead I got a watery mess that separated within hours.
  • Softened cream cheese makes everything smoother and easier to spread evenly; cold cream cheese fights back and tears your layers apart.
03 -
  • Use a straight edge spatula when spreading layers and work gently so you don't drag one layer into another—it's easier than it sounds and makes everything look intentional.
  • If you're worried about the layers mixing, you can assemble everything and then chill it for an hour before adding the final fresh toppings right before serving.
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