4-Way Layered Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered appetizer with beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar—perfect for parties and game day 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 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, fresh lime juice, and salt until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the bean layer.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine drained salsa, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Spoon this mixture evenly over the creamy layer, draining excess liquid if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, then distribute sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions evenly across the top.
05 - Refrigerate the layered dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every single layer gives you something different to taste, so no bite feels boring or repetitive.
  • You can make it completely ahead and just pull it from the fridge when people show up.
  • It looks way more impressive than the effort it actually takes to throw together.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa or the whole dip will weep liquid and turn into soup by the time you serve it.
  • Softened cream cheese blends way easier than cold, save yourself the arm workout and leave it out for 20 minutes first.
  • If you stack the layers too thick in a shallow dish, they slide around when people scoop, use something with a little depth.
03 -
  • Warm the refried beans slightly before spreading so they are easier to smooth out without tearing.
  • Use a small offset spatula to spread the creamy layer, it keeps your layers clean and professional looking.
  • Let the dip sit out for 10 minutes before serving so it is not ice cold and the flavors open up a little.
Go back