4-Way Layered Dip (Printable Version)

Multi-layered dip with beans, cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar—perfect for parties and easy entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Base Layer

01 - 16 oz canned refried beans
02 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - 1 cup softened cream cheese
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Salsa Layer

08 - 1 cup drained chunky salsa
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
11 - 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

→ 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. 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 this mixture carefully over the bean layer.
03 - Combine salsa, diced tomato, red onion, and cilantro in another bowl. Drain excess liquid and spoon evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer. Distribute black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions across the surface.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Present with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every single scoop delivers crunch, creaminess, spice, and tang in one perfect bite.
  • You can make the whole thing in the time it takes someone to run to the store for chips.
  • It looks impressive on the table but requires zero cooking and almost no skill.
  • Leftovers hold up surprisingly well in the fridge for next day snacking.
02 -
  • Drain the salsa or the whole dip will turn soupy and slide apart when you try to scoop it.
  • Softened cream cheese is non negotiable, cold cream cheese will not blend and you will have chalky bits everywhere.
  • Spread each layer all the way to the edges or the center gets overloaded and the sides look bare.
  • Chill time is not optional, warm dip loses structure and tastes mushy instead of fresh.
03 -
  • Mix a pinch of garlic powder into the bean layer for extra depth without adding another step.
  • Use a glass dish so everyone can see the stripes from the side and it looks twice as impressive.
  • Taste the cream layer before spreading it, you might want more lime or salt depending on your sour cream brand.
  • If you are transporting this, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and carry it flat so nothing shifts in the car.
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