Seven Layer Tex-Mex Dip (Printable Version)

A vibrant Tex-Mex appetizer with seven delicious layers, perfect for parties. Served chilled with crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base Layer

01 - 15 oz can refried beans
02 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

→ Guacamole Layer

03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced

→ Sour Cream Layer

08 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Salsa Layer

09 - 1 cup chunky salsa, drained of excess liquid

→ Cheese Layer

10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

12 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
13 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
14 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ For Serving

15 - Tortilla chips

# Steps:

01 - Combine refried beans with taco seasoning in a medium bowl until well incorporated. Spread mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch serving dish, creating a smooth foundation layer.
02 - Mash avocados thoroughly with lime juice and salt. Fold in diced red onion and tomato until evenly distributed. Carefully spread guacamole over the bean layer, maintaining clean edges.
03 - Spread sour cream in an even layer over the guacamole, using gentle pressure to avoid mixing the layers beneath.
04 - Spread drained salsa over the sour cream layer, ensuring excess liquid has been removed to prevent sogginess.
05 - Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the salsa layer, covering completely.
06 - Distribute sliced black olives uniformly across the cheese layer.
07 - Sprinkle shredded lettuce and chopped green onions over the top as the final garnish layer.
08 - Cover dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled accompanied by tortilla chips for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dip disappears faster than anything else on the table, every single time
  • You can assemble it hours ahead and it actually tastes better after sitting
  • The layers create perfect forkfuls with every single chip dip
02 -
  • Draining the salsa through a fine-mesh sieve for ten minutes is the absolute game-changer that keeps your dip from becoming watery
  • Spatulas work better than spoons for spreading layers without mixing them together
  • Letting the dip chill for at least an hour lets the seasonings migrate between layers
03 -
  • Warm your refried beans slightly in the microwave before mixing with seasoning, they spread much easier
  • Buy extra ripe avocados and make the guacamole layer slightly thicker than the recipe calls for
  • Use a wide, shallow dish rather than a deep bowl for the best chip-to-dip ratio
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