4-Way Layered Party Dip (Printable)

Multi-layered party dip with beans, cream, salsa, and cheese. Ready in 20 minutes for any celebration.

# What You'll 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 chunky salsa, drained
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
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

# Method:

01 - Combine refried beans with ground cumin and chili powder in a medium bowl. Spread mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish.
02 - Blend sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Spread carefully over the bean layer, creating an even coating.
03 - Combine chunky salsa, diced tomato, red onion, and cilantro in a separate bowl. Drain excess liquid if necessary, then spoon mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
04 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, then evenly sprinkle black olives, green bell pepper, and green onions.
05 - Refrigerate dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every bite hits you with four completely different textures and flavors, so it never gets boring.
  • Zero cooking means you can assemble it while chatting with guests or stressed about literally anything else.
  • It looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did, which is the real kitchen magic.
02 -
  • If you don't drain your salsa, the whole dip turns into a wet, separating mess—this is the lesson that cost me a party moment, so let it sit in a strainer for a few minutes.
  • Softening your cream cheese beforehand isn't optional; cold cream cheese will gouge holes in the bean layer and ruin the whole aesthetic.
03 -
  • Invest thirty seconds in actually draining your salsa—a small strainer or even a fine mesh does the job and prevents the disaster of a soggy, separated dip.
  • Bring your cream cheese to room temperature before mixing; it blends smoother and spreads without tearing the bean layer beneath it.
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