This easy 5 Layer Bean Dip has all of your favorite Mexican dips in one bite! Scoop up a mouthful of refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and zesty sour cream with a crunchy tortilla chip, or smear it all onto a tortilla for a yummy wrap.
This dip makes the perfect appetizer for your next party, whether it’s margarita night, the Superbowl, or just a night in with friends – you can’t go wrong with all of these layers!
Why You’ll Love This 5 Layer Bean Dip
We all know I’m a chips and guac girl (paired with a margarita, of course!), and throwing a casual Mexican dinner party is one of my favorite ways to host friends, so trust me when I say this bean dip is the perfect way to start a gathering off right!
This is a super simple way to prep an appetizer ahead of time and have it chilling in the fridge for the right moment. All you have to do is take about 15 minutes to prep your layers, compile them in a dish, and then cover it all up until you’re ready to dive in!
Tortilla chips are the obvious choice for this dish, but you can also use pita wedges, veggies, crackers, or even crusty bread. The one thing I’ll say is you’ll want to make sure your dipping vessel is sturdy enough to hold a hefty amount of dip on there.
You can make this appetizer for the Super Bowl, a weekend snack, or to serve at a dinner party. I even have a menu ready for you so the night will go off without a hitch!
Ingredients for Bean Dip with Salsa
Bean Layer
- Can Refried Beans
Guacamole Layer:
- Avocados – peeled and diced
- Red onion – finely diced (reserve 2 tbsp for fresh layer)
- Garlic powder
- Juice of half a lime
- Kosher salt
Or, you can use this guacamole recipe so you can have leftover guac for another dip or topping!
Zesty Sour Cream Layer:
- Container of sour cream
- Taco seasoning
Cheese Layer:
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese – freshly grated
Fresh Layer:
- Tomato – diced or ½ cup red salsa
- Cilantro – chopped
- Green onions – diced
- Jalapeno – thinly sliced
How to Make This Easy Bean Dip
Step 1: Bean Layer
Spread your refried beans onto the bottom of a square 9×9-inch dish or small serving bowl. Make sure it’s spread evenly so it makes a good foundation for the rest of the dip.
Step 2: Guacamole Layer
In a small bowl, use a fork to mash together the avocados. Add the diced red onion (reserving some for the top), garlic powder, lime juice, and kosher salt. Mash until the guacamole is smooth and then taste test to see if it needs more salt. Spread the guac evenly over the bean layer.
Step 3: Sour Cream Layer
In a small bowl (or the sour cream container), mix the sour cream together with your favorite taco seasoning. Spread this over the guacamole.
Step 4: Cheese Layer
Freshly grate the cheddar cheese and layer it on top of the sour cream.
Step 5: Fresh Toppings
Add an even layer of tomato dice or red salsa, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno to the top of your dip. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this a 7 layer bean dip?
Easily – just add more layers! You can add a layer of protein like taco meat or pulled chicken. Then you can add another layer of beans or maybe even rice to make it a full seven layers.
Is 5 layer bean dip supposed to be hot or cold?
This dip is best served cooled. Due to the fresh ingredients on top, I wouldn’t suggest warming it up.
What else can I put in my 5 layer bean dip?
Whatever you want! This dip is super customizable so if you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or chilis. If you’re looking for more veggies, add your favorite chopped veggies to the top or mix it in with your salsa. You can also make substitutions – swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use your favorite kind of store-bought salsa, etc.
Servings Suggestions
- Start with a drink like a cara cara orange or Cadillac margarita. Margs and bean dip are the perfect pair!
- Serve your 5-layer bean dip as an appetizer with tortilla chips and veggies!
- This is the perfect dinner party for tacos. You can do anything from chicken tacos with mango salsa to chipotle bbq jackfruit tacos, or even blackened cod fish tacos!
- As for somethin’ sweet, you can serve chocolate orange cake to complement the orange in your cara cara margs, or no-bake smores bars for something more handheld friendly.
Storage and Make Ahead
This bean dip is most delicious when it’s cooled, so you can easily make this a few hours ahead of time, cover it in plastic wrap, and pull it out to serve to your guests when you’re ready for the party to start!
Due to the fresh ingredients, I wouldn’t leave it in the fridge more than 6-8 hours before serving or the moisture will start to change the texture and consistency of the dip. However, if you cover it well it will last for 3-4 days in the fridge for you to snack on if there are leftovers from the party.
More Appetizers and Snacks To Try
- Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Mexican Corn in a Cup
- Mexican Appetizer Snack Platter
- Jalapeno Cheese Pretzels
- Buffalo Chicken Bites
If you make this 5 Layer Bean Dip recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
5 Layer Bean Dip
ingredients
Bean layer:
- 1 – 15 oz Can Refried Beans
Guacamole layer:
- 2 Avocados peeled and diced
- ½ red onion finely diced (reserve 2 tbsp for fresh layer)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of half a lime
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Zesty Sour Cream Layer:
- 1 12 oz container sour cream
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Cheese layer:
- 2 cups freshly grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
Fresh layer:
- 1 tomato diced or ½ cup red salsa
- Cilantro chopped
- 2 green onions diced
- 1 jalapeno thinly sliced
instructions
- Spread the refried beans evenly onto the bottom of a square 9×9 inch dish small serving bowl.
- In a small bowl mash together the avocados with a fork, and add ½ diced red onion (reserving 2 tbsp for the top), garlic powder, lime juice, and kosher salt. Mash together until guacamole is smooth. Taste test for salt and spread over the layer of beans.
- In a small bowl or sour cream container, mix together with 1 tbsp of your favorite taco seasoning. Spread over the top of the guacamole.
- Freshly grate the cheddar cheese and add to the top of the sour cream.
- Top the top with fresh toppings. Add an even layer of tomato dice or red salsa, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno. Serve immediately or wrap with plastic wrap and serve within 6-8 hours.
notes
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