Five Layer Dip

This Five Layer Dip is the ultimate party appetizer. It has creamy layers of refried beans, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cheese with your favorite toppings piled on top! Serve this snack at your next game day or gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

For other delicious party dip recipes, try my Mexican Street Corn Dip, Maryland Crab Dip Recipe, and Cream Cheese Fruit Dip next!

The 5 layer bean dip recipe is a fun and even easier recipe than your traditional 7-layer dip. It has a base layer of creamy refried beans, topped with my food processor guacamole (I’m biased but it is the best Guacamole EVER).

On top of the guacamole, you’ve got  a layer of chunky salsa, zingy sour cream, and cheese. It’s essentially taco dip without the ground beef (perfect for vegetarians!)

This layer taco dip recipe is perfect for dunking salty, crispy tortilla chips (or pita chips if that’s your thing). Scoop far enough and you get cheesy, tangy, spicy, savory flavor in each mouth-watering bite!

With added toppings like jalapeños and avocado, this dip packs bold taco flavor everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Perfect Party Appetizer! Need a snack to hold your guests over until dinner or while they watch the big game? This 5 layer bean dip is not only an easy appetizer but a crowd-pleaser for your Super Bowl party, movie night, and more!

– Make Ahead Recipe! This recipe is great when you’re looking for a last minute dip recipe, but also great if you want to prep your dishes in advance. Save time the day of by making this up to 2 days in advance.

– Versatile! I love how versatile dips are. Eat them with your favorite chips, fresh veggie sticks, or pretzels… even spread leftovers on sandwiches. There are no rules!

Five Layer Dip Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Refried Beans & Cream Cheese – I mix refried beans and cream cheese for the bottom layer because it makes a smooth, creamy base that’s easy to spread. The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor, making the first layer extra delicious and sturdy for all the toppings.
• Taco Seasoning – a packet of taco seasoning adds a nice kick of flavor to this already easy recipe. Besides, you can’t have a Mexican layer dip without those classic taco seasonings!
• Hot Sauce – totally optional but it’s for the layer of sour cream! It adds a nice bit of zing to the dish without making it spicy! 
• Guacamole – You can use my homemade guacamole recipe or store-bought for convenience. Just make sure it is fresh and flavorful. 
• Sour Cream – The sour cream adds a cool, creamy texture and a slight tang, which balances the flavors of the dip. It also helps to mellow out the spice from the salsa and jalapeños.
• Chunky Salsa – Add for fresh, zesty flavor. You can choose a traditional salsa, or opt for one that’s got more heat. If you want to diversify the flavors, try my Mango Habanero Salsa, Pineapple Pico De Gallo, or simply use a can of rotel instead.
• Mexican Cheese Blend – This shredded cheese blend usually includes Monterey Jack, Asadero, and cheddar cheese. Save leftovers and make my Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice!

Toppings

Customize as you please, but these are my faves:

• Pitted black olives – Sliced pitted olives add a salty, briny flavor.
• Jalapeños Pepper – Top your 5 layer dip with these for a spicy kick.
• Cilantro – This adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color, making the dip look and taste fresh.
• Green Onions – Sliced green onions provide a mild, oniony flavor and a bit of crunch, adding another layer of texture to the dip.
• Avocado – Adding fresh avocado slices or chunks gives the dip an extra creamy texture and rich flavor. It also adds some healthy fats and nutrients.

Recipe Modifications

Vegan – use vegan sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded vegan cheese for a vegan friendly dip! You can also add nutritional yeast (nooch) on top in place of the cheese if you don’t like vegan cheese. 

Dairy Free – follow the same steps above!

​Gluten free – this recipe doesn’t contain any gluten, just be sure to make sure that the taco seasoning that you use is gluten free. 

Pro Tips 

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Full-fat cream cheese creates a richer, creamier base that pairs perfectly with the refried beans.
• Avoid using a shallow bowl so prevent the layers from spilling over. I used this glass bowl (aff).
• Prepare the dip a few hours in advance for best results. Allowing the layers to sit together in the fridge helps the flavors meld. Just add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro before serving.
• Customize the toppings. Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on your preferences. Green chiles, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans are great additions. 
• I don’t recommend serving this dish warm. It has guacamole in it and when you heat avocados, they tend to become bitter.

How to Make Five Layer Dip

• Mix together refried beans, 1 tbsp of taco seasoning, and cream cheese in a bowl. Once combined, spread the refried bean mixture and add to a 9-inch round serving dish or medium bowl. Spread all along the bottom in an even layer.
• In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, remaining taco seasoning, and hot sauce.
• Drain off any excess liquid from the salsa (don’t skip this step! It will prevent the dip from getting soggy!) 
• Now assemble everything: Spread the guacamole on top of the refried beans, followed by the salsa. Use a large spoon to dollop sour cream on top of the salsa and then smooth it into an even layer (this is easiest way to ensure you get a smooth layer without disturbing the layers underneath).
• Sprinkle cheese on top of the sour cream and garnish with sliced olives, jalapeños, cilantro, diced red onion and jalapeno pepper, green onions, and avocado – whatever your fave fresh veggies are! 

Storing Leftovers