Description
This Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip is a colorful, festive, and easy-to-prepare Tex-Mex appetizer perfect for holiday parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Featuring layers of refried beans seasoned with taco mix, creamy sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, black olives, and green onions, it offers a balanced blend of creamy, fresh, and spicy flavors that pair wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. The dip can be customized with optional garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, or lettuce and is ideal for making ahead to simplify your holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Bean Layer
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Creamy Layers
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
Salsa Layer
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
Fresh Toppings
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup chopped green onions
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare Bean Layer: In a bowl, mix the refried beans with the taco seasoning packet until well combined. Spread this seasoned bean mixture evenly across the bottom of your serving dish to form the base layer of the dip.
- Add Sour Cream Layer: Using a spoon or spatula, gently spread the sour cream evenly over the refried bean layer, creating a smooth and creamy second layer without mixing the layers.
- Spread Guacamole: Layer the guacamole over the sour cream, carefully smoothing it out to cover the entire surface for a consistent third layer.
- Top with Salsa: Spoon the salsa or pico de gallo evenly over the guacamole, forming the fourth layer that adds freshness and a bit of zing.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) evenly across the salsa layer to create a melty, cheesy fifth layer.
- Arrange Fresh Toppings: Distribute the chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions evenly over the cheese layer, adding vibrant color and texture as the sixth layer.
- Garnish and Chill: Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or shredded lettuce to enhance color and flavor. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld without mixing.
- Serve: Present the dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers arranged around the dish for easy dipping at parties or gatherings.
Notes
- Use a shallow serving dish to keep the layers distinct and make scooping easier.
- Spread each layer gently and evenly to maintain a neat, attractive appearance.
- Do not mix the layers together to preserve the texture and look of the dip.
- Chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor blending and prevents drying out.
- Make the dip a day ahead by preparing layers separately in airtight containers and assembling just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; gently stir before serving again.
- For vegetarian or vegan versions, use plant-based refried beans, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheese substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: 7-layer dip, holiday dip, make-ahead dip, Christmas appetizer, Tex-Mex dip, party dip, layered dip, festive dip
