Impress your guests with a classic layered taco dip this summer. This savory dip has layers of refried beans, seasoned cream cheese, salsa, and cheese. Plus, I show you how to top it all off with a patriotic flag design!
Taco dip is always one of the first dishes to disappear at any potluck. This taco dip is made into even more of a showstopper since it is arranged to look like an American flag, perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any summer gathering.
But you can easily enjoy this dip without the flag design if you just want a crowd-pleasing appetizer! This dip is about much more than just red and white stripes. It is a Tex-Mex masterpiece that is like a deconstructed taco in dippable form, ready to be scooped up by your favorite tortilla chips.
The beauty of layered taco dip goes beyond just its taste. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal effort, just a handful of ingredients, and no baking. It is the ideal party appetizer or potluck contribution!
In this post, I’ll walk you through each step of creating this stunning dip, from the ingredient list to the final touches. This dip is going to be the star of your summer party!
Are you looking for more party favorites? Try Texas caviar, pretzel bites, and a blooming onion.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Refried beans
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Taco seasoning
- Mexican blend cheese
- Salsa
- Green onions
If you want to make the flag design, you also need the following:
- Tomatoes: For the red stripes.
- Slices of Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese: This is for the stars.
- Shredded Monterey jack cheese: For the white stripes.
- Blue tortilla chips
🥣How to Make American Flag Layered Taco Dip
- Start by spreading the refried beans evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a mixing bowl. Mix until well blended and smooth. Spread this creamy mixture over the beans, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the salsa layer, followed by the sliced green onions.
- You can stop right there and call it done, or you can keep going and make a flag design. First, use a small 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out five stars from the slice of cheese. Place the crushed blue tortilla chips in the top left corner of the dish to form the blue field of the flag. Arrange the cheese stars on top of the chips.
- Starting at the top and working your way down, alternate rows of diced tomatoes and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to form the stripes.
🍴Serving Ideas
This layered taco dip is versatile and perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to casual family dinners. The most straightforward way to serve this dip is with a big bowl of tortilla chips. The crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up all those delicious layers.
For a lighter option, serve the dip with fresh veggies. Carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices are all great choices.
💭How to Store
Transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, give it a quick stir and serve.
It’s best to avoid freezing this dip, as the texture can change once thawed. The creamy layers may become watery, and the fresh ingredients can lose appeal.
Get creative with your leftovers! Use the dip as a topping for baked potatoes, a filling for burritos, or even a spread for sandwiches. I once spread it on a tortilla, added some grilled chicken, and rolled it up for a quick and tasty wrap. The possibilities are endless!
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Thoroughly soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the sour cream and taco seasoning.
- Use a spatula to smooth out the refried beans, creamy mixture, and salsa. That way, every bite has a bit of everything.
- Adjust the heat level to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, use a hot salsa and add some chopped jalapeños to the creamy layer. Stick to mild salsa and skip the extra heat for a milder dip. My family loves a bit of spice, so I often add a dash of hot sauce to the taco seasoning mix.
- The flag design is a fun and festive touch, especially for summer gatherings. But it will still be delicious if you don’t feel like making the topping!
⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Layered Taco Dip
Ingredients
Taco Dip
- 2 cans refried beans 15-ounce each
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 brick cream cheese softened
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Flag Design
- 6-8 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 deli slice Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup blue tortilla chips crushed
Instructions
- Spread the refried beans out evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.2 cans refried beans
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and taco seasoning until well mixed. Layer on top of the beans.2 cups sour cream, 1 brick cream cheese, 1 packet taco seasoning
- Next, add the salsa layer.1 1/2 cups salsa
- Next, add the shredded Mexican blend cheese and scallions.2 cups Mexican blend cheese, 1/4 cup green onions
- You can stop and serve it here if you don’t want to make the flag design.
- Use a small 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter to make five stars in the sliced cheese.1 deli slice Monterey Jack
- Add crushed blue corn chips to the corner of the pan, then add stars on top.1 cup blue tortilla chips
- Beginning and ending with the tomatoes, rotate rows of chopped tomatoes and shredded cheese to form the stripes.6-8 Roma tomatoes, 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese
Notes
- Thoroughly soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the sour cream and taco seasoning.
- Use a spatula to smooth out the refried beans, creamy mixture, and salsa. That way, every bite has a bit of everything.
- Adjust the heat level to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, use a hot salsa and add some chopped jalapeños to the creamy layer. Stick to mild salsa and skip the extra heat for a milder dip.
- The flag design is a fun and festive touch, especially for summer gatherings. But it will still be delicious if you don’t feel like making the topping!
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
