Need a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or a snack to elevate game day? This Layered Taco Dip is irresistibly creamy, packed with fresh toppings, and pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy veggies!
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What Is Layered Taco Dip?
Layered taco dip is an irresistible combination of creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors that come together in one visually stunning and totally satisfying dish. The base is a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning, giving it a tangy kick. On top, a colorful array of toppings — like shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese — gives this delicious dip vibrant color and tons of texture!
Not only is this dish simple to make, but it’s also endlessly customizable to fit your preferences. You can pile it high with all your favorite taco toppings, from sliced black olives to fresh cilantro. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just whipping up a snack for movie night, layered taco dip is always a hit!
Ingredients You Need
- Cream Cheese – We recommend softening the cream cheese for a silky-smooth base. Room-temperature cream cheese is much easier to work with.
- Sour Cream – Sour cream adds a creamy tanginess that balances out the rich cream cheese. We prefer to use full-fat cream cheese but a light version will work, too.
- Taco Seasoning Mix – This spice blend adds that classic taco flavor to the base. You can use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own for a personal touch.
- Shredded Lettuce – Crisp and refreshing, shredded lettuce adds a nice crunch and lightness to the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The sharpness of cheddar complements the creaminess of the base perfectly. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
- Diced Tomatoes – Fresh, juicy tomatoes add brightness and balance to the rich layers. Use ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Sliced Black Olives – These savory bites bring a briny twist that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions – Green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.
- Chopped Cilantro (optional) – Fresh cilantro gives the dip a vibrant, citrusy touch. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with parsley.
- Tortilla Chips or Veggies – Serve this dip with crunchy tortilla chips. Or, for a low-carb option, pair it with fresh veggies like bell pepper slices and celery sticks.
How to Make Layered Taco Dip
- Make the creamy base. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning to a bowl and mix until smooth.
- Spread the base. Evenly spread the creamy mixture onto a serving platter or shallow dish to create the first layer.
- Add the toppings. Gently sprinkle shredded lettuce over the base, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, top the lettuce with shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, layer on diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
- Add the extras. If you’d like, garnish the top with fresh cilantro, salsa, or pico de gallo for an extra flavor boost.
- Chill. Use plastic wrap to cover the dish and chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy. Pair the dip with tortilla chips or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear in no time!
Variations
- Guacamole – Spread a thin layer of guacamole just above the base for an extra creamy layer.
- Spiciness – Toss some diced jalapeños on top or add a drizzle of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Greek Yogurt – Swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt to make the base lighter and higher in protein.
- Beans – Add a layer of refried or black beans between the base and the toppings for extra heartiness.
- Cheeses – Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a milder or spicier kick.
- Meat – Ground beef or seasoned shredded chicken can add a punch of protein!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored, but the lettuce and tomatoes may lose their texture over time which may make the dip a little watery. If you want to make it ahead of time, just prep all of the components, store them in separate containers, and assemble the dip just before serving.
For best results, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
We don’t recommend freezing this dip — the creamy base and fresh veggies don’t hold up well once thawed.
Common Questions about Layered Taco Dip
The classic lineup usually starts with refried beans as the base, followed by seasoned sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and finally topped with crisp lettuce. Think of it as a taco turned into a party-perfect dip that’ll have everyone hovering around the snack table!
Actually, layered taco dip is typically served cold or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for gatherings! While the refried beans might start warm when you’re assembling the dip, you’ll want to let everything chill together in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors mingle.
Sturdy tortilla chips are your best bet since they can handle all those amazing layers without breaking. We especially love using the scoop-shaped tortilla chips – they’re like little edible spoons that were practically made for this dip!
The key is to drain your vegetables really well – especially those tomatoes! We like to give them a little rest on paper towels before adding them to the dip, and if you’re using lettuce, make sure it’s completely dry after washing. Also, using thick sour cream rather than light versions helps keep everything nice and firm.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
We can’t get enough dips at our house! If you’re the same, you’ll want to check out these easy favorites.
Pizza Dip with Cheese Crostini
Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened or room temp
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet 1 oz taco seasoning mix
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro optional
- 1/2 cup cilantro optional
Serving:
- Tortilla chips or veggies like bell pepper slices and celery sticks
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning mix.1 package, 1 cup sour cream, 1 packet
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a serving platter or shallow dish.
Add the Toppings:
- Layer the shredded lettuce evenly over the base.1 cup shredded lettuce
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Add diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optionally, sprinkle green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of salsa or pico de gallo.1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup cilantro
Chill:
- Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Serve with tortilla chips or veggies and enjoy!Tortilla chips or veggies like bell pepper slices and celery sticks
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
