Seven Layer Tex-Mex Appetizer (Printable)

Bright, flavorful seven-layer Tex-Mex dish with fresh ingredients, perfect for chilled serving and parties.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
02 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

→ Guacamole Layer

03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced

→ Sour Cream Layer

08 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Salsa Layer

09 - 1 cup chunky salsa, drained of excess liquid

→ Cheese Layer

10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

12 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
13 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
14 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ For Serving

15 - Tortilla chips

# Directions:

01 - Combine refried beans and taco seasoning in a medium bowl, then spread evenly in the base of a 9x13-inch serving dish.
02 - Mash avocados with lime juice, salt, diced red onion, and tomato until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the bean layer.
03 - Evenly spread sour cream over the guacamole layer without mixing.
04 - Top the sour cream with drained chunky salsa, ensuring layers remain distinct.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the salsa layer.
06 - Distribute sliced black olives evenly as the next layer.
07 - Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and chopped green onions to finish the layers.
08 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled with tortilla chips.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but takes less effort than making a sandwich.
  • Every single bite has texture, creaminess, and a little crunch all at once.
  • You can make it hours ahead and pull it straight from the fridge when guests arrive.
  • Everyone gets to customize their scoop, so picky eaters and adventurous ones are both happy.
02 -
  • Drain your salsa completely or the dip will turn watery and slide off the chip before it reaches your mouth.
  • Do not skip chilling time, the flavors need an hour to settle and marry together.
  • If you are transporting this, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface so nothing shifts in the car.
03 -
  • Warm the refried beans slightly before spreading so they glide on easier and create a smoother base.
  • Press plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole layer if you are making it a day ahead to prevent browning.
  • Use a small offset spatula to spread each layer without dragging the one underneath.
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