This flavor-packed 5 Layer Bean Dip is made for scooping and sharing and will be the MVP for Game Day and other gatherings this year. With savory refried beans, creamy avocado, seasoned sour cream, salsa, cheese, and colorful fresh garnishes, this popular Tex-Mex dip is irresistible with every bite and a huge family favorite throughout the year.
What we love about this Layered Bean Dip
There are so many reasons to love this dish. I love the combination of flavors with each delicious layer and the creaminess of the dip topped with fresh garnishes. I am a huge avocado fan and love the creamy avocado mixture in this dip and the flavor it adds to each bite. The refried beans, seasoned sour cream, creamy avocado, cheese, salsa, and toppings give it a great southwestern flavor, and when you dip a salty chip into the dip, be prepared for that one chip to become ten. It’s so flavorful, so delicious, and will be a favorite at your table for whatever the occasion.
Looking for other fun appetizers? Try our tasty Homemade Pretzel Bites or Pretzel Dogs, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, Shredded Beef Sliders, Cowboy Caviar with Avocado, Buffalo Honey Wings, or Oven BBQ Chicken Wings.
What you need to make this 5 Layer Dip
You will need the following ingredients:
- Refried beans
- Avocados
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Lime
- Salt
- Cumin
- Sour cream
- Taco seasoning mix
- Salsa
- Cheddar cheese
- Recommended garnishes: tomato, green onion, olives
5 Layer Dip Recipe Substitutions
I know what it’s like when you don’t have everything on hand, and the last thing you want to do is run to the store and pick something up. Here are a few ideas to substitute items on the ingredients list if needed:
- You could substitute black beans for the refried beans. You can also buy a refried bean dip for the bottom layer.
- Instead of making the creamy avocado layer, you can buy premade guacamole or make your own. We think the creamy avocado layer adds a lot of flavor and some creaminess to the dip, though.
- You could substitute the sour cream for Greek yogurt or part of it. You could also use part cream cheese or mayonnaise with the sour cream.
- You can make your own salsa or use any brand of salsa you like. You can also substitute pico de gallo for the salsa.
- You can use homemade taco seasoning instead of packaged seasoning to flavor the sour cream.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use a cheddar/jack combo, Monterey Jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, or a Mexican blend.
- We like to garnish the dip with sliced olives, green onions, and chopped tomatoes, but you can garnish it with whatever you like. Some delicious options could include chopped avocado, chopped cilantro, corn, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or crumbled cotija cheese.
Step-by-step Instructions for 5 Layered Bean Dip
Step 1. In a 9×13 pan, use a spatula or spoon to spread the refried beans evenly in the pan to form the bottom layer. In a small bowl, mash the avocado flesh with a fork or potato masher. Mix in the mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, salt, and ground cumin. Spread the creamy avocado mixture evenly over the beans.
Step 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and taco seasoning mix until completely incorporated. Spread it over the top of the avocado mixture to form the 3rd layer.
Step 3. Dollop the salsa over the sour cream mixture and gently spread evenly over the sour cream.
Step 4: Spread the shredded cheese over the salsa in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to a day in advance). Garnish the dip right before serving. We like to use chopped tomato, sliced olives, and sliced green onions. Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips
- You can make 5 Layer Bean Dip in advance, but I wouldn’t recommend making it more than 24 hours before serving for the best presentation. If you do prepare it in advance, tightly cover it with plastic wrap after the cheese layer and wait to add the garnishes until right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
| How to store 5 Layer Bean Dip? |
| a. Layered bean dip lasts 3-5 days, tightly covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. To keep it food safe, it should not be out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you are outside in the heat, it is only safe for one hour if left out and not refrigerated. If it has been left out in the heat for longer than that, I wouldn’t keep it to serve for later. b. I wouldn’t freeze 5 Layer Bean Dip, as the texture and taste after thawing will be less desirable. The texture of the dip will become more watery. |
| Can you make 5 Layer Bean Dip ahead of time? |
| You can make 5 Layer Bean Dip in advance, but I wouldn’t recommend more than 24 hours before serving for the best presentation and freshness. If you do prepare it in advance, tightly cover with plastic wrap after the cheese layer and add the garnishes right before serving. |
5 Layer Bean Dip
This flavor-packed 5 Layer Bean Dip is made for scooping and sharing and will be the MVP for Game Day and other gatherings this year. With savory refried beans, creamy avocado, seasoned sour cream, salsa, cheese, and colorful fresh garnishes, this popular Tex-Mex dip is irresistible with every bite and a huge family favorite throughout the year.
10
servings20
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1st layer:
One 16-ounce can of refried beans
2nd layer:
3 medium avocados, or 2 large avocados
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
3rd layer:
One 16-ounce container of sour cream
One 1-ounce package taco seasoning (mild or original, my family prefers mild)
4th layer:
1 cup salsa
5th layer:
1 ½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Possible garnishes: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sliced olives, chopped avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, and corn. We like to use tomatoes, green onions, and olives.
Directions
- In a 9×13 pan, use a spatula or spoon to spread the refried beans evenly in the pan to form the bottom layer.
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado flesh with a fork or potato masher. Mix in the mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, salt, and ground cumin. Spread the creamy avocado mixture evenly over the beans.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and taco seasoning mix until completely incorporated. Spread it over the top of the avocado mixture to form the 3rd layer.
- Dollop the salsa over the sour cream mixture and gently spread evenly over the sour cream.
- Spread the shredded cheese over the salsa in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to a day in advance).
- Garnish the dip right before serving. We like to use chopped tomato, sliced olives, and sliced green onions. Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- If making it in advance, I recommend making up to the cheese layer, tightly covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours in advance. Add the garnishes right before serving for the best texture and presentation. You can eat the dip right after making it, but I prefer it a little chilled.
- I love the creamy avocado layer. It is more of an avocado aioli than a traditional guacamole, and it tastes so good in the dip. It stays looking green and doesn’t brown, and adds great flavor to the dip. I highly recommend it.
- I prefer using freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture, but you can use what you have on hand. Feel free to vary the cheese flavor with a Mexican blend, cheddar jack, or other cheese blend.
- I actually rarely use Pace salsa and prefer lots of different varieties of salsa or fresh pico, but it isn’t too watery and works well for this dish. Feel free to experiment with what you like.
Made this for the Super Bowl and let’s just say there are no leftovers it was that good!
I love hearing that! It’s such a favorite, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the great feedback!
I made this at the weekend and everyone LOVED it!
I am so happy to hear it! This is the best dip, and I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!
This recipe was a total hit! Thank you!
I am so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. It’s so addictive, it doesn’t last long here!
This dip was super nostalgic — I’d forgotten how delicious it is! Loved your recipe and can’t wait to make it again.
I love hearing that! It really is such a classic and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s a big favorite here.
The dip looks so hearty and perfect for parties! Definately making them!
I’m so glad you like it! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
THE Super Bowl hit! We will be having an Olympics watch party and I am going to make it again. Thank you for the great recipe.
I love hearing that! It really is an addictive dip that is fun for so many occasions. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Another great appy recipe from your site. It was a big hit for Superbowl this year. Thanks!
Thanks so much Leanne! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed it! We love this dip, its always one of the first things to disappear. Thanks for the great feedback!