A Southern Grace: when i dip you dip we dip

September 3, 2015

when i dip you dip we dip

Yum

Most people know about 7-layer dip. They've made it, seen it, tasted it, or at least heard about it, I'm sure. If you're among those who haven't tried it, don't worry--I've eaten enough of it over my lifetime to compensate.


Surprisingly, I think this marks my first time making a layered dip, Mexican or other. Recipes vary--some people like to involve cream cheese, some exclude the lettuce, others make a layer out of guacamole or avocado spread (which I would've done, had there been a ripe avocado at the ready), and I've even seen versions made with beef and sausage. I took a traditional route, using refried beans mixed with chopped chiles as my base and topping that with cumin-spiced sour cream, which I find much more manageable than cream cheese but just as tasty. My other layers were pretty typical too, but I screwed everything up by adding diced jalapeno and some green onions to the top. By doing so, my creation suddenly became a 9-layer dip, which is a completely different animal.


This is a great thing to make for any occasion, planned or impromptu, because you can add or subtract whatever you want and the result will still be delicious and satisfying to a variety of palates. Just be sure you buy some extra-sturdy tortilla chips--this stuff will snap a thin chip before it even gets close to the bottom layer.

*There's still time to enter the Krusteaz giveaway! Semi-homemade at its finest.

Mexican 7 (or 8)(or 9)-Layer Dip
(printable recipe)
Ingredients:
  • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
  • 1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa, homemade or purchased
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup olives
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced, optional
  • 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced, optional
Directions:
In a medium bowl, mix together the refried beans and chiles. Spread mixture on a large platter or into a casserole dish.
In another medium bowl, mix sour cream and cumin. Carefully spread over bean mixture.
Top with salsa, lettuce and cilantro, cheese, olives, and tomato. Sprinkle on jalapeno and green onions, if you want.
Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with thick tortilla chips.

21 comments:

Barbara said...

I'm one of the few who've never made it! Wow...it looks fabulous, Grace. All those layers of goodness, can't imagine why I've never tried it. Going on my list now. What a super dish to take to a pot luck! Or for football watching.

Marsha @ Marsha's Baking Addiction said...

Oh wow, I'm loving all the delicious layers!

Alicia Foodycat said...

It's the olives I'm never sure about. I like them, but I don't think the flavour fits.

Joanne said...

I LOVE seven layer dip! I feel like it's almost healthy enough to qualify as a meal, too...which is a good thing!

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Grace, I have never made a layered dip, but after seeing this creation, I am sure I would. Who wouldn't love this.........

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Cumin-spiced sour cream? Why have I not been down this road?
Genius... shear genius.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Delicious, Grace! A classic dip that I LOVE! I can eat the whole thing.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Ooh I did the same! You can't help but add layers no? This is one of the best dips ever though. I mean what's not to love about it? There's so many layers!

Elsa | the whinery said...

I've never made a layered dip before, this seems like a great starting point, I can tell that the flavours would meld well together. It looks yummy! :-)

Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder said...

This is a classic here in Texas haha! One of my favorite side dishes. Love the step by step layering photos :D

Food Gal said...

So perfect for getting the party started on Labor Day. Especially if it's followed by fish tacos and ice-cold margaritas. Have a wonderful long weekend!

Angie's Recipes said...

I love all those amazing layers!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Excellent!

Cheers,

Rosa

Pam said...

I've eaten it plenty of times but I have never made it either. It looks like I need to change that!

Kate @ Framed Cooks said...

NINE layers - now THAT is a DIP! Perfect for a holiday weekend - or maybe just for dinner! :)

Beth said...

I think seven is the minimum, and more is better! I rarely make it either, but it's a treat when I do.

Katerina (culinaryflavors.gr) said...

I say the more layers the better, greater pleasure! Looks delicious and I am a sucker for Mexican!

Marcela said...

Sounds delicious! What a great combination of flavors! Looks perfect!

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

First your title is great. I youtubed the video and then got up and dance, what great memories. This dip looks awesome, keep dipping!

I Wilkerson said...

Looks delicious. I'm sure this would be a hit anywhere!

Marcelle said...

Being a proud Texan, I've eaten my fair share of the classic 7-layer dip too. But, I love the new, eight and ninth layers you added! Perfect!