Tex Mex Chip & Dip

7 layer dip appetiser:

There is something about Mexican 7 layer dip that is so alluring and so, I took inspiration from that for this appetiser. They look pretty awesome in glasses & I thought you ought to be able to see the layers.

There are many variations of this dip & I have flavoured it, the way I like it. With pretty much all the layers-refried beans, black beans, taco mince, guacamole, tomato salsa, cheese, sour cream & topped with fresh jalapeño & black olives. This is one for the family- & my family all enjoyed them.

I definitely suggest making your own guacamole. So much much fresher without the preservatives.

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetisers, few dishes can rival the popularity and deliciousness of the Mexican 7 layer dip. This colourful, flavourful dip has become a household staple at parties, game days, and family gatherings here in Australia, offering a fantastic combination of textures and tastes with every bite. Who doesn’t love a good taco?

The beauty of the 7 layer dip lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of its ingredients. Each layer brings its own unique flavour and texture, creating a traditional blend of flavours that is hard to resist but, you can eliminate meat for example and go with vegetarian layers or tailor it to your dietary preferences.

Why 7 layer dip makes a great appetiser

One of the best things about the Mexican 7 layer dip is its versatility. You can customise it to suit your tastes. Here’s a breakdown of the classic layers.

• Vegetarian: Refried Beans, black beans
• Vegan: Use vegan refried beans, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based cheese.
• Dairy: Cheese, sour cream.
• Protein Boost: Add a layer of seasoned ground beef, pulled chicken, or beans for extra protein.
• Spice It Up: Tomato Salsa, jalapeños or other hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use homemade guacamole, salsa & Jalapeños for a fresher taste.
• Serve with: (corn chips/Doritos/Tostitos (traditionally)

The Mexican 7 layer dip is a celebration of flavours and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Its a show stopper with it’s colourful layers, it’s rich in flavour, and it’s customisable nature make it a beloved appetiser that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a delicious snack, this dip will impress. So, gather your ingredients, get layering, and dive into this irresistible dip that brings a fiesta to every bite!

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Tex Mex Chip & Dip

(Serves 12 Prep 45 Mins)

You Will Need:

• Refried Beans: The base layer provides a hearty foundation. Refried beans are creamy and slightly savoury, a pretty mild flavour really but a protein nonetheless. I have used tinned refried beans. You don’t have too, you could make your own but for the sake of this recipe I have used tinned as they are quick to prepare. Just follow the instructions on the tin for heating.
• Black Beans: You can purchase black beans at the supermarket or Asian grocer. They are quite salty but a nice addition as the refried beans are mild in flavour.
• Turkey Mince: I chose turkey mince as it is low in fat and added 2/3 taco mix pouch to it for taco flavouring. You could used chicken mince, beef mince or pulled chicken or pulled pork as alternatives.
• Guacamole: Fresh, creamy guacamole adds a rich, buttery texture and a hint of lime that brightens up the dip. Homemade is much nicer than bought. Just add 1 whole avocado, salt, coriander, 1/2 jalapeño, sour cream & fresh lime juice to a small food processor. My Recipe is here.
• Salsa: Whether you choose a mild or spicy salsa, this layer adds freshness and a zesty kick. I tend to buy Old El Paso.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works well. I have used a shredded smokey Chipotle & tasty blend.
• Sour Cream: A layer of tangy sour cream balances the richness of the beans and guacamole, adding a cool, creamy element. I have added some taco spice to the sour cream as well.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives provide a salty, briny flavour that complements the other ingredients even though you have black beans in there also. You can either create a layer of sliced black olives or garnish with them.
• Jalapeño: The final touch, fresh jalapeño add a bit of crunch and a fresh, mildly pungent flavour. You could use sliced jalapeno’s from a jar but I prefer a fresh crunch. I also added fresh lime zest to round off the flavours & cut through some of the creaminess.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Refried Beans: Heat up your refried beans as per directions on the tin, then spread them evenly on the bottom of your canape glass. I used the cap from a bottle with a flat top to help create a flat even layer on the bottom of the glass & wipe it clean with a paper towel between layers.
2. Add the black beans: Rinse and drain your black beans in a mini sieve to remove the oil & then add a tsp to each glass and level them out the same way.
3. Add the meat layer: Brown your mince over medium-high heat with a little oil (approx 2-3 mins) then add your taco mix and stir in thoroughly. You could add 1/4 cup water (I didn’t). You don’t want the mix to be too wet. Cool slightly, then add to your glasses & flatten.
4. Add the Guacamole: Spread the guacamole over the meat layer, smoothing it out with your bottle top.
5. Spoon on the Salsa: Next add a layer of salsa, spreading it evenly (although it will be runny and likely spread itself for the most part).
6. Sprinkle the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the salsa layer. You may need to chop the shredded cheese a little before adding.
7. Top with Sour Cream: Mix 2 tsp taco mix with your sour cream & spread the sour cream over the guacamole layer. I used a little bread knife to gently spread the sour cream evenly over the top.
8. Garnish: I saved a tsp of Taco mix and in a little tea strainer & sprinkled it over the sour cream. If you are adding jalapeños and black olives then add those now. You could also top with finely sliced green onions.
9. Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints:

• Depending on the size of your serving glasses, you may want to add to your layers slowly so you don’t overfill the glass before you have all your layers in. I used a tsp at a time to prevent this from happening.

• If you don’t want the meat layer, you can omit it or change up your meat option as mentioned earlier.

• You may want to serve these with a teaspoon to make it easier for your guests to eat, as the Tostitos do tend to break easily. I would not hand these around but maybe put them on a table so your guests can come & help themselves. That way, they can put their drink down and use both hands as required.

Tex Mex Chip & Dip

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 45 Mins)

Ingredients:

• 1 can (16 oz) Refried beans
• 500g Turkey Mince
• 1 1/2 Sachets of Taco Mix
• Guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
• 300ml Sour cream
• 100g Tomato Salsa (Medium)
• 1 cup Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1/2 Jalapeño finely sliced (garnish)
• 1 Tbsp sliced black olives (garnish)
• Zest of 1 Lime

Optional garnish alternatives: diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, chopped red onion or chopped cilantro for garnish

Method:

1. Prepare the Refried Beans: Spread the refried beans evenly on the bottom of a large serving dish or a shallow baking dish.
2. Prepare Turkey mince: Brown the mince (2-3 mins on Med-high heat), add 2/3 sachet of taco mix and stir to combine.
3. Add the Guacamole: Spread the guacamole over the refried beans, smoothing it out over the mince.
4. Spoon on the Salsa: Add a layer of salsa, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the salsa layer.
6. Top with Sour Cream: Spread the sour cream over the guacamole layer.
7. Garnish: Garnish with finely sliced Fresh jalapeño, sliced black olives & lime zest.
8. Optional: For added colour and flavour, sprinkle finely chopped red onion or green onions on top, or you could also add diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices from a jar, and chopped cilantro.
9. Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

1. Chenin Blanc or a Pinot Grigio: The refried bean/ black bean layers are mild and savoury, requiring a wine that won’t overpower them. A chenin Blanc or Pinot grigio would be ideal due to their light, crisp nature that complements the beans without overwhelming them.
2. Tempranillo: A Tempranillo would pair well with taco mince. The spiced turkey mince calls for a wine with a bit of body and enough acidity to balance the flavours, offering enough fruitiness and spice to match the taco seasoning.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: A Sauvignon Blanc would enhance the avocado’s richness while complementing the lime and coriander notes.
4. Riesling: A nice riesling (preferably off-dry) would work well, providing a refreshing contrast to the salsa’s spiciness.
5. Chardonnay: (unoaked) or a Viognier would be excellent choices, balancing the richness of the cheese with their own roundness and mild acidity.
6. Rosé: would pair nicely, offering a balance between the creaminess and the spice. The tangy and slightly spiced sour cream needs a wine with enough acidity to cut through the creaminess.
7. Grenache: A Grenache would be a good choice for the the salty, briny olives and the fresh, spicy jalapeño.

Overall, considering all the layers together in this Mexican 7 layer dip, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc would be versatile option, providing good acidity, fruitiness, and a refreshing finish that pairs well with the diverse flavours.

Anna

Hey there, it's Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the 'foodie' badge. Trying to select from a restaurant menu time & time again seems impossible- I want a taste of everything. It's precisely that, that got me into making canapés and appetisers for friends, family & colleagues so everyone could taste a bit of everything. It is truly possible for the average person, to make these delectable bites and take their next social occasion from average to stunning. Follow me at bitesizehostess.com and learn to cater for memorable events.