Not only is this taco dip easy to make, it’s a great make-ahead option for parties.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A good taco dip is a thing of beauty.

It’s precise but inelegant, layered but also casual and open to personal variations and interpretations.

Southern Living Taco Dip in a dish to serve with chips

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Our taco dip recipe starts with a bed of creamy refried beans.

It’s topped with a spiced-up sour cream mixture for both some heat and a cooling effect.

The lettuce and pico bring tons of crunch to an otherwise smooth dip.

Southern Living Taco Dip ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The refried beans add depth along with the subtly sweet and nutty guacamole.

Learn how to make taco, dip, a lovely, simple take on a classic party food.

We know everyone will scoop, scoop, scoop up this appetizer at your next party or get-together.

Southern Living Taco Dip salting the tomatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This gives it time to drain so it doesn’t water down the whole dip.

Then, from there, everything else about making a taco dip is layering many delicious ingredients.

What’s the Best Chip for Taco Dip?

Southern Living Taco Dip stirring together the pico de gallo

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Other options include pita chips, pretzel chips, crackers, quesadilla wedges, and sturdy vegetables.

Can You Make Taco Dip Ahead of Time?

Yes, taco dip is a great make-ahead party option.

Southern Living Taco Dip spreading the refried beans in the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

you might make the pico at least three days ahead of time.

The longer it sits, the better the flavorsand the more moisture you’ll get out of the tomatoes.

Just be sure to drain the pico de gallo before adding it to the dip.

Southern Living Taco Dip stirring together the sour cream mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

They may not like the jalapeno in the pico.

At a card night or tailgate, you might addmoreheat!

Use a spicy salsa to pack some more punch.

Southern Living Taco Dip spreading the sour cream mixture in the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Olives aren’t really taco material, but no one will stop you.

More Delicious Dips

No party is complete without an array of dangerously good dips.

red onion)

1(2-in.

Southern Living Taco Dip spreading the guacamole layer in the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

)jalapeno chile, seeded and finely chopped (about 2 Tbsp.)

canrefried beans

1cupsour cream

1/2cup(4 oz.

)cream cheese, softened

1(1-oz.)

Southern Living Taco Dip making the tomato and cheese layers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

1cupshredded romaine lettuce(from 1 [7-oz.]

Spread in an even layer over refried beans.

Add guacamole:

Spread guacamole evenly over sour cream mixture.

Southern Living Taco Dip adding the lettuce and pico de gallo layers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add salsa and cheese:

Pour salsa over guacamole, and sprinkle evenly with cheese.

Finish with lettuce and Pico de Gallo:

Top evenly with lettuce and Pico de Gallo.

Serve with tortilla chips.