Taco Dip

A crowd favorite taco dip recipe packed with savory layers of sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, olives, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. This multi-layer no-bake dip is a perfect party appetizer.

This is all the flavors of a taco in the dip form. Layers of goodness (easy to customize) and no cooking or fancy ingredients involved.

My trick for making this taco dip taste amazing is to be generous with a cream cheese base, add mayo to it, and skip jalapenos to make this family-friendly.

Want to make it healthy (because you’re going to dig in!)? Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream mixture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A huge hit on parties! Definitely an easy appetizer for game day or your next party
• A great recipe for potluck and easy to transport.
• So many colors, flavors, and textures in one bowl, how do you not love it?
• Easy dip to customize: you can have anywhere from 3 to 7 layers of taco dip and add all your favorite things into it.
• It is retro and nostalgic!

Ingredients Notes

This 3-layer taco dip only uses simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. See the printable recipe card for the exact measurement.

• Cream cheese. You need brick-style softened cream cheese. Let it soften on the counter at room temperature or warm it up for 30-40 seconds in the microwave on half power.
• Full-fat Sour cream adds a tang and smooth texture to the base of the dip. You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream too. You could also skip it, but I promise you don’t want to for the best flavor. 
• Mayonnaise adds saltiness and balances out the sourness of cream cheese and sour cream.
• Taco seasoning. Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought. Guarantees that our dip is not bland. Classic taco mix is made with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. One packet of taco seasoning will be enough to make a flavorful dip.
• Shredded cheddar cheese for layer in between cream cheese mixture and veggies.
• Lettuce. Both iceberg lettuce and romaine can be used.
• Diced tomatoes. Remove seeds and chop them really finely. If they are too juicy, drain the excess liquid otherwise the whole dip will be watery.
• Red onion. Red onions are sweet and crunchy and pair so well with cream cheese and taco seasoning.
• Black olives. Not everyone loves them, but trust me they are just a perfect match for this dip.
• Sturdy tortilla chips, for serving

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 baking dish
• Optional, hand mixer

How To Make Homemade Taco Dip

1: Make The Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Whisk the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning in a large bowl until smooth. 
2. Transfer it to a 9×13 baking dish and spread the mixture into an even cream cheese layer.

2: Layer The Different Toppings

1. Spread the cheddar cheese on top, covering the first layer.
2. Layer the finely chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and black olives on top.

3: Chill The Dip

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, corn chips, jalapeño popper, crackers, pretzels, or chopped fresh sturdy vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, carrots).

You can serve this Mexican dip in the dish or pie plate.

Top with cilantro or sliced green onions. 

Storage

Store leftover taco dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.

You can make this taco dip ahead a few hours and keep it covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Optional toppings. If you like cilantro, you can stir in some chopped fresh cilantro on top. You can also add corn, carrots, or sliced green onion.
• Shredded cheese options. Besides cheddar cheese, you can use Sharp cheddar, Gouda, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese. 
• Make it spicy with added chili powder, and green peppers (jalapenos are great!).
• For extra taco flavors, add taco sauce to the dip.
• Add extra layers with your favorite taco toppings: guacamole or avocado layer, salsa pico de Gallo, cooked ground beef or ground turkey, jalapenos (or peppers on your preferred heat level), or refried beans to bulk up the dip (it will be like a 7-layer dip). 

If you love this easy appetizer recipe, you’re going to love these other snack dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Awesome Snack Recipes

Crockpot Jalapeno Popper Dip

Creamy Guacamole Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Trash Can Nachos

---

---