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Ultimate Layered Taco Dip with Massive Guacamole Mountain

An epic, towering beachside-style layered taco dip served in a giant glass, featuring beans, seasoned cream, cheese, crisp lettuce, and a massive mountain of fresh chunky guacamole.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Layers
  • 1 can refried beans 16 oz, slightly warmed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • 3 cups iceberg lettuce very finely shredded
Guacamole Mountain
  • 6 large Hass avocados ripe
  • 2 large limes juiced
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper minced, seeds removed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Garnish
  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes diced, seeds removed
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Large wide-mouthed margarita glass or trifle bowl
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Potato masher or large fork

Method
 

  1. Spread slightly warmed refried beans in an even layer at the bottom of a large glass serving bowl or oversized margarita glass.
  2. Whisk together sour cream and taco seasoning until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture directly over the beans.
  3. Sprinkle the finely shredded cheddar cheese in a thick, even layer over the sour cream mixture.
  4. Pack the finely shredded iceberg lettuce tightly on top of the cheese to create a flat, stable plateau reaching near the top of the glass.
  5. In a large bowl, mash avocados with fresh lime juice, leaving plenty of chunky texture. Fold in diced red onion, cilantro, minced jalapeño, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pile the fresh guacamole generously onto the center of the lettuce layer, shaping it upward into a tall mountain.
  7. Garnish the guacamole mountain heavily with diced Roma tomatoes.
  8. Place one perfect tortilla chip standing upright in the center peak of the guacamole. Serve the glass bowl in the center of a large plate surrounded by a mountain of tortilla chips.

Notes

Ensure your tortilla chips are sturdy ('cantina style' or scoops) to handle the heavy layers without breaking. To prep ahead, build the dip up to the lettuce layer and refrigerate, then make the fresh guacamole right before serving to prevent browning.