Ultimate Fiesta Taco Dip
Transport your taste buds to a fiesta with this Ultimate Taco Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that has been a favorite since its debut at a New Year's Eve party back in 1990. This delightful dip features layers of creamy goodness, savory refried beans, zesty green chilies, and hearty Monterey Jack cheese, all topped off with a vibrant picante sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious—just layer, bake, and dig in with your favorite tortilla chips!
16
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light Cream Cheese
16 ounces (softened)
Refried Beans
14 ounces (canned)
Chopped Green Chilies
4 ounces (canned, drained)
Picante Sauce
10 ounces (jarred)
Monterey Jack Cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In an oblong baking dish, spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom.
3
Layer the refried beans on top of the cream cheese, smoothing it out evenly.
4
Sprinkle the chopped green chilies over the refried beans.
5
Pour the picante sauce evenly across the green chilies, ensuring that every bite will be flavorful.
6
Finally, top the dip with a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
9
Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Fiesta Taco Dip?
Ultimate Fiesta Taco Dip is a crowd-pleasing layered appetizer featuring cream cheese, refried beans, green chilies, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for this recipe?
The 16 ounces of light cream cheese should be softened before spreading it into the baking dish.
What is the correct order of layers?
Layer the softened cream cheese first, followed by refried beans, green chilies, picante sauce, and finally shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dip.
How long does the dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of canned refried beans.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light?
Yes, regular cream cheese can be substituted for light cream cheese if preferred.
Do the green chilies need to be prepared?
Yes, use 4 ounces of canned chopped green chilies that have been drained.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What should I serve with Ultimate Fiesta Taco Dip?
Serve the dip warm with your favorite variety of tortilla chips.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of protein.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as the refried beans and cheese are processed without animal by-products.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend as a substitute.
How long has this recipe been around?
This dip has been a popular favorite since its debut at a New Year's Eve party in 1990.
Can I add meat to this taco dip?
Yes, you can add a layer of cooked and seasoned ground beef or turkey for a heartier version.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
An oblong baking dish is recommended for spreading the layers evenly.
Is picante sauce different from salsa?
Picante sauce is typically smoother than chunky salsa, which helps it layer evenly in this dip.
How much fat is in a serving?
There is approximately 12.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I reheat this dip?
Yes, you can reheat portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven until warmed through.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with only 5 main ingredients and simple layering, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
How much picante sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of jarred picante sauce.
Should the dip be cooled before serving?
It is recommended to let the dip cool slightly after removing it from the oven so the layers set.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, you can top the baked dip with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, black olives, or green onions.
What is the total time to prepare this?
The total time including preparation and baking is less than 60 minutes.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While refried beans are traditional, you could use mashed black beans or pinto beans as a variation.