Hearty 7-Layer Bean Dip

Ingredients

• 3 can refried beans (standard size cans)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• taco seasoning (to taste)
• 3 avocados (ripe, for guacamole)
• 1 tbsp pickled jalapeno juice (from the jar)
• 8 oz green onion dip (store-bought or homemade French onion style)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (chunky style, drained very well)
• 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• pickled jalapenos (sliced, to taste)
• 10 strip bacon (fried and crumbled)
• 3 green onions (diced)

Steps

1. 1

   In a skillet or pot over medium heat, combine 3 cans of refried beans and the softened cream cheese.

2. 2

   Stir and chop the mixture as it warms to help the cream cheese melt and blend thoroughly with the beans.

3. 3

   Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the bean mixture and stir until well incorporated. Once heated through and smooth, remove from heat and place in the refrigerator to chill.

4. 4

   While the beans chill, prepare the guacamole. In a bowl, mash the avocados with a potato masher until they reach your desired consistency (smooth but with some texture).

5. 5

   Stir in a splash of pickled jalapeno juice to the mashed avocados for extra flavor.

6. 6

   Take a 9x13 casserole dish and spread the chilled bean and cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom, smoothing it out like 'troweling concrete'.

7. 7

   Spread a layer of green onion dip over the top of the beans.

8. 8

   Dollop the fresh guacamole over the onion dip and spread it out carefully, trying not to mix the layers together.

9. 9

   Drain the chunky Rotel tomatoes very well in a colander, shaking it to ensure all excess moisture is gone. Spread the tomatoes over the guacamole layer.

10. 10

    Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the tomatoes.

11. 11

    Top the cheese with sliced pickled jalapenos and the crumbled fried bacon.

12. 12

    Garnish with diced green onions. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving with sturdy tortilla chips.

Notes

The author emphasizes that the green onion dip and the bacon are the 'game changers' for this recipe. Ensure the Rotel is drained exceptionally well to prevent the dip from becoming watery. Black olives are mentioned as a traditional addition but the author personally omits them.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• dip
• party food
• game day
• Mexican-inspired
• bacon
• 7-layer dip