American Flag Layer Dip
A festive, creamy layered dip decorated like the American flag, perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic party. This crowd-pleasing appetizer features a tangy cream cheese base, savory beans, salsa, cheese, and crisp veggies for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup chunky salsa (medium or mild)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup blue corn tortilla chips, crushed (or black beans/blueberries)
- 1/3 cup finely diced white onion
- Sturdy tortilla chips (for serving)
- Veggie sticks (celery, carrots, bell peppers, for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and sour cream (if using). Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whip with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
- Spoon refried beans over the creamy base and gently spread into an even layer.
- Pour salsa over the beans and spread evenly. Drain excess liquid from salsa if needed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer.
- Decorate the top left corner with crushed blue corn tortilla chips (or black beans/blueberries) for the blue field.
- Alternate rows of diced cherry tomatoes (red) and shredded iceberg lettuce (white) across the rest of the dip to create flag stripes.
- Sprinkle diced white onion over the blue field to mimic stars.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled with sturdy tortilla chips and veggie sticks.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and thick Greek yogurt. Pat veggies dry before layering to prevent soggy stripes. Add flag decorations just before serving for crispness. Can be made a day ahead (add veggies last). For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, use dairy-free substitutes and certified gluten-free chips. Leftovers keep well for 2-3 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/10th of the
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: layer dip, American flag dip, 4th of July appetizer, patriotic party food, Memorial Day, festive dip, crowd-pleaser, easy party recipe