Ingredients:

  • 1 (450g / 16 oz) can Refried Beans, well-drained
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Water or chicken stock
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Hot Sauce (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 large Avocados, ripe
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Thick Salsa, well-drained of excess liquid
  • 2 cups (220g) Mature Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Black Olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Green Onions (Scallions), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Cherry Tomatoes, finely diced (seeds removed)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until completely smooth and homogeneous. Set this mixture aside.
  2. Prep the Bean Layer: In a separate bowl, mash the refried beans with the taco seasoning, hot sauce (if using), and 2 tablespoons of water or stock until the mixture is spreadable.
  3. Prep the Avocado Smash: Peel, pit, and coarsely smash the avocados. Stir in the lime juice and salt. Keep some texture; do not mash completely smooth.
  4. Prep Toppings: Grate the cheese. Place the salsa in a sieve and drain for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Dice the tomatoes and olives.
  5. Layer 1 (Bean Base): Spread the seasoned refried bean mixture evenly and firmly across the bottom of the serving dish (e.g., 9x13 inch platter).
  6. Layer 2 (Creamy Base): Gently dollop the creamy cheese mixture over the bean layer. Use a rubber spatula to carefully spread it out to the edges without disturbing the beans underneath.
  7. Layer 3 (Avocado): Carefully spread the avocado smash over the creamy layer. Work slowly to avoid dragging the cream cheese.
  8. Layer 4 (Salsa): Gently spoon the drained salsa over the avocado layer. Spread thinly and evenly.
  9. Layer 5 (Cheese): Sprinkle the freshly grated cheese evenly over the salsa layer.
  10. Layers 6 & 7 (Garnish): Finish by scattering the sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions over the cheese.
  11. Chill: Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes. This chilling time is essential to allow the layers to firm up before serving.
  12. Serve: Serve chilled directly from the dish with sturdy tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crunchy bread.