Fiesta dinner party (part 2!) // + the most AMAZING 7 layer dip

I recently shared some inspiration for a fiesta inspired dinner party I hosted for Cinco de Mayo! You can see all of the beautiful decor inspiration here, but today, I’m sharing part 2 of that dinner party and talking all about the menu!

For the party, I served a 4 course dinner with bacon wrapped chilli chicken and Mexican street corn as the main dish.  But the star of the menu was the delicious individual seven layer dips I served as appetizers!  Seven layer dip is a classic appetizer, but when served in mini trifle bowls it makes the simple dish extra special!

Everyone seems to have their own recipe for 7 layer dip, but my version has a few extra secret ingredients that takes the recipe from typical to out of this world!

My first secret ingredient? Green chiles!  I love the extra pop of flavour the chiles bring. I used to mix in a separate can of green chiles to my refried beans, but then I found out Old El Paso has refried beans with green chiles already mixed in.  Um, yes please!!

Homemade guacamole is my second secret ingredient.  Fresh and creamy with just the right hit of acidity, you just can’t beat the taste of homemade guac!  Also, I promise it is sooo quick and easy to whip up.  Prepackaged guacamole just can’t compare!!

My final secret to making the best ever 7 layer dip is cream cheese! Mixed in with the sour cream layer, the cream cheese adds delicious complexity and rich flavour!

Seven layer dip

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

1. Begin by mixing your refried beans together with the two tsp of taco seasoning.  Set bean mixture aside.
2. Beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.  Set sour cream mixture aside.
3. Mash all 3 avocados and add in the juice from 1 lime.  Stir in seasoning salt, garlic power and cayenne pepper.  Set guacamole mixture aside.
4. It’s now time to start layering your ingredients! Carefully spoon each layer into cups starting with the refried beans, then adding the sour cream mixture & guacamole.  Top this with salsa, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese and finally with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with bite sized taco chips and enjoy!

Special thanks to Old El Paso for partnering on this post!