Name: Flag Taco Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: PT-488198H9M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 14 oz cans refried beans; 1/2 cup chunky salsa (mild/medium/hot); 2 8 oz blocks plain cream cheese; 1 16 oz sour cream (divided use); 1 1.0 oz packet of taco seasoning; 1 16 oz prepared guacamole; 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced; 1 4 oz can sliced black olives, drained; 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese; 6 large roma tomatoes, cubed; 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 2 cups finely shredded monterey jack cheese; 1 cup crushed blue corn tortilla chips (plus additional two 12-14 oz bags for serving); 1 slice thick cut monterey jack cheese (to make the stars)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to wow your guests with something festive, delicious, and effortlessly shareable, let me introduce you to the magic of Flag Taco Dip. This show-stopping layered dip isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a true table centerpiece, drawing everyone in with its bold Tex-Mex flavors and dazzling red, white, and blue design. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, getting your friends together for game day, or celebrating a patriotic holiday, Flag Taco Dip steals the spotlight every time with its colorful stripes, zesty toppings, and irresistible mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory layers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Flag Taco Dip such a hit is how approachable, familiar, and crowd-pleasing each ingredient is. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures—every component shines, so don’t skip any if you want that signature flavor and “wow” moment!

Refried beans: These provide a hearty, savory base for the layers above and add that signature Tex-Mex comfort.
Chunky salsa (mild/medium/hot): Extra flavor and moisture, plus just the right kick, especially with a bit reserved for the top layer.
Plain cream cheese: Blended with taco seasoning, it creates a rich, tangy middle layer that ties everything together.
Sour cream: Added for extra creaminess and to lighten the cream cheese, plus more for building the “star field” section!
Taco seasoning: Delivers all those signature taco flavors—think chili, cumin, and just the right hint of heat.
Prepared guacamole: Cool, creamy, and bursting with avocado goodness for an irresistible green layer.
Green onions: Sliced thin for a peppery-fresh garnish and a splash of color.
Sliced black olives: They add briny, savory pops and break up those creamy textures.
Shredded colby jack cheese: The yellow-orange stripes in your flag, plus a gooey, melty element that’s always a hit.
Roma tomatoes: Their juicy, sweet flesh helps make those bright red stripes stand out.
Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweet brightness—perfect for flag stripes and a bonus bit of veggie goodness.
Finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Essential for those white “stripes” and for building a perfect contrast to the bolder colors!
Crushed blue corn tortilla chips: A clever and crunchy “blue” for the star field—save plenty for scooping!
Thick cut Monterey Jack cheese (slice): Used for cutting out adorable star shapes to finish the patriotic design.

How to Make Flag Taco Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Bean Base

In a large bowl, mix together the refried beans and ½ cup of the salsa. This blend creates a smooth, savory foundation with a bit of tomatoey tang. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch serving dish, pressing it into the corners so you have a solid base for all the delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Taco Layer

Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, whip together the two blocks of cream cheese, the taco seasoning packet, and ½ cup of the sour cream until totally smooth and spreadable. Carefully dollop and gently spread this mixture over the bean layer. Take your time—this middle tier is the secret weapon for that irresistible, “can’t stop dipping” flavor!

Step 3: Add the Guacamole and Salsa

Next comes the luscious guacamole: spread it over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it all the way to the edges. Spoon the remaining salsa on top, taking care to cover the guac without mixing the layers too much, so those beautiful color separations hold.

Step 4: Garnish with Onions, Olives, and Cheddar

Sprinkle the sliced green onions and drained sliced black olives across the surface of your layered dip, making sure you get a little in every bite. Then shower two cups of shredded colby jack cheese over everything—this not only adds flavor, it starts building your flag’s yellow stripes.

Step 5: Craft the Sour Cream “Star Field”

Take the remaining ½ cup of sour cream and pipe or gently spread it into a neat rectangle in the upper left corner of your dish (this will be the background for your flag’s “stars”). This is Flag Taco Dip’s signature flair!

Step 6: Build the Stripes and Make Cheese Stars

Combine the cubed Roma tomatoes and diced red bell pepper in a bowl, then arrange alternating red “stripes” across the surface of your dip. Sprinkle finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese in white stripes between the red. For the “star field,” sprinkle a thick layer of crushed blue corn tortilla chips over the sour cream rectangle, then use a mini star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out stars from the Monterey Jack cheese slice and nestle them into the blue chip field—so festive!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours to chill and set. This gives the flavors time to mingle and helps all those glorious layers stay neatly stacked. When ready to serve, arrange plenty of extra blue corn tortilla chips around the dish—for scooping up every bite!

How to Serve Flag Taco Dip

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the finishing touches! A final flourish of freshly sliced green onions and just a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro can brighten up the whole platter and add a touch of garden-fresh aroma. Those Monterey Jack cheese stars and blue corn chips transform your dip into a true showpiece. Serve Flag Taco Dip slightly chilled so the layers keep their shape and the colors stay vibrant—you want each scoop to look beautiful, right until the very last bite!

Side Dishes

This dip is a party all on its own, but it shines even brighter next to warm quesadillas, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you’re feeling festive, pair Flag Taco Dip with a big pitcher of margaritas or a fruity agua fresca for a total celebration vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a big gathering, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger rimmed baking sheet for an even more dramatic flag effect. For smaller groups, assemble individual mini Flag Taco Dips in clear cups or jars for easy single-serve snacking. If you’re feeling extra playful, try making the stars and stripes with different veggies (think yellow corn for stars or diced roasted peppers for stripes), and serve on a platter surrounded by fresh veggie sticks for a lighter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover your Flag Taco Dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the layers might soften and mingle a little over time—which honestly just makes it more scoopable and flavorful!

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, Flag Taco Dip can be frozen if you must—just know the texture won’t be quite as creamy once thawed, especially in the guacamole and sour cream layers. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and give it a gentle stir.

Reheating

Flag Taco Dip is truly meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, but if you’d like to gently rewarm it (just for the beans and cheese layers), microwave individual portions for 20 to 30 seconds, or pop the dish (if oven-safe) in a low oven for a few minutes. Avoid overheating, as the creamy layers can separate.

FAQs

Can I make Flag Taco Dip a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling overnight only deepens the flavor and helps the layers set. Just hold off on the fresh garnishes and cheese stars until right before serving for the best visual effect.

Can I use homemade guacamole or salsa?

Definitely—homemade guacamole and salsa can take Flag Taco Dip to an entirely new level. Just make sure both are fairly thick, so the layers hold up and don’t get watery.

What can I substitute for blue corn tortilla chips?

If blue chips are hard to find, try regular tortilla chips dyed with a bit of natural food coloring, or use black bean chips for that “star field” contrast. Even crushed purple potato chips work in a pinch!

Is there a vegetarian option?

Great news: as written, Flag Taco Dip is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, swap in plant-based sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar, and make sure your refried beans are free of lard.

How do I easily cut cheese stars?

A mini star-shaped cookie cutter is your best friend for this! For extra clean cuts, chill the thick-sliced Monterey Jack cheese briefly and press the cutter firmly through—it pops out perfect, adorable stars every time.

Final Thoughts

Few party dishes get people talking (and dipping!) quite like Flag Taco Dip. It’s guaranteed to bring color, fun, and flavor to any table, and I promise you’ll collect compliments all night long. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and turn an ordinary get-together into a celebration—your flag-inspired creation is waiting!

Flag Taco Dip Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 2-4 hours (chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Flag Taco Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for patriotic celebrations or casual gatherings. Layers of refried beans, creamy cheeses, zesty salsa, guacamole, and colorful vegetables create a delicious dip reminiscent of the American flag.

Instructions

Refried Beans Layer: Mix refried beans with ½ cup salsa and spread in a 13×9-inch dish.
Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese with taco seasoning and ½ cup sour cream; layer over beans.
Guacamole Layer: Spread guacamole on top, followed by remaining salsa.
Additional Layers: Garnish with green onions and olives; sprinkle colby jack cheese. Add remaining sour cream and create a rectangle for the star field. Arrange tomato and bell pepper mixture for stripes; cut cheese stars with a cookie cutter.
Chill for 2-4 hours before serving with blue corn chips.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Layering
Cuisine: American