seven layer dip

game-day-ready

I was all ready to write about grapefruit cake until I realized it’s about one week to the Super Bowl. Suddenly, instead of homey cakes and cup of tea, I am craving wings, chili, and beer. Oh, and seven layer dip.

It’s funny to me that in our relationship, I am the one with the football affectation. I insist on watching games, and I even downloaded one of those apps on my phone that tells me what the score it, in case I can’t watch the game in person. Andrew on the other hand, flips through geeky weather magazines while the game ensues and watches the game out of the corner of his eyes. This year, however, the Super Bowl is particularly important to us because our home team, the New England Patriots (now, don’t y’all Pats haters be hatin’) are going to square off against the New York Giants. The last time that happened, Pats suffered an abysmal loss, having totally fallen apart in the second half. Hopefully, that won’t happen again.

seven layer dip mise from the top

I might be admonished by seven-layer-dip-purists who might balk that I actually didn’t go ahead and make proper refried beans. It was a conscious choice, however, one that I’ll make again and again because, quite frankly, I prefer the mashed cooked beans to refried ones, particularly if they come out of a can. Never a health nut, I am keenly aware the Super Bowl foods aren’t exactly light, and since I don’t exactly miss the “refried” part I don’t really need it in a dip that offers lots of other layers (six to be exact!) and flavors.

seven layer dip mise

This is also, perhaps, the one time when salsa from a jar works better than the fresh salsa you make with tomatoes (which are sadly out of season). The liquid, soupy consistency of a jarred salsa is the perfect texture to combine with the creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and sharp bite of cheddar.

seven layer dipp-ed

And now, that I have this football snack sitting in my fridge, and it’s Friday morning, and it’s just the two of us working in the apartment, I ask you, is it safe to leave seven layer dip to two people who can eat it in its entirety? I didn’t think so. I’m off to padlock the fridge door.

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Seven Layer Dip

By all means, if you want to make your own salsa, go ahead. And if you want to make your own refried beans, Elise offers an excellent tutorial. If you are feeling pressed for time, canned refried beans will work just fine. Don’t like one of the layers? Swap it out for something else. Andrew’s cousin, Mike, who made a hysterical, awesome video on how to make his seven layer dip, uses mango as one of his no-longer-secret layers – looks amazing. Whatever works for you, so long as you enjoy the dip, the game, and have plenty of frosty beer on hand to pass to your thirsty guests.

1 cup pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
3 avocados
2 tomatoes
1 jalapeno pepper
1/4 red finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3 cups spicy salsa
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (outer, fresher leaves)
1/4 cup finely chopped black or Calamata olives

1. Cover the beans with enough water that it has 1 1/2 inches of water on top. Cook beans, uncovered, stirring from time to time about 1 1/2 hours until tender and most of the water has been absorbed. With a potato masher, mash the beans until they are mostly smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, lime zest and lime juice until it becomes chunky guacamole.

3. In a medium, deep casserole dish (3 quarts works best), spread out the pureed beans in an even layer. Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, and olives. Serve with corn chips and plenty of cold beer.

Makes 12 cups.

11 Comments

  • Ashley

    I can’t wait to try your version, it looks incredible! I must confess to eating seven layer dip (plus or minus a few layers, depending on what’s in the house) for dinner throughout the year. Or having chili-cheese dip with my tortilla chips… yum!

  • heather @ chiknpastry

    I LOVE 7-layer dips. as for football-watching, I gotta say I’m more like your other half, too. Unless it’s the Bears…. or maybe the 49ers…. but even then, I rarely give it all of my attention :).

  • A Plum By Any Other Name

    I must confess. I love the super bowl strictly for the food. Yes, technically I live in Boston and technically I should be rooting for the Patriots. But I’m really rooting for things like hot wings, Harpoon beer, and seven-layer dip (which looks lovely, by the way).

    Can’t wait for that grapefruit cake too!

  • Aimee

    This looks incredible. Seven layer dip is one of the best dips- love the blue tortilla chips and adding pinto beans. I live in Super Bowl city– Indianapolis:) and I’m excited for the Pats and Giants fans to get here!

  • Aaron

    This 7-layer dip would taste much better if it were my beloved 49ers squaring off against the Pats. But I will be on your side, cheering for redemption. And possibly eating this 7-layer dip. I usually end up eating the store-bought stuff that someone brings to the party, but I might have to whip some of this up for Sunday.

  • Samuel (Sam) Getaneh Bogale Kathy Stumm Bogale Calgary Alberta

    Definitely a hit! Will make for our Superbowl guests!

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