American Flag Layered Taco Dip is a fun, no-bake party dip that’s made with classic taco ingredients stacked in layers and topped to look like the American flag. It usually starts with seasoned refried beans, followed by layers of guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

The top is decorated with diced tomatoes and sliced black olives to form the stripes and star section of the flag.It’s a popular dish for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any summer gathering where you want to bring something festive but easy.

You don’t need any fancy tools—just a baking dish, some simple ingredients, and a bit of creativity to lay out the flag design. It’s always a hit with guests and disappears fast!

Every Fourth of July, I try to bring something festive but stress-free to the table. One year, I showed up to a family cookout with a giant tray of this American Flag Layered Taco Dip, and it was gone before the burgers even hit the grill.

It’s got all the good stuff—beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, juicy tomatoes, and olives—but what makes it special is how it’s layered and decorated like the American flag.

It’s always a hit, especially with the kids who love scooping out the “stars” and “stripes” with chips.

You don’t need anything fancy or complicated to make this. If you’ve got a baking dish, a spatula, and some time to spare, you’re good to go.

How To Make American Flag Layered Taco Dip?

Recipe Overview

A cold, no-bake layered taco dip with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and veggies arranged to look like the American flag. This dish brings flavor and fun to any party table.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican
Course: Appetizer
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 10–12 servings
Calories: About 210 per serving

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
Spatula or offset spatula
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Small spoon for decorating

Ingredients

32 oz refried beans
1 packet taco seasoning (1.5 oz)
2 cups guacamole
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups diced tomatoes
2.25 oz sliced black olives

Ingredient Notes

1. Refried Beans – I use traditional canned refried beans. You can go low-fat or spicy depending on your taste.

2. Taco Seasoning – Store-bought is fine, but if you like it milder or salt-free, feel free to use homemade.

3. Guacamole – Homemade guac is amazing here, but pre-made works in a pinch.

4. Mozzarella Cheese – It’s mild, creamy, and white—perfect for the flag’s stripes.

5. Tomatoes – Go for fresh, firm ones so they don’t get mushy.

6. Olives – Sliced black olives help create the star area of the flag.

Instructions

1. Prep the Bean Mixture

In a bowl, mix the refried beans with the taco seasoning until smooth. Spread this evenly across the bottom of your dish as the first layer.

Tip: Use a spatula to really press it into the corners.

2. Add the Guacamole

Spread the guacamole gently over the beans. Try not to mix the layers. A spoon or spatula works best.

3. Layer the Sour Cream

Spoon the sour cream on top and smooth it out. This layer helps lighten the dip and makes the colors pop.

4. Sprinkle the Cheese

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella over the sour cream layer. This will act as the white base for your flag design.

5. Create the Flag

Now for the fun part:

Use the diced tomatoes to make horizontal red stripes across the dip, leaving space in between.
In the top-left corner, use sliced black olives to create the “star” section of the flag.

Tip: If you want to get extra detailed, use finely chopped white cheese in the olive area to mimic stars.

6. Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes scooping easier.

What Does This American Flag Layered Taco Dip Taste Like?

It’s creamy, zesty, a little salty, and totally addictive. The beans give it body, the guacamole adds freshness, and the sour cream and cheese tie it all together. Every bite gets a little of everything.

What Type of Refried Beans Do I Need?

You can use any canned refried beans. I usually grab the traditional ones, but the vegetarian or spicy versions work too. Just make sure they’re smooth enough to spread easily.

Can I Use Homemade Guacamole?

Yes! I love making fresh guacamole with avocado, lime, salt, and a little onion. But if you’re short on time, store-bought guac works just fine.

What Else Can I Add to the Taco Layer Dip?

You can play with this one a bit:

1. Add a layer of shredded lettuce under the cheese

2. Throw in chopped red or green bell pepper

3. Use cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper bite

4. Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt if you like it tangier

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Please keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The guac might brown a little, but it’s still tasty. I wouldn’t freeze it—cold dips like this don’t hold up well after thawing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 210
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 410mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even veggie sticks for a lighter option. I like to set the dip in the centre of a snack tray with chips all around it—it always gets the most attention.

FAQ

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but add the flag toppings right before serving so the tomatoes don’t get soggy.

Can I Use Other Cheese Instead Of Mozzarella?

Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses all work well.

What Size Dish Works Best?

A 9×13-inch dish is perfect for layering and gives you plenty of room for the flag design.

Conclusion

This American Flag Layered Taco Dip is one of those recipes that brings everyone together. It’s simple, festive, and full of flavor—what more could you want from a party dish?

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, send me a pic, or tag me @allcooksrecipe on social.