This recipe for Hot Mexican Layer Dip is an easy, healthy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days and other gatherings. Plus it’s full of protein thanks to the quinoa, cottage cheese and black beans so you can feel good about eating it!
**Post and photos updated 3/24/16**
Hi Friends!
I originally shared this recipe way back in 2012 and it took me a solid 3.5 years to make it again. WHY?! Now that I’ve reminded myself how good it is, I plan to make it on the regular. I serve this dip warm, but fact is it’s equally good cold. I just wanted to change things up…so serve it whatever way you prefer. You can also try this recipe for Mexican Layer Dip if you’re looking for something a bit quicker.
Anyways, when I originally made this dip, it was my goal to pack as much protein into it as possible! I pureed some cottage cheese into the black beans, added a layer of leftover quinoa because I always seem to have some extra in the fridge.
Here’s how you make it:
Hot Mexican Layer Dip
This recipe for Hot Mexican Layer Dip is an easy, healthy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days and other gatherings. Plus it’s full of protein thanks to the quinoa, cottage cheese and black beans so you can feel good about eating it!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups black beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 medium avocados
- 1 cup diced onion, divided
- 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- juice from one lime
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 cup salsa (drained if watery)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese
- Chopped green onions, optional
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree beans, garlic and cottage cheese.
- In a small bowl, mash avocado and stir in 1/2 cup onion, cilantro and lime juice.
- In the bottom of a 8×8 or 9×9 pan (i used a glass baking dish), spread the bean mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle quinoa evenly on top of bean mixture.
- Top with salsa.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup onion, tomatoes, peppers and 3/4 cup cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
- Remove, top with guacamole, remaining cheese and green onions.
- Serve with chips.
You can return the pan to the oven for a few minutes after you add the guac and remaining cheese to melt it if you’d like, but leaving it in too long may cause the guac to start browning.
And just for fun, here’s one of the pictures from the original post 🙂
Who’s coming over to help me eat this?!
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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Lisa says
Oh my gosh, this looks incredible!! I’ve got to try this out, and it’s Mexican which is by far my favorite cuisine!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You are on it with the cottage cheese! I am loving it. I’m doing a Mexican layer thing tomorrow… wish I’d thought to add cottage cheese to mine too. Looks awesome!
Laura says
Ooh, pick me, pick me 🙂
Miz says
you haaaad me at packed with protein.
Alison says
This looks like another great recipe! Love that you packed it with protein!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
A family favorite! I like the addition of cottage cheese and quinoa.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I need this NOW.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
This looks seriously so amazing! Love the bean + cottage cheese combo! Genius!
Aparna B. says
Looks so delicious! I’ve made layer dips so many times, but never thought to use quinoa (DOY). Now I know 🙂 Knowing is half the battle. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
This look amazing, especially after TDay, I’m already tired of turkey. I love Mexican inspired anything
Karla @ myhighonlife says
I am making this one for football games/party this weekend! I will bring a healthy alternative to what will be a breeding ground for naughty food. Big game this weekend for the Badgers (not like they’re deserving of the championship game but I digress).
It look phenomenal 🙂
misszippy says
This is a fantastic recipe! I’m quite certain I would sit down and eat the entire dish of it, which might be a problem….
Kierston says
This looks mighty tasty…and hot 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
YUM.
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
This looks fantastic! I haven’t really made a spread for football yet this season…thinking I might need to add this to the repetoire this coming weekend!
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt says
I love the idea of quinoa in the dip!!! This looks fantastic!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
this sounds so good!! a mexican dip that is healthy & cheesy 🙂
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
Yummy! I always forget about adding cottage cheese to make dishes nice and, well, cheesy 🙂 Looks good, Linds!
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
Another delish recipe!! Love that it’s full of protein. I wish I could just take a big forkful out of that picture!
Amanda @ Run Principessa says
I wish I could just live in your kitchen! My mind pinned this before my fingers could actually do the deed!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
looks delicious– and looks healthy too- yay!
Debra @ Miles to Run says
Oh this looks so delicious, and I LOVE the ways you are getting more protein in there! I’m pinning this. 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Oh man, I LOVE Mexican food. Why is it that it’s so freaking comforting and delicious? And of course, if you have a fresh squeezed margarita along side, it only gets better. 😉
Arturo Féliz-Camilo says
Thanks for sharing! looks amazing!
Becki @Fight4Wellness says
This will be great for the next football party I go to. Sounds absolutely incredible!
Lee says
This looks delicious. I love Mexican layered dip.
Min says
THis looks great!! I’ve tried Ellie Krieger’s Mexican layer dip several times and it was always a hit!! I have a feeling this one’s going to be a crowd pleaser as well 😉
Tawnie Kroll says
Love the addition of cottage cheese, yum!
Emily says
The Mexican layer dip has so many delicious flavors and colors in one dip. I love it.
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
i want a whole pan of this…this will be great for a quick weeknight too.
Coach Henness says
I want to come and eat this right now! I love that this has like all ingredients I already have too.
Chrissa - Physcial Kitchness says
Loving this! It’s so cool that you added cottage cheese. A night, light dip that looks totally irresistible!
jen says
oooh your photos have come a long way . . .teach me the ways 😉 And love the idea of the pureed cottage cheese in there – genius
Michelle says
Love dips like this! I will never turn down any kind of Mexican food!!
Sara | sarahaasrdn.com says
Love that you added quinoa to this! Super smart and easy way to add some yummy nutrition!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
I would gladly come over to help! We love Mexican flavors 🙂