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Anyways, when I originally made this dip, it was my goal to pack as much protein into it as possible!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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Oh my gosh, this looks incredible!! I’ve got to try this out, and it’s Mexican which is by far my favorite cuisine!!
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!
Ooh, pick me, pick me 🙂
you haaaad me at packed with protein.
This looks like another great recipe! Love that you packed it with protein!
A family favorite! I like the addition of cottage cheese and quinoa.
I need this NOW.
This looks seriously so amazing! Love the bean + cottage cheese combo! Genius!
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!
This look amazing, especially after TDay, I’m already tired of turkey. I love Mexican inspired anything
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 🙂
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….
This looks mighty tasty…and hot 🙂
YUM.
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!
I love the idea of quinoa in the dip!!! This looks fantastic!
this sounds so good!! a mexican dip that is healthy & cheesy 🙂
Yummy! I always forget about adding cottage cheese to make dishes nice and, well, cheesy 🙂 Looks good, Linds!
Another delish recipe!! Love that it’s full of protein. I wish I could just take a big forkful out of that picture!
I wish I could just live in your kitchen! My mind pinned this before my fingers could actually do the deed!
looks delicious– and looks healthy too- yay!
Oh this looks so delicious, and I LOVE the ways you are getting more protein in there! I’m pinning this. 🙂
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. 😉
Thanks for sharing! looks amazing!
This will be great for the next football party I go to. Sounds absolutely incredible!
This looks delicious. I love Mexican layered dip.
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 😉
Love the addition of cottage cheese, yum!
The Mexican layer dip has so many delicious flavors and colors in one dip. I love it.
i want a whole pan of this…this will be great for a quick weeknight too.
I want to come and eat this right now! I love that this has like all ingredients I already have too.
Loving this! It’s so cool that you added cottage cheese. A night, light dip that looks totally irresistible!
oooh your photos have come a long way . . .teach me the ways 😉 And love the idea of the pureed cottage cheese in there – genius
Love dips like this! I will never turn down any kind of Mexican food!!
Love that you added quinoa to this! Super smart and easy way to add some yummy nutrition!
I would gladly come over to help! We love Mexican flavors 🙂