Christmas Taco Dip
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Be a host with the most this year and serve up this festive Christmas Tree Taco Dip! It’s a playful twist on a classic party dip, and it’s always a crowd favorite.
It’s the ultimate party appetizer made with layers of refried beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh toppings — all served in a platter shaped like a Christmas tree with your favorite dippers on the side.
Adding this Christmas tree dip to your appetizer spread is a must! It’s the perfect dip for a Christmas party and a festive twist on the classic 7 layer taco dip!
Much like my 7 layer dip cups, this variation is all about the presentation. You still use the same taco dip staples like refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese, but layering them in a Christmas tree-shaped serving dish adds instant holiday cheer.
Instead of stacking everything in a tall dish, this version spreads out the layers so you can see each one clearly. It looks great on the table, and everyone can easily scoop up their favorite bites. Just add chips or crackers and watch it disappear!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Cute and festive holiday presentation
- Classic taco dip flavors everyone loves
- Simple ingredients, nothing complicated
- Assembles in 10 minutes or less
- Easy to customize with store-bought or homemade components
Christmas Dip Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Sour cream and taco seasoning – For the taco-seasoned sour cream layer. Use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.
- Colby Jack cheese – For the star! Use a star-shaped cookie cutter or freehand a star using a sharp paring knife.
- Refried beans – Use a can of your favorite refried beans, or make yours from scratch, if preferred.
- Pico de Gallo and guacamole – Adds flavor and festive color.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese – Pre-shredded saves time, or shred your own.
- Chives and black olives – Sprinkle on top for garnish.
- Corn chips or tortilla chips – Perfect for dipping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Star cookie cutter – Around 2 inches is the perfect size. This star cookie cutter set is inexpensive and has a few different sizes to choose from. A pairing knife would work here as well if you want to free-hand the star.
- Tree-shaped serving dish – I used this Christmas tree dish but next time I would look for a larger dish or platter. Using two of these 10-inch dishes could work as well.
How to Make Christmas Tree Taco Dip
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Use a cookie cutter or sharp knife to cut the cheese slice into a star.
Step 3: Grab your Christmas tree dish and start adding your dip layers. Start with refried beans as the trunk, then the seasoned sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. Repeat the layers until you’ve reached the top. Top with the cheese star and decorate with a sprinkle of chives and black olives.
Pro Tip:
If your dish is small, you will have extra ingredients. Set them aside to refill the dip as it gets scooped.
Step 4: Serve your Christmas party dip with chips and enjoy!
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture won’t hold up.
Make-ahead: Assembleup to 24 hours ahead and keep covered and chilled until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Keep dip cold until ready to serve.
- Use this recipe for different occasions. Use a pumpkin-shaped serving dish for Halloween, or a football-shaped dish for game day!
- Serve with sturdy dippers. Corn chips, tortilla chips, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, green bell pepper halves, or baby carrots and celery sticks.
Additions and variations
- Swap the cheese: Try cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Use bean dip: Frito’s bean dip works as a substitute for refried beans.
- Replace pic with salsa. If you don’t have pico de gallo, you can use a chunky salsa (mild salsa or spicy salsa). Drain it very well, as it contains more liquid than pico, and you don’t want it to run.
- Top with fresh lettuce or tomatoes: Add right before serving.
- Use green onions or cilantro: In place of chives if preferred.
More Christmas Appetizer Recipes
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Reindeer Cheese Ball
- Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
- Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
- Crescent Roll Christmas Tre
Taco Christmas Dip
Equipment
- star cookie cutter or pairing knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 thick slice Colby-Jack cheese
- 32 ounce refried beans
- 2 cups pico de gallo
- 2 cups guacamole
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 2 Tablespoons sliced chives
- 2 Tablespoons diced black olives
- corn chips or tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir to combine the sour cream with taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.2 cups sour cream, 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- Cut a star in the cheese slice with a cookie cutter or you can freehand the star with a small paring knife. Set aside.1 thick slice Colby-Jack cheese
- Layer your ingredients in a Christmas tree-shaped bowl, starting with the refried beans at the bottom as the trunk, then flavored sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, Colby Jack cheese, and repeat until at the top.32 ounce refried beans, 2 cups pico de gallo, 2 cups guacamole, 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- Place the star cheese at the top and sprinkle the chives and diced black olives over the tree.2 Tablespoons sliced chives, 2 Tablespoons diced black olives
- Serve with chips and enjoy.corn chips or tortilla chips
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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