Description
This Graveyard Taco Dip is a layered, crowd-pleasing Halloween centerpiece—creamy beans, sour cream, salsa, and cheese topped with fresh veggies and Wheat Thins “gravestones.” It’s festive, customizable (mild or spicy), and perfect for parties with adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 container (16 oz) sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (drained if watery)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 box Wheat Thins Original Snacks (for gravestones)
- Optional spooky décor: Guacamole “grass,” extra sour cream for spiderwebs/ghosts, bell pepper pumpkin cutouts, olive “spiders”
Instructions
- Bean base: In a bowl, mix refried beans with taco seasoning until fully combined. Spread evenly in the bottom of a clear 9×13-inch dish or serving platter.
- Creamy layers: Spread sour cream over the beans, then spoon on the salsa in an even layer. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Fresh toppings: Scatter shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives for color and crunch.
- Graveyard décor: Insert Wheat Thins vertically as “gravestones.” Pipe RIP or spiderwebs with sour cream. Add olive spiders and guacamole “grass” if desired.
- Serve: Chill 30 minutes to meld flavors (optional). Serve with extra Wheat Thins or tortilla chips. Best within a few hours for freshest texture.
Notes
- Tips: Chill 30 minutes before serving; decorate just before party time so gravestones stay upright. Use chunky or well-drained salsa to avoid soggy layers.
- Common mistakes: Skipping bean seasoning; overloading fresh toppings; using a non-clear dish (the layers are part of the wow!).
- Variations: Vegetarian (as written); Spicy with jalapeños or hot salsa; Protein-packed by adding seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken; Día de los Muertos vibe with colorful bell peppers, purple cabbage, and cotija.
- Make-ahead: Assemble bean, sour cream, and salsa layers up to 1 day ahead. Add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and decorations just before serving.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Not freezer-friendly.
- Serving ideas: Present in a clear trifle bowl for dramatic layers; surround with chips; add plastic spiders or skeleton hands for theme.
- Diet swaps: Lighten with Greek yogurt in place of sour cream; make vegan with dairy-free sour cream/cheese and guacamole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: graveyard taco dip, halloween taco dip, spooky layered dip, party appetizer, tex-mex dip, wheat thins gravestones, halloween food for party