The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip

The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip puts tomatoes, jalapeno and finely chopped cilantro at the center of a appetizer recipe and finishes in about 45 minutes, enough for 10 -12 Servings.

• Yield 10 -12 Servings
• Ready in 45 minutes

Ingredients

Tomato Layer

• 4 large tomatoes , cored, seeded, and chopped fine
• 1 jalapeno , seeded and minced
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions , finely minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice , from about 2 limes
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Guacamole Layer

• 2 green onions , sliced thin, green and white parts separated
• 1 jalapeno chile , seeded and finely minced
• 1 small garlic clove , minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice , from about 2 limes
• 3 avocados , pitted, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

Black Bean Layer

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans , drained but not rinsed
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice , from about 1 lime
• ¾ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Sour Cream Layer

• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cheese Layer

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Extras

• Tortilla chips , for serving

Instructions

1. For the tomato layer, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, minced green onions, and lime juice. Stir in salt and let stand until tomatoes begin to soften, about 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer or colander and discard the liquid. Set aside.
2. For the guacamole, in a small bowl, combine the white parts of the green onions, jalapeno, garlic and lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes. Add two-thirds of the avocado to the bowl with the jalapeno mixture and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gently fold remaining avocado into mashed avocado mixture. Gently stir in the green parts of the green onions and the cilantro. Season with salt. Set aside.
3. Pulse black beans, garlic, remaining lime juice, chili powder, and remaining salt in a food processor until mixture resembles a chunky paste. Transfer to a glass 8X8 or 9X9-inch dish or similar sized bowl, spreading into an even layer. Quickly rinse and wipe out the food processor and pulse the sour cream, 1 cup pepper jack cheese cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. Dollop the sour cream mixture on top of the black bean layer, smoothing to the edges in an even layer.
4. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Spread guacamole over cheese and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips. The dip can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.