“It’s not a party unless you make your seven layer nacho dip.” I’ve been told this soooo many times; it’s the first thing that automatically gets put on my menu when I start party planning. Occasionally it gets replaced by my hot spinach dip or crab crack dip (OMG so good!), and people don’t complain too much, but when I ask what I can bring to a party the answer is usually my seven layer nacho dip.
This nacho dip recipe is very flexible. The measurements I listed below are only suggestions. You can increase or decrease the quantities, add additional ingredients – play around with the flavors. Do whatever you like to make it your own! You can start by adding flavoring to the cream cheese mixture. A tablespoon of chili powder or taco mix really bumps up the heat and flavor of the dip. My family is generally not into the heat but sometimes if I’m making it and my family won’t be eating it, I’ll make it a bit more flavorful.
On the topic of party appetizers, we have a girls weekend coming up and well, the real hostess has given me free rein to “do what ever I want” so of course I’m hitting Pinterest hard planning some fun games, yummy recipes and maybe a bit of fun themed decorations. I like referring to my tips on hosting a budget friendly party so I don’t overspend.
My first tip I have to keep reminding myself is to shop at home first and try repurpose as many items as possible. I’m even considering using my new wheel barrow as a cooler. Fill it up with ice and keep my beers and coolers in there.
I’m even cheap when it comes to my ice. I cleared a spot in my freezer and I set myself a reminder every night before I go to bed to empty my ice trays into a large shopping bag I’m keep in the freezer and refill the ice trays with water so I can repeat the process the following night. I like to keep a good supply of ice on hand during the summer. You DO NOT want to run out of ice cubes, especially when company comes over and you want to serve up your signature cocktail.
I think I’ll dig out my mason jar collection and make premade drinks in them. Put the lids on tight and I don’t have to worry about measuring later on… you know, when measuring may become challenging.
I certainly can’t forget about the jello shooters either. But first, I’m adding this 7 layer nacho dip to the menu.
What are your party planning tips or tricks on a budget?? Would love to hear about it!
7 Layer Nacho Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (8 oz) Cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Salsa
- 2 cups lettuce , finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato , finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other Topping Ideas:
- Green pepper , chopped
- Hot banana peppers
- Black olives
- Green onions , chopped
Instructions
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Whip the cream cheese and sour cream together until well combined. Spread on the bottom of a glass baking dish (pie plate or cake pan). Spoon a layer of salsa over top of the cream cheese mixture.
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Next, layer lettuce over top of the salsa. On top of the lettuce, scatter any other ingredients you would like. I like to use chopped tomato, hot peppers and green onions.
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Lastly, layer the shredded cheese. I like to use cheddar cheese, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
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Cover until ready to serve.
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Suggestion: Try to make this the same day you are going to serve. Also, try ensure the toppings are strained as best as possible. The excess moisture will make the dip runny.
Oooh, you can’t go wrong with a 7-layer dip! And the weekend is coming up. Great idea!