TGI Friday’s Nine Layer Dip has become the gold standard for party appetizers, transforming simple gatherings into memorable celebrations with its spectacular presentation and incredible flavor combination. This iconic 9-layer bean dip combines all the best elements of Mexican cuisine in one show-stopping dish, featuring seasoned refried beans, crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and vibrant toppings that create both visual appeal and an irresistible taste.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
What makes TGI Friday’s Nine Layer Dip dish extra special?
This TGI Friday’s Nine Layer Dip represents one of the menu items that genuinely put the restaurant chain on the map, establishing the layered dip as a party essential that no gathering should be without. The genius lies not just in the visual impact of the beautiful layers, but in the careful seasoning of each component, particularly the secret step of adding taco seasoning to the refried beans, which elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary.
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are readily available and commonly found. Here’s a list of what you need:
For the Base Layers:
- Bacon – Provides smoky, salty richness that enhances the overall flavor profile
- Refried beans – Create the hearty foundation that holds all other layers
- Taco seasoning – The secret ingredient that transforms ordinary beans into restaurant-quality base
- Sour cream – Adds cooling creaminess and helps bind the seasoning flavors
For the Cheese Component:
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and creates visual appeal in multiple layers
For the Fresh Elements:
- Guacamole – Contributes creamy avocado richness and authentic Mexican flavor
- Fresh tomatoes – Provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color contrast
- Fresh cilantro – Adds bright, herbaceous notes that enhance all other flavors
- Sliced black olives – Deliver briny depth and attractive dark color contrast
- Green onions – Contribute ma ild onion flavor and a beautiful green color accent
How to Make 9-Layer Dip
- Cut the bacon into pieces and fry it in a skillet until crispy.
- Add refried beans and cook over low heat until heated through. Stir the beans frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine sour cream and taco seasoning.
- Layer the dip in this order: refried beans, a third of the shredded cheese, sour cream mixture, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro, black olives, green onion slices, and the remaining shredded cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
How to Lighten Up 9-Layer Dip
This recipe is very flexible. If you want to lighten up the recipe, you can try these options:
- Substitute the sour cream for light sour cream.
- Use fat-free refried beans.
- Use low-fat cheddar cheese.
- If you want to make it vegan, you can use vegan-friendly “sour cream” and “cheese”. You can omit the bacon.
There’s no reason to buy this multi-layer dip at the store when you can make it at home and enjoy an excellent, fresh layer dip.
Love TGI Friday’s? Try these copycat recipes!
- TGI Fridays Jack Daniels Sauce
- TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks
- TGI Fridays Potato Skins
- TGI Fridays Pretzel Sticks
Great TGI Friday’s Cocktails
Favorite Party Dips
Check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best game day food here on CopyKat!
TGI Friday’s Nine Layer Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 strips lean bacon
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup guacamole
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into ½-inch pieces. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Add refried beans to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until heated, about 15 minutes.
- Mix taco seasoning with sour cream.
- Place the refried beans in a casserole dish and spread it out to 1½-inches thick.
- Top the beans in this order: ½ cup of shredded cheese, sour cream mixture, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro, black olives, green onion slices, then the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Love the dip! I just leave out the green onions and viola!
Hi All! As an additional idea, here is a website that offers more restaurant recipes!