Patriotic for the 4th of July
I don’t exactly know why, but I simply LOVE to make red, white and blue food for the Fourth of July! When my kids were young, it was layered Jell-O. At some point, I graduated to layered cakes and other foods.
No matter what direction I take, I always want to have at least one item with the right colors on July 4th and that’s why I made this taco dip!
That is my theme from now until Independence Day – all recipes will have a red, white and blue theme. Some will be simple, others might require more work, but I am hoping that some of you will try at least one of these ideas to make your holiday more festive.
It's easy to make this flag
The recipe I am starting with is not complicated, but there is a time commitment in decorating. But hey, you are making an AMERICAN FLAG here….and even though it takes a little time, I guarantee this will take less time than it took Betsy Ross.
This dip is easy to customize and make your own. If you already have a favorite taco dip, use that for the main layer and then just use these instructions to decorate the top.
This dip is so fun, I decided to make a Web Story for it. Check out it!
How to make American Flag Taco Dip
To start, mix up the dip ingredients and spread it into a 9x13 pan. Crush up some blue tortilla chips - enough to make about a cup. Arrange the crushed chips in a 5x4 rectangle in the upper left corner of the pan.
To make stars, I used a small star cookie cutter and pre-sliced white cheddar cheese. You could use a small knife to cut your stars, but you'll need a steady hand for that!
Place stars in the blue rectangle. The number of stars will vary according to the size you make. Obviously, 50 will not fit LOL.
The red stripes are a mix of tomatoes and red pepper. The white stripes are shredded Monterey Jack cheese. You can use any other mild white cheese, as preferred.
I also want to note that the final dip is extremely mild, which will be great for a crowd that includes kids. But if you prefer something with a little kick, I suggest you use a hot salsa and also add 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the dip layer. Or – if you already have a favorite taco dip, substitute that for the cream cheese layer and then follow the rest of the instructions to make the flag.
I think I might try this next with a refried bean layer…YUM!
More 4th of July ideas
You'll need some potato salad, so why not make it Red White and Blue?
The beverages can be patriotic with Red White and Blue Vodka Slush or the ever-popular Firecracker Margarita.
And don't forget dessert! Red White and Blueberry Crumble bars are super-easy. If you want a showstopper no bake dessert, try a Frozen Patriotic Torte.
I think I can hear the Star-Spangled Banner!
📖 Recipe
American Flag Taco Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8- oz packages light cream cheese softened
- 1 jar (16oz) chunky salsa
- 1 cup (8oz) light sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese 4-cheese Mexican or cheddar
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 bag (9oz)blue corn tortilla chips plus more for serving
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- I deli slice white cheddar cheese or similar
- 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper chopped (1 cup)
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese and green onions in a large bowl until blended. Spread mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Crush enough blue tortilla chips to make 1 cup; set aside the remaining chips for serving. Arrange the crushed tortilla chips in a rectangle on the upper left-hand corner of the cream cheese mixture, measuring about 5 x 4-inches.
- Using a small (1½ inch) star cookie cutter, cut star shapes from the slice of white cheese. Arrange stars on the chips.
- Combine the chopped pepper with the quartered tomatoes in a medium bowl.
- Arrange the tomato mixture and the Monterey Jack cheese in alternating rows, about one inch each. (I put all the red stripes in first, then filled in between with the cheese). And there you have it, a beautiful American Flag treat that will surely impress and delight all family members and guests.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Brandie Benson
I made this using my 7 layer dip and then just did the top of it like this recipe it was easy and very cute thank you for the recipe
Sula
Awesome, I'm so glad you made it your way. And thank you for the kind review 🙂
Jenna
This is the cutest idea! I’m going to make it this weekend! I’ll let you know how it goes. 😊
Sula
Have fun with it!
Toby
I LOVE this idea. Thank you so very much for the recipe. Toby
Sula
You're welcome, enjoy!
Sherry
I made this American Flag Taco Dip for a Memorial Day potluck gathering and it was a huge hit! Thank you for a great easy recipe that everyone enjoyed!
Sula
I'm so glad your group enjoyed it, and thank you for the kind review!
nancy
what a great idea for easy july 4th decorating on the dip! great for backyard parties
Sula
Welcome at any party!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
This is super cute for the 4th of July. Wish we still lived in the US.
Sula
You can still celebrate!
Bianca
This is such a fun dip! Perfect for a crowd
Sula
Enjoy!
Jess
This would be so fun for the 4th!
Sula
It really is perfect for any patriotic holiday!
Shelby
A classic dip and such a festive way to serve it!
Sula
Thank you!
Jean
Awesome meal to enjoy on the 4th of July while also watching fireworks on tv. With occasion or none this taco dip is so good.
Sula
Thank you!