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.
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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
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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.
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!
Rebecca
I love this idea and it's so simple to make. I'm going to use it for our next 4th July party! Thank you.
Sula
Its perfect party food!
Blake Moon
What a beautiful flag! Thanks!
Sula
You're very welcome!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
This is so creative and made exclusively with natural ingredients! It must be a total success for the 4th of July celebration and a fabulous centrepiece!
Sula
It doesn't get much more fun than this one!
Nora
What an amazingly looking dip! I love it! Can't wait to create one by myself! Thanks for the awesome idea!
Sula
Have fun with it!
Audrey
Everyone loved this. Tasty and patriotic!
Sula
Wonderful! Thank you for the kind review!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
I absolutely expected this to be a dessert, from the photo haha. I love that this is a savoury dip, what a great change to most 4th of July recipes. Crushing the blue tortilla chips to make the corner of the flag is such a great idea! What a fun and delicious recipe!
Sula
I know what you mean, there are so many choices in 4th of July desserts. This helps balance things out. And everybody loves taco dip, right?
Giangi Townsend
What a fantastic idea! I have friends over on the 4th and this will be perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Sula
You're very welcome! I guarantee this is perfect for any 4th of July gathering!
Emily
I made this for Memorial day and it has been requested for our 4th of July celebration as well. Such a fun a clever way to celebrate with family and friends.
Sula
It's become a real tradition for us!