Start by placing the refried beans in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Stir in the water, olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt, stirring until everything is well combined. The beans should become hot and bubbly, indicating they are ready to be layered.
Once the beans are warm, carefully spread them over the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or a suitable serving dish. Make sure the layer is even and covers the bottom completely for a solid base.
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the warm beans. This will start to melt slightly, creating a delicious cheesy layer that everyone will love.
Now it’s time to layer on the finely chopped jalapeño pepper. Spread it evenly for that perfect hint of spice. It adds great color and flavor to the dip.
Next, we’ll add the creamy, mashed avocados as the next layer. Spread it smoothly over the jalapeños, creating a rich barrier of flavor.
Now, chop the tomato, ensuring to remove the seeds and juices to avoid excess moisture. Sprinkle the diced tomato over the avocado layer, adding freshness and color.
Then, carefully spread the sour cream over the tomatoes, creating a beautiful, creamy layer that contrasts with the other ingredients beautifully.
Finally, top the dip with the sliced black olives. Arrange them neatly to make it look inviting. This final layer brings in a salty flavor that complements the dip perfectly.
Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips. The layers should remain distinct, and every scoop should be a burst of flavor!