New Mexico Aztec Platter
A vibrant New Mexico Aztec Platter featuring layered beans, cheeses, fresh toppings, and crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for sharing and bursting with bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can refried beans ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/4 oz. envelope taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 3 avocados ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- 4 oz. can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 4 green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 12 sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 large tomato ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
- fresh parsley ⓘ
- 7 oz. bag round tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Use a 10 to 12-inch glass pie plate or similar shallow round plate.
- In a bowl, mix the refried beans with the taco seasoning mix.
- Spread the seasoned beans onto the plate, not quite to the edge.
- In a separate bowl, mash the avocados and mix with lemon juice, sour cream, and garlic salt to make the guacamole.
- Spread the guacamole over the bean layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped green chilies evenly over the guacamole.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions, shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced olives over the top.
- Add cubed tomatoes on top of the layered ingredients.
- Garnish with chili powder and fresh parsley.
- Serve with round tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the guacamole. If you don't have fresh avocados, store-bought guacamole can be a convenient substitute. You can also customize the cheese blend based on your preference; pepper jack adds a nice heat. This platter is versatile and can be served as an appetizer or main dish, similar to other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This New Mexico Aztec Platter pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad or a bowl of zesty salsa. Consider serving it alongside a cold beverage, such as a Mexican beer or a fruity margarita, for a complete experience. It's perfect for game day or casual gatherings, making it a fantastic choice for parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Aztec Platter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the beans and cheeses gently, avoiding overheating, which can make them tough. Serve cold or at room temperature with fresh tortilla chips for an easy snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Mexico Aztec Platter contains roughly 607 calories, with 27g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1716mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean and guacamole layers in advance and assemble the platter just before serving. This keeps the tortilla chips from getting soggy. Store each layer separately in the fridge, and add the toppings right before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing a similar creaminess with added protein. If you prefer a dairy-free option, avocado or cashew cream can also work well to maintain a rich texture in the guacamole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this New Mexico Aztec Platter is vegetarian-friendly, as it features beans, avocados, and cheese without any meat products. It's a great option for those looking for vegetarian recipes that are filling and satisfying, making it suitable for various diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).