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Home » Recipes » Appetizers

by Traci · Published: 01/10/2023 · Updated: 01/10/2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

7 Layer Dip

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5 from 6 votes
10 minutes

Crowd-favorite 7 layer dip is a quick and easy Mexican layer dip made with beans, guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions. Grab the chips!

seven layer dip in square white dish with scattered tortilla chips
Table of Contents hide
1) Why you'll love seven layer dip
2) Ingredient notes
3) How to make 7 layer dip
4) Recipe tips
5) Can I make 7 layer dip ahead?
6) Serving recommendations
7) Party foods we love
8) 7 Layer Dip

Why you'll love seven layer dip

  1. 7 layer bean dip is a well-known favorite for any gathering.
  2. You can make layered bean dip ahead or at the last minute.
  3. Serving this dip is fuss-free and super convenient.

Seven layer dip is an essential Super Bowl food that honestly belongs at every gathering. Classic Tex Mex ingredients like guacamole, refried beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream, black olives, and green onions are layered in a pan and served with tortilla chips. It's simple, creamy, savory, cool, mildly spicy, and loved by everyone!

This 7 layer dip recipe is easy for any skill level and can be made ahead or at the last minute. When making ahead, the refried beans, fresh salsa, or guacamole can be made from from scratch a few days in advance. Or, buy the pre-packaged version for ultra convenience.

Since 7 layer bean dip is served chilled, there’s no need to bother with heating this scrumptious appetizer. Just serve it with tortilla chips and your guests know exactly what to do. In fact, it disappears fast!

Ingredient notes

  • refried beans - Use homemade refried pinto beans or refried black beans for optimal flavor and texture. Pre-packaged beans are great for convenience.
  • taco seasoning - This gets mixed into the refried beans. Use homemade taco seasoning or a store-bought packet.
  • water - This is used in small amounts to adjust the consistency of the beans which makes them more spreadable. You can use salsa or bean juice, if desired.
  • salsa - Fresh salsa such as pico de gallo or restaurant-style Mexican salsa brings authentic Mexican flavors to this 7 layer dip recipe. Jarred salsa picante or plain tomatoes can also be used.
  • guacamole - Nothing beats this easy guacamole recipe, but there are some excellent packaged versions out there.
  • sour cream - I like to use plain sour cream, but it's not uncommon to see taco seasoning mixed in with sour cream, which creates an orange layer. I prefer the white layer for contrast. You can do either.
  • Mexican cheese blend - It doesn't get more convenient than pre-shredded cheese, but feel free to shred your own.
  • canned black olives - Use sliced black olives or buy whole olives and slice as needed.
  • green onions - Or fresh chives will be beautiful atop seven layer dip.
seven layer dip ingredients in separate bowls labeled

How to make 7 layer dip

These step-by-step photo instructions show you how to layer seven layer dip. You'll find details in the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Mix together refried beans, taco seasoning, and liquid in a bowl until well-combined. This adds taco flavor to the beans and makes them easier to spread.

refried beans, taco seasoning, and liquid in glass bowl
refried beans are stirred in glass container

Step 2: Drain salsa in a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. Spread beans as the first layer in the serving dish.

salsa drains in mesh strainer
layer of refried beans in white dish

Step 3: Spread guacamole over beans, followed by a layer of salsa, then sour cream. I like to dollop each layer of ingredients over the surface, then gently spread to preserve the tidiness of the layers. When using a glass dish, I recommend spreading each layer to the edges for visual appeal.

guacamole layer is added to seven layer dip
salsa layer is added to seven layer dip
sour cream layer is added to seven layer dip

Step 4: Add the final layers which include cheddar cheese, black olives, green onions, and a little more pico de gallo for a pop of color.

black olives and shredded cheese layer is added to seven layer dip
seven layer dip in white dish garnished with fresh salsa on top

Serve seven layer dip chilled with tortilla chips. To store, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day for optimal freshness.

Recipe tips

This 7 layer bean dip recipe couldn't be easier, but these tips will ensure a beautiful presentation.

  • If you make refried beans from scratch, or if you're adding a layer of seasoned taco meat, first cool down the cooked ingredients enough to prevent warming the other ingredients. This helps maintain the layered dip structure.
  • Don't skip the step where you drain excess liquid from salsa using a fine mesh strainer. This helps prevent the dip becoming watery, which helps keep each layer in tact.
  • The guacamole and sour cream should be well-chilled. This prevents them becoming runny, which helps define the layers. During assembly, scoop them in dollops, then use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to gently smooth out the layer.
  • Since guacamole is prone to browning, you'll notice that I layer it under the sour cream. This prevents discoloring, which also helps preserve its beautiful, bright green color in this layered dip.

Can I make 7 layer dip ahead?

Yes! In fact, Mexican layer dip can be assembled and chilled 24 hours before your event. You can use homemade ingredients up to 5 days in advance. Or you can acquire the packaged ingredients several days ahead and store them unopened until it's time to assemble.

Serving recommendations

  • This recipe makes a generous amount and can be made in two smaller pans. This way, a second, fresh round can await its time to shine while the first one gets devoured.
  • Let layered dip rest at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving for easier scooping and serving.
  • Enjoy 7 layer dip within two hours of non-refrigeration for food safety best practices.
  • Serve seven layer dip with a large serving spoon to encourage scooping the dip from pan to plate and prevent the dreaded broken chips from scoop attempts.
seven layer dip in square white dish with serving spoon and scattered tortilla chips

Party foods we love

  • Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Jalapeno Popper Dip
  • Crab Dip Recipe
  • Totchos
  • Honey Hot Wings
seven layer dip in square white dish with serving spoon and scattered tortilla chips

7 Layer Dip

Crowd-favorite 7 layer dip is a quick and easy Mexican layer dip made with beans, guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions. Grab the chips!
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 1 ½ cups Refried Beans, or 15-ounce can
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Water, or other liquid
  • 2 cups Pico de Gallo, or picante sauce
  • 1 ½ cups Guacamole, or 12-ounce package
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 1 cup Mexican Cheese Blend
  • 1 (6-ounce can) Black Olives, sliced
  • 1 Green Onion, sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, stir together REFRIED BEANS, TACO SEASONING, and WATER until well-combined.
    Note: The beans should be spreadable, so add more water as needed.
  • Drain excess liquid from PICO DE GALLO as needed.
  • Spread REFRIED BEANS evenly as the first layer in the bottom of the serving dish.
  • Spread GUACAMOLE over the beans as the second layer, followed by a layer of PICO DE GALLO, SOUR CREAM, MEXICAN CHEESE, and BLACK OLIVES.
  • Spread remaining PICO as a garnish and scatter GREEN ONIONS as the final layer.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or other corn chips.
    Note: Enjoy 7 layer dip within two hours of non-refrigeration for food safety best practices.
  • To store, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance.

RECIPE VIDEO

Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Traci's Recipe Notes

Serving tips
  • This recipe makes a generous amount and can be made in two smaller pans.
  • Before serving, rest assembled dip at room temperature about 15 minutes for easier scooping.
  • Serve seven layer dip with a large serving spoon to discourage the dreaded broken chips from scoop attempts.

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • small mixing bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • 12 x 12 pan or 9 x 13 pan
  • offset spatula or spoon to spread ingredients
  • serving spoon

NUTRITION

Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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Comments

  1. Tayler says

    January 12, 2023 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    I made this for a get together last night and everyone raves about it! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  2. Kathleen says

    January 12, 2023 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    This 7-layer dip tastes fantastic, comes together so easily and is always the first to go on game day.

    Reply
  3. Wanda says

    January 12, 2023 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    This is a dip was delicious and a hit in our house! We made it for our weekly board game night and can't wait to make it again!

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    January 12, 2023 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    We love this Mexican layer dip! So tasty and perfect with tortilla chips

    Reply
  5. JB says

    January 10, 2023 at 10:35 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! I can't believe how much of this I ate because I couldn't stop. It's just so good. It's like a meal, only it's party food. Loved it. Highly recommend!

    Reply

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