7 Layer Dip

7 Layer Dip is one of the absolute best party and game day appetizers to serve with all of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors. This old-fashioned 7 layer dip recipe features layers of salsa, refried beans, guacamole, cheddar cheese and creamy sour cream that not only looks amazing but is absolutely irresistible served with tortilla chips.

Terrific snack served with my jalapeño poppers and pigs in a blanket!!

Ultimate 7 Layer Dip Recipe

We made an ultimate 7 layer dip recipe loaded with your favorite toppings of tomatoes, black olives and savory green onions. This simple seven layer bean dip recipe is easy to make despite all the layers and requires No Cooking!!

The perfect combination of textures, layers and delicious flavors as well as its ease of preparation has made this a very popular snack recipe to share at any social gatherings like potlucks, game days and parties.

We also enjoy entertaining serving these with dip recipes, air fryer chicken wings, my amazing Doritos chicken tenders, delicious pizza poppers and this easy pizza dip recipe!!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• One of the best party and game day snacks to serve
• Easy to put together with no cooking
• Family favorite flavors of a Tex-Mex layer dip
• Perfect seven layer taco dip for potlucks and family gatherings

Ingredients

7 layer dip order staring from the bottom

• Refried Beans – the first or bottom layer we used a can of refried bean from the grocery store
• Sour Cream – full fat in the sour cream layer works best as light sour cream has a thinner texture
• Guacamole – we used a ready made store bought guacamole or you can make your own
• Salsa – use your favorite chunky salsa, chunky salsa works best in this recipe as it is less liquidy, we used a medium heat chunky salsa
• Cheddar Cheese – shredded, we used a pre-shredded Mexican cheese mix or you can use a Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese shredded cheese combination of your own
• Tomatoes – diced for the topping, Roma tomatoes work best as they have very few seeds but any tomatoes will work
• Black Olives – well drained sliced olives for the topping offer more texture and savory flavors
• and, or Green Onions – we loaded our topping with both black olives and sliced green onions for more texture, color and flavor

Substitutions

You can use my easy pico de Gallo salsa as a substitute for the toppings.

Chopped yellow and green peppers are also great added in the toppings.

You can make a sour cream mixture to layer in. Use a small or half of a small packet of taco seasoning mixed into the sour cream before layering for more taco flavors. Use depending on your taste preferences.

Step by step instructions on how to make a seven layer dip recipe

STEP ONE – I like to use an 8×8-inch baking dish, or you can use a deep-dish round pie plate as well for perfectly thick layers. 

STEP TWO – Spread the can of refried beans in the bottom of the dish.  

STEP THREE – Next, spread a layer of sour cream on top of the beans.  I find it easiest to place large dollops near the edges of the dish and a few in the middle, then spread out with a knife or spoon.  This makes it easier to achieve an even layer.

STEP FOUR – Top the sour cream with the guacamole, followed by the salsa.  Be sure to check the salsa before you add it to the layer as some salsas are more runny than others.  If it’s too runny, strain out some of the liquid first.

STEP FIVE – Finally, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend on top of the salsa layer. 

STEP SIX – Sprinkle the sliced green onions and black olives on top and the diced tomatoes and optional fresh cilantro. 

STEP SEVEN – Chill for at least one hour before serving with your favorite nachos, crackers or chips! Enjoy!

Variations

Other seven layer dip recipes to try:

Seven layer dip with meat by using ground beef or ground turkey cooked and seasoned with a small packet of taco seasoning. Spread your meat mixture on top of the refried bean layer before adding the sour cream.

5 layer dip recipe is the first 5 layers without using the tomato or black olives and green onion toppings.

Philadelphia cream cheese 7-layer dip recipe adds another layer by using 1 package of softened cream cheese in a bowl and mixing in 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning with 1/2 cup of sour cream.

Add the cream cheese layer on top of the refried bean layer and then move the sour cream layer on top of the salsa layer before the shredded cheese!!

Sandra’s top tips for making the best seven layer dip recipe

• When your adding in a layer add in dollops to the edges of the dish, it will make it easier to spread it out evenly
• Follow the 7 layer dip layer order for the best taste and colorful presentation
• If your salsa has too mush liquid you should drain it before layering in
• To help prevent the guacamole from turning brown add lime juice or lemon juice to the guacamole before layering in
• It is delicious to add to fajitas or tacos the next day!!
• Cilantro is optional to garnish on top

Can you make seven layer dip the night before?

Yes you can make the first 5 layers of the dip without the toppings and place it covered with wrap in the fridge overnight. It is best to make and add the toppings just before you serve the dip for the best results.

Storage and freezing instructions

You can store any leftover 7 layer dip by covering with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up 2 days in the fridge. The guacamole layer may start to turn brown even with the lime or lemon juice slowing that process down.

We do not recommend freezing this seven layered bean dip recipe.

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