This 7 layer dip is a classic recipe with layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.
Love appetizers? Some other crowd favorites are my crockpot buffalo chicken dip and pigs in a blanket.
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Easy 7-Layer Dip
This seven layer dip is a delicious Mexican appetizer that requires no cooking, uses store bought ingredients and is an easy recipe with layers of delicious textures and flavors. Just like a classic cheese ball it is perfect for entertaining!
If you want to make this 7 layer dip the best party appetizer, make your own guacamole, restaurant style salsa and homemade tortilla chips. And when I don’t feel like making layers I make easy taco dip instead.
What’s In 7 Layer Dip?
This 7-layer bean dip comes together quickly and easily! If I am out of a layer, I make this 5 layer dip instead.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Refried beans: Mixed with cream cheese and taco seasoning.
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Tomatoes: Use pico de gallo if preferred.
- Olives
- Green onions
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
Layer 1: Combine the refried beans, cream cheese and taco seasoning. Layer the refried bean mixture on the bottom.
Layer 2: Next layer the sour cream over top.
Layer 3: Scoop the guacamole on top. Then careful spread with a spatula.
Layer 4: Drain the salsa if needed in a mesh strainer. Then add the salsa on top.
Layer 5: Add some shredded cheese.
Layer 6: Then add your favorite toppings such as tomatoes and olives. Add jalapenos for heat if you like.
Layer 7: Finish the top with sliced green onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I also love to sprinkle some flake sea salt over the top.
Serving Ideas
- Baking dish: This is my favorite method because the dip gets more spread out. You get more of the toppings in every bite! Use a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Trifle: Layer the dip in a trifle bowl for a fancier touch. I’ve also added a fun chalkboard label to the front of the dish when served this way in the past.
- Individual cups: Make individual 7 layer dip cups by servings in plastic cups. This is a fun way to make sure everyone gets a bite and there’s no double dipping!
- Game day: For game day or gatherings, sometimes I’ll add ground beef taco meat as an extra layer between the refried beans and sour cream layers.
More Delicious Dips
- 5-Layer Greek Dip
- Crockpot Queso Blanco
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
- Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Cream Cheese and Chili Queso
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7 Layer Dip Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 31 ounce can refried beans
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, optional)
- 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 14 ounces sour cream , about 1 1/2 cups
- 16 ounces guacamole
- 1 ½ cups chunky medium salsa (can sub for more diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 roma tomatoes (diced and drained of juices)
- 4 ounces sliced olives or jalapenos (1 can, drained)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 bunch green onions (sliced thin, optional)
- ½ lime (optional)
- s&p to taste
For serving: Tortilla chips or Fritos
Instructions
- Refried beans: In a small bowl, stir together 1 can refried beans, 8 ounces cream cheese (if desired) and 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning. I like to microwave the cream cheese for about 20 seconds beforehand, to make sure it’s smooth and creamy.
- Sour cream and guacamole: Then spread the beans onto the bottom of your dish. You can use a 9×13" pan, trifle dish or serve in individual cups. Next spread on 14 ounces sour cream and 16 ounces guacamole.
- Salsa, cheese, olives and green onions: Next add 1 1/2 cups salsa or extra tomatoes on top of guacamole. Then add the 1 cup cheese, 3 chopped roma tomatoes, 4 ounces olives, 1 bunch green onions and 1/4 cup cilantro. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top if desired. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
- Serve. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The dip is best to eat the day that it is made. Serve with fresh tortilla chips or Fritos.
Notes
- Alternatively you can mix the cream cheese and taco seasoning in with the sour cream.
- You could also add in a Tablespoon of extra taco seasoning or even ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream if you want to add more seasoning.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
FAQs
This dip tastes best if made day of, so preparing a few hours in advance should be fine.
To save time, you can prepare and assemble the bean and sour cream layers the night before and then cover and refrigerate. Then add the remaining layers right before serving.
This dip is traditionally served cold. This way the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream stay fresh. Try crowd favorites jalapeno popper dip recipe or this bean dip if you want something warm!
Yes, this dip uses gluten-free ingredients, which makes it perfect for guests with any sensitivities. Just make sure to double check that the taco seasoning packet is free from gluten or make my homemade taco seasoning which is most definitely gluten-free!
Although this 7 layer dip does taste best the day of preparing, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover tightly.
It does tend to get a bit watery as time goes on, but you can easily drain it and it will still taste delicious!
Categorized as: Appetizers, Cinco De Mayo, Dips, Mexican, Reader Favorites, Super Bowl, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is the best dip! I could seriously just eat it for a meal. So yummy!
This is the perfect dip for game day!
So yummy! I put it on a pizza platter.
I actually stir a pack of El Paso taco seasoning in the sour cream instead of the beans! It adds zip to the bland sour cream!
Sounds delicious! I’m going to try that next time. Thanks for sharing. :)
Do you need to cook the refried beans first? Sorry if that’s a stupid question
Nope! You can just keep them as is! :)
Thanks for the recipe! Great 7 layer dip
So delicious! if you make ahead, does the guacamole turn brown?
Simply amazing!
Loved this dip!!
Hope you enjoy! This is the perfect appetizer!
I was wondering if there is any way to make this without the refried beans?
Definitely! It would just be 6 layers. ;) I would probably put the guacamole on the bottom and then layer from there.
How to make refried beans?
I just used a can of refried beans, but you are welcome to make your own from pinto beans! They are super easy. Here’s a recipe: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/refried-beans/
I was wondering if this recipe can be warmed in the oven? Instead of cold or room temperature?
Hi Elise! I have never tried it hot, but I’ve seen other recipes that do it so it must work! I would bake it at 375 for 20-30 minutes.
Ive made this for over 20 years.i love it.
Such a delicious recipe!
Also.if some of you dont like a certain ingredient,leave it out or add what you like.its not set in stone.
Thats why baking & cooking is so wonderful..
I love this recipe, have used it twice so far!
Thanks, Samantha! I got the ingredient list updated. :)
Wow AMAZING!
Great recipe! Thank you
Loved this -all the men devoured!
I’m going to have to make this again but using your recipe. Thanks!
I always used to make it in a quiche dish to keep it from getting sooo messy after a few dipper have been at it. lol!