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 was a huge hit at our holiday book club last night. I will make this again because it was so easy!
Can’t get enough of this flavorful 7-layer dip. My family loves it! We’ll surely have this again for Christmas. Thanks Jamielyn for this wonderful recipe. Highly recommended!
So glad you enjoyed the 7 layer dip!
We had this again last Christmas, everyone loves it! Glad I made it again. This is a new go-to recipe.
I want to make it hearty with the ground meat added BUT — never ate cold ground meat. Could that be a ‘no’ to most people or does it work out actually ‘better’ with it?
I’ve never had any issues with it but it’s totally up to you! You could always do half with/half without so that your guests have an option to choose from :)
I made this dip and its was so good i add 1 pound of chicken breast top’s it off family and friends love it now i have to make it more often at the family parties…. chicken and bean dip pop n
I made this for my Easter pot luck dinner and everyone loved it! No left overs and I even made a bit larger serving than what’s in this recipe. We like spicy so I used jalapeño cream cheese, mixed spicy and mild guacamole and spicy Chucky salsa. I used pico de gallo instead of tomato layer and had jalapeños on the side for anyone who wanted it extra hot. Easy to make and can be made in advanced (on the same day; I made it the morning around 9, refrigerated and used around 5pm. I can’t wait to make this again!
I’m so happy to hear it was such a hit! Your substitutions sound delicious :)
Delicious! I had a can of refried black beans which gave a slightly different flavor. All of our guests had seconds and raved it was terrific.
Yay, so happy to hear that! Thanks for your comment and review, Jackie :)
I was apprehensive about mixing cream cheese and beans but it came out amazing — I used my KitchenAid to mix evenly. I mixed the taco seasoning with the sour cream. This will be my go-to recipe from here on out!
I’m so happy to hear the recipe worked great for you. Thanks for your comment and review, Mykell :)
I made this a couple of weeks ago and my family loved it. The recipe was easy to make and I made it to the T. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m so happy to hear it was a hit, Selma! Thank you for your comment and review :)
I am about to make this dip, I want to add burger, would it be too much taco mix if I add it to the burger?
I don’t think so! Let me know how it goes :)
I used deer meat and Taco seasoning it worked great!
Loved this 7 layer dip
This was the best! Brought it to a huge super bowl potluck (Go Cheifs!) where there were like 7 7-layer dips. Everyone told me this one was the best.
So yummy!
I add a small amount of fresh grated parmesan to mine . Forget the sausage balls these are my new favorites!!!
Do you cook the refried beans first?
I don’t, just add straight from the can.
Outstanding!
it was very delicious, everyone one wanted the recipe for it,
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it! :)
I love this recipe! It’s perfect for parties and a family favorite for the Super Bowl. Will be making this recipe again soon!
I love this recipe! It’s perfect for parties and a family favorite for the Super Bowl.
This is always the first thing to go at my parties. Definitely making it for Game Day on Sunday!
I’m so glad to hear it has been a favorite! Thanks for leaving a comment and review. :)
This was amazing! I added ranch seasoning to the sour cream which was so flavorful. I also added a layer of shredded lettuce. Big hit with the family!
I’m so glad you loved it! :)