The Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe (2024)

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Published: Jan 20, 2023 · Modified: Feb 7, 2023 by Andrea + Stef ·

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This classic, creamy 7 layer bean dip is an easy-to-make crowd pleaser for your next game day gathering, picnic or potluck.

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Make this classic creamy 7 layer bean dip for your next game day gathering, picnic or potluck, and watch it disappear before your eyes. This easy appetizer is a beautiful mash-up of all your favorite Southwestern flavors including creamy refried beans and sour cream, salsa, fresh avocados, tomatoes and shredded cheese. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, plus it’s gluten free and vegetarian, therefore just about everyone can enjoy it.

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This easy recipe comes together almost as fast as it disappears. With a few simple fresh and canned ingredients, you’ll have a guaranteed crowd pleasing dish that’s going to be a huge hit at your next party.

WHAT IS 7 LAYER DIP?

7 layer bean dip is a classic Tex-Mex appetizer that is so universally loved it deserves its own star in the appetizer hall of fame. In this dish, fresh guacamole, salsa, refried beans, sour cream, tomatoes, shredded cheese and toppings are arranged in colorful layers. It’s simple but beautiful, and it’s so delicious that your tortilla chips will practically scream “dip me!” That’s the magic of a 7 layer dip.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: Perfect game day or potluck party dish. Easy to whip up and refrigerate for later.
Main Ingredients: refried beans, Rotel, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican cheese blend, salsa, black olives, green onions, fresh tomatoes
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 10 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: sturdy tortilla chips, homemade tortilla chips or other flavored corn chips, tostadas
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, vegetarian
Special Equipment Needed: 9×13-inch baking dish , 8×8-inch baking dish, pie pan, cooking spoon or spatula, medium bowl

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this Mexican 7 layer dip recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and therefore not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this 7 layer dip appetizer you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

7-Layer Taco Dip Ingredients

16 oz can of refried beans (spicy or mild)
5 oz Rotel with juices (½ a 10 oz can)
2 cups guacamole
2 cups sour cream
4 oz grated Mexican cheese blend (about 1 cup)
1-2 cups salsa
1 can sliced black olives or green olives (½-1 cup)
1 bunch diced green onions
½ cup fresh tomatoes (diced)

Optional Garnish

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Substitutions

Refried Beans: Use full fat refried beans, if possible. You’ll also want to add a little water to the refried black beans to thin them out a bit , as creamy refried beans are more spreadable.

Guacamole: You can use your favorite store-bought guacamole for this great dip or prepare homemade guacamole, in case you have the time.

Sour Cream: Use regular cool sour cream, try our cilantro lime sour cream or one of 3 ways to make dairy free sour cream for this easy dip.

Cheese: Grate the cheese yourself. Sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey jack and pepper jack are a great combination. Pre-grated cheese has preservatives and additives that make the cheese taste not quite as good.

Salsa: Use your favorite kind of salsa, such as chunky salsa, homemade pico de gallo, homemade salsa verde, or restaurant style salsa. You can of course also use your favorite store-bought brand of salsa or fresh pico de gallo.

Tomatoes: We prefer Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes or other medium sized tomatoes for this 7 layer dip recipe.

Variations

TACO FLAVOR: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the sour cream.

LESS SPICY: Use regular refried beans, instead of spicy.

MORE SPICY: Add a can of diced green chiles or chili powder to the bean layer. Use hot salsa or mix salsa with some hot sauce.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this traditional 7-layer dip recipe, try our Buffalo Chicken Dip. You’ll love it because it’s a creamy mix of cheese, chicken and hot sauce, that makes the perfect game day party snack.

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Baking Dish – An 8×8 baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. It’s just the right size and goes from fridge to table beautifully. If you want to use a 9×13-inch baking dish just double the recipe.

Instructions

This section shows how to make seven-layer dip, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For printable instructions and nutritional information see the recipe card below.

Prep: Use an 8×8 glass dish or equivalent serving dish.

Step 1: Firstly, mix spicy refried beans and Rotel to make the bean layer.

Step 2: Then spread layer of beans evenly on the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Next add the guacamole layer on top of the beans and Rotel tomato layer.

Step 4: Afterwards add sour cream layer and salsa on top of the avocado layer.

Step 5: Top the layer of salsa with remaining layers of shredded cheese, olives and green onions. Tomatoes are optional.

Step 6: Afterwards, cover and refrigerate for an hour or until you are ready to serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Mexican layered dips then you’ll love our Chili Cheese Dip. This perfect game day snack is full of chili flavor and gooey cheese! You can make it as mild or spicy as you like!

Make Seven Layer Dip Ahead

You can refrigerate this delicious dip for up to 3-4 days, so you can absolutely make it ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight. This will also help chill your dip so it’s firm and ready to serve.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best 7 layer spicy bean dip.

Tip: Use full fat refried beans, if possible, and thin the bean mixture with a little water and Rotel juices.
Tip: Use fresh, ripe avocados to prepare homemade guacamole if you can and grate the cheese yourself. Pre-grated cheese has preservatives and additives that make the cheese taste not quite as good.
Tip: Refrigerate before serving. Give your bean dip time to chill keeps it fresh and firm before serving.

Serving Suggestions

We love to eat 7 layer dip all by itself as a party snack. But sometimes you need to serve it as part of a Mexican inspired meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Appetizers:Combine this easy taco dip recipe withLoaded Beef Nachosor Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells.

Main Dishes: Pair this classic recipe for 7 layer dip recipe withcrock pot chipotle chicken tacos,chipotle chicken burrito bowls,grilled chipotle chicken kabobs,Instant Pot carnitasorsheet pan chicken fajitas.

Mexican Condiments and Dips: This scrumptious layered dip also tastes great in combination withQueso Blanco, Crack Corn Dip orChili Cheese Dip.

Sides: We love serving Mexican dishes with homemadeAir Fryer Taco Shells,Cilantro Lime RiceorMexican Rice.

Cilantro Lime Rice
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Kabobs
Instant Pot Carnitas
See Also
shortbread cookies: The BEST berry shortbread cookie recipe
Mild Pico de Gallo Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

More Delicious Dip Recipes

If you love this best 7-layer dip recipe, then you’ll enjoy these other yummy dip recipes:

Texas Trash Dip
Crack Dip
Rotel Dip with Sausage
Mississippi Sin Dip

How To Store

Refrigerate: Leftover 7 layer bean dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrap with plastic wrap. However, layers will start to separate some and it may become a bit watery.

Freeze: We don’t recommend freezing this Mexican dip.

Common Questions

What’s in a 7-layer dip?

A 7 layer dip consists of fresh guacamole, salsa, refried beans, sour cream, tomatoes, shredded cheese and toppings (green onions, olives and tomatoes), all arranged in different layers.

Does guacamole turn brown in a 7-layer dip?

Similar to apples and bananas, the flesh of an avocado can turn brown when it is exposed to the air for a long period of time. An easy way to slow this oxidation process is to add some fresh squeezed lime juice to your guacamole. It also helps to reduce the amount of air your guacamole is exposed to. You can do this by putting your guacamole in between two other layers in your 7 layer bean dip.

Can 7 layer dip be frozen?

As a matter of fact, we do not recommend freezing 7 layer bean dip and this dip is so popular that you probably won’t have any left over to freeze!

Is it ok to heat 7 layer dip?

This 7 layer dip is best served cold or at room temperature because it contains sour cream and guacamole. However, in case you would like to make a warm Mexican inspired dip try our Chili Cheese Dip or Texas Trash Dip.

Can 7 layer dip be made the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days, so you can absolutely make it ahead and then keep it in the fridge overnight. This will also help chill your dip so it’s firm and ready to serve.

Is it possible to serve this 7 layer bean dip recipe with taco meat?

Most definitely. In fact, combine this delicious dip with our scrumptious Ground Beef Taco Filling and Air Fryer Taco Shells and you have the perfect weeknight dinner.

5 from 14 votes