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This 7 Layer Dip is a great party appetizer! Loaded with all your favorite Mexican toppings, and sauces and served with crisp tortilla chips.
Featured with this Recipe
Seven Layer Dip
When it comes to 7 Layer Dip, there are a lot of options out there. This one, however, is the very best we’ve ever tried and it’s so easy to make! It’s more of a nine layer dip but that’s what is so great about this recipe; you can add as much as you like! I made it for some company recently and the plate was practically licked clean in about 2 minutes! Ok, maybe this “company” was just the two of us. We just couldn’t stop ourselves! It is pretty simple but full of many great flavors!
What is 7 Layer Dip?
Essentially, 7 Layer Dip is all the yummy ingredients you love on a taco or burrito in a dip form. This Tex-Mex recipe makes a perfect party or game day appetizer, because everyone can enjoy scooping up what they like with chips or veggies. And because it’s layered, you can add or subtract any of the ingredients you want.
Ingredients in 7 Layer Dip
Seven Layer Taco Dips are great, but the added layers to this nine layer dip give it so much more flavor! Here’s what you need:
- Refried beans – to make the bean mixture extra flavorful, mix some taco seasoning in with them.
- Guacamole – you can add store bought guac, or make a batch of our delicious classic guacamole.
- Sour Cream – make sure to smooth the top of the guacamole before adding the sour cream
- Cover the top of the sour cream with salsa. Any kind will work!
- Shredded cheese – you can use sharp cheddar cheese, a Mexican cheese blend, Monterrey and cheddar cheese or all of the above! In my opinion, the more cheese the better!
- Black olives – dice them or leave them in slices, however you like the texture.
- Tomatoes – I like to use sliced grape tomatoes, but you can dice roma tomatoes or anything from your garden.
You can add any other toppings you like to create more layers of flavor. I like to add scallions or green onions, cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced green pepper, even ground beef for added protein. Top the whole thing with a dash of lime juice and a sprinkle of taco sauce on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
7 layer dip is best served cold or at room temperature, due to the perishable nature of some of the ingredients used (such as the sour cream and guacamole). However, tweak a few ingredients and this dip can easily be adapted to a warm dip!
Yes! In fact, many people think 7 layer dip tastes best after it has had some time for the flavors to set a while and meld together. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate the dip until you are ready to serve it, to keep the dip fresh and from spoiling.
Generally, 7 layer dip can be left out for up to a few hours, but it is a good idea to cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate it as soon as you are done eating it. 7 layer dip will last in the fridge for two to three days, but it will taste the best the sooner it is eaten.
Eat it, of course! Leftover 7 layer dip can also be adapted to make delicious quesadillas, burritos, taco salad, or even nachos. The versatility of the ingredients allow for you to get creative!
Make it a Meal
Whether you serve this 7 Layer Dip as an appetizer, or if you want to make it part of the meal, check out these possibilities to add even more flavor to your plate.
- Spanish Chicken and Rice Skillet takes just a few ingredients to feed your whole family. Quick and easy!
- Sweet Corn Cakes (Tamalitos) are a sweet, savory side to any Mexican feast. They’re creamy, bursting with flavor and easy to make.
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn is flavored with Cotija cheese, chili powder and lime on top of delicious sweet corn on the cob.
How To Make 7 Layer Bean Dip
7 Layer Dip
Video
Equipment
- 9×13 inch pan
Ingredients
- 14 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cup guacamole
- 16 ounces sour cream (1 container)
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese or cheddar, shredded
- 6 ounces diced olives
- 2 tomatoes sliced, lightly salted and peppered
Optional garnishes
- 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped (or to taste)
- 2-3 green onions chopped
- taco sauce sprinkle over the top before serving
Instructions
- Combine refried beans and taco seasoning in a bowl and stir together (if you want a HOT bean dip, do this in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat). When the taco seasoning is mixed in well, spread mixture on a large serving platter (or 9×13 baking dish).
- Layer remaining ingredients, in order, over beans. I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese near the top layers, but you can do whatever you like!
The perfect dish to have while sitting around playing cards with friends. So good and so easy to make.
I love seven layer dip! Great recipe
I LOVE layered bean dips and this recipe is incredible! Thanks so much for posting. 🙂
Have to have this every game day
This is definitely great for a party but I love your ideas on turning it into a meal too!
How long (hrs) before it is to be served can you make it? My concern is about the avocados. If the avocado is covered, will it oxidize? Thx
We usually serve it immediately so the avocado stays fresh
If I want avocados or guacamole on mine, I add them just before serving. I make this dip the night before I serve it so the flavors can meld. The avocado flavor does not need to do this.
Hi I am going to have a party and am going to have about 20 to 25 people come do you think this is enough or should I double the recipie
If there is going to be a lot of other food there, one pan would be fine. If this is the main appetizer, I would do two.
Hmmmmm…..Don’t think I’ve ever seen 7 or 9 layer dip without ground beef in it??
I have never seen a layered taco tip WITH any kind of meat in it. i have made this for 40 years now.
What size can of beans do you use? Can’t wait to try it. Thanks of the post.
How many does this recipe serve? It sounds delicious!
It will feed a small crowd as an appetizer.
My sister and niece were visiting and my niece said "I want nachos" so when I asked my sister what on earth I should make, my sister told me to grab a paper, open a can of beans and then add to that. My niece loved them. Your post reminded me of this wonderful visit.