Get the chips ready because this 7-layer dip delivers a playful mix of creamy, zesty, and crunchy layers that make every party instantly more delicious!

7 Layer Dip with a portion missing

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights

This 7-layer dip recipe is one of Spend with Pennies’ most loved recipes and for good reason! It’s always one of the first appies to go.

  • Flavor: Fresh, creamy, and zesty with a dash of spiciness from the taco seasoning and salsa.
  • Skill Level: This taco layer dip comes together quickly with simple steps and no cooking required.
  • Prep note: It tastes even better when made, prep it the night before and add the toppings before serving.
  • Time-saving tips: Use pre-shredded cheese and premade guacamole
  • Serving suggestions: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.
taco seasoning , cream cheese , guacamole , cheese , sour cream , refried beans , green onions , salsa , olives , milk , and sour cream with labels to make 7 Layer Dip

What’s In 7 Layer Dip?

This dip has seven layers —swap up the layers or add extras of your favorite toppings!

  1. Refried Beans
  2. Sour Cream (mixed with cream cheese and taco seasoning mix)
  3. Guacamole
  4. Salsa (drained)
  5. Cheese
  6. Green Onions
  7. Olives or Tomatoes
  • Variations: Shake things up; instead of cheddar, use a Mexican cheese blend. Add some pickled jalapenos for a little extra heat, or get a little more creative and add shredded lettuce, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of cilantro. For a meatier take, add some cooked and seasoned ground beef.

How To Make 7 Layer Dip

  1. Prepare the refried bean layer (full recipe below).
  2. Prepare the sour cream mixture.
  3. Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and top with guacamole, salsa, and toppings.
  4. Chill before serving.

Holly’s Tips for Perfect Layers!

  • Mix the cream cheese layer with a hand mixer. It makes the mixing easy and helps with a creamy consistency, so your chips don’t break as you scoop them.
  • Ensure the guacamole is completely covered so it doesn’t brown. Store-bought guacamole tends to last longer.
  • Let the dip chill for an hour (or overnight) to combine the flavors. If resting overnight, add the toppings before serving.
  • Drain salsa well to keep layers clean and prevent soggy edges. You can keep the liquid to use in place of milk. I will choose different heat levels for family-friendly dipping. Mild salsa and taco seasoning will make for a milder dish
  • For a fun presentation, I like to assemble mine in a clear serving dish so guests can see the layers.
dish full of 7 Layer Dip

Keep it Fresh

  • These are the usual leftovers I go for after the party is over. But if you have some leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some natural separation may occur; gently drain any liquid before serving.
  • Don’t freeze the dip because the fresh and creamy layers change texture.

More Favorite Appies

Did you enjoy this 7 Layer Dip? Leave a comment and rating below!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
close up of 7 Layer Dip with a portion taken out
4.99 from 365 votes

7 Layer Dip

Servings 16 servings
A chilled, colorful, and crowd-pleasing 7 Layer Dip is stacked with beans, guacamole, seasoned cream, salsa, cheese, and fresh toppings is ready for gameday.
Servings 16 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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Ingredients  

  • 1 ½ cups salsa
  • 1 (16 ounce) can canned refried beans
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning about 2 tablespoons
  • 1 cup guacamole prepared
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sliced black olives or diced tomatoes
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions 

  • Place salsa in a sieve and drain the liquid into a small bowl (this keeps your dip from getting runny).
  • In a small bowl, combine refried beans and milk (or you can use the liquid from the salsa if you prefer). Mix until smooth and spread in the bottom of a 2 qt baking dish or pan.
  • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning with a hand mixer on medium speed. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the beans and spread evenly.
  • Spoon guacamole over cream cheese and gently spread. Add the drained salsa and gently spread.
  • Top with cheese, olives/tomatoes and green onions.
  • Chill 1 hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

Video

Notes

  • This dip can be prepared up to a day in advance.
  • Additional toppings such as cilantro or jalapenos can be added.
  • Using a hand mixer for the beans and sour cream layers ensures the dip is fluffy and easy to scoop.
  • Tightly cover leftovers with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some separation may occur when storing, drain off any liquid if needed.
4.99 from 365 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 168 | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 702IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Dip, Party Food
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex
7 Layer Dip with a portion taken out with a title
cheesy and zesty 7 Layer Dip with writing
7 Layer Dip in a dish and and close up photo with a title
close up of 7 Layer Dip with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly

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4.99 from 365 votes (312 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. I made this for the first time for a party and followed directions. Everyone said it was the best they ever had for salsa layer dip.
    Thank you5 stars

  2. Made for a card party and I guess everyone loved it because the dish was clean at the end of the night. I swapped out the graca for green chilli only because I needed something green to replace it. Made again today and wanted to let you know how good this is.5 stars

  3. Holly,
    This recipe turned out great, and is sooo good. I love all your recipes, so much that I just had to buy your book. I love the book and the way that you explain things about the recipes.5 stars

  4. Excellent. I used a Rubbermaid Brilliance 9.6 Cup which measured 9″X 6″and is clear so the dip looked pretty all around. I also followed the suggestion of another and chilled between layers. So pretty, so good! Only one suggestion…buy a sturdy chip like fritos scoops.5 stars