This 7-layer dip recipe is one of Spend with Pennies’ most loved recipes!

Layers of refried beans, salsa, guacamole, cheddar cheese, and your favorite toppings make the perfect tortilla chip dip!

close up of 7 Layer Dip with a portion taken out

Holly’s Recipe Highlights

This 7 layer dip is always the first to go!

  • Flavor: With layers of goodness, this dip has lots of TexMex flavor that’s hard to resist.
  • Prep note: It tastes even better when made, prep it the night before and add the toppings before serving.
  • Recommended dish: I use an 8×10 or 2qt dish for this recipe. It can also be made in a 9×13-inch dish; the layers will be thinner.
  • Swaps: This dip is versatile – add as many toppings as you’d like (nobody’s counting)!
  • 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

  • Use store-bought or make a simple homemade guacamole recipe with avocados, lime juice, salt, and onion.
  • Jalapeños, shredded lettuce, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of cilantro are also great toppers for this dip. Get creative!
  • If you’d like to add ground beef, cook the meat until no pink remains. Add taco seasoning for flavor and cool. Add it to the dip between the beans and sour cream layers.

How To Make 7-Layer Dip

  1. Prepare the refried bean layer.
  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.

Serve with tortilla chips for the perfect dipper!

Holly’s Tips for The Best Dip!

  • Mix the refried bean layer and 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 it.
  • 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.
dish full of 7 Layer Dip

Storing Leftovers

This dip will last up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. It may become a little bit watery, I drain it off.

Must Try Dip Recipes

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
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7 Layer Dip

This no-cook dip is a one-dish fiesta with beans, guacamole, cheese, and salsa.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 16 servings
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Ingredients  

  • cups salsa
  • 16 ounces canned refried beans 1 can
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning 1 packet, about 2 tablespoons
  • 1 cup guacamole prepared
  • cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup 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 363 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
easy to make 7 Layer Dip in a dish with writing
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bold and zesty 7 Layer Dip with writing
7 Layer Dip in a dish and close up photo 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. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. 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

  2. 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