This 7 Layer Dip is the life of the party, packed with creamy, cheesy, zesty layers that disappear fast once the chips come out. Easy to make ahead and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, it’s the perfect appetizer for potlucks and family gatherings.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: 7 Layer Dip
- Flavor: This dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor, with fresh guacamole, salsa, and fresh toppings in every bite.
- Time-Saving Tip: Use prepared guacamole, pre-shredded cheese, and sliced canned olives to cut down on prep time and make assembling this dip even quicker.
- Serving Suggestions: I like to top my 7-layer dip with black olives for a classic flavor, but diced tomatoes like pico de Gallo add a fresh, juicy contrast that’s just as delicious.
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Mins (Just 15 Mins Prep!) Servings: 16, perfect for a crowd!
Ingredient Notes
- Salsa: Drain it well before layering to keep the dip thick, neat, and easy to scoop. The reserved liquid can be stirred into the refried beans for extra flavor and a smoother texture.
- Refried Beans: Canned refried beans create a sturdy, flavorful base that helps hold all the layers in place. Regular and fat-free refried beans work well in this recipe.
- Milk: A small amount of milk helps thin the refried beans, so they spread smoothly and evenly. For an extra boost of flavor, use the reserved salsa liquid instead.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the sour cream and taco seasoning, creating a rich, creamy layer that holds its shape and keeps the dip easy to scoop.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor while lightening the cream cheese layer. Greek yogurt can be used as a thicker, slightly tangier substitute.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold, classic flavor and a delicious cheesy finish. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used for a slightly different twist.
- Black Olives or Tomatoes: Black olives add a salty, classic flavor, while diced tomatoes bring a fresh, juicy bite. Use one or both depending on your preference.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy 7 Layer Dip: Add sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or pepper jack cheese.
- Extra Fresh: Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime just before serving.
- Meaty Version: Add a cooled layer of taco-seasoned ground beef between the beans and cream cheese layer.
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
- Combine the refried beans layer and spread in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Combine the cream cheese layer and gently spread on top.
- Spoon the guacamole over top.
- Drain the salsa and spread on top.
- Top with cheese and the remaining toppings (full recipe below) before serving.
Storing Leftovers
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serving: Some liquid may separate as it sits, especially from the salsa and guacamole, so drain off any excess before serving leftovers. This dip is best served cold and does not need reheating.
- For Make-Ahead Prep: Assemble the dip up to 1 day in advance. Add green onions, cilantro, tomatoes, or other fresh toppings just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing this dip is not recommended as it will become watery when defrosted.
Easy Party Dips
Did you enjoy this 7 Layer Dip? Leave a comment and rating below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups salsa
- 1 (16 ounce) can 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
- 1½ 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.
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© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Delicious! One question: Can you freexe it for a few days?
I have never tried freezing this dip. If you try it please come back and let me know how it worked out.
The dishes and recipes are delicious
Thanks Katandra!
This dip was a real crowd pleaser. Everyone raved abour it thanks for the most amazing recipe.
I am so glad this dip was a hit Nicole!
I just finished making this for the super bowl today and I am SO excited for everyone to try it. I followed the recipe to a T and it looks delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Awesome!! Enjoy the game Ashley!
How long will 7 layer dip stay good in fridge?
Hi Ashley, it is best served right away but will last 3-4 days in the fridge. The longer it is stored, the more the layers will bleed together and it can get a bit watery.
The ingredients are spot on, but not the quantities. This only makes enough to fill an 8″x8″ pan. If you use a 9″x13″ pan as called for, the dip will only be about an inch deep. I had to double the amount of salsa, add an extra half an avocado- you really could use 2 whole ones, as 1 large = about 1 cup. So kind of a bummer since you can’t scrape it out and start over. If you want a very thin dip this will work for you. It is not how I have ever seen it done though.
I find an inch deep is about right for us if using the smaller tortilla chips (the round ones such as these) as you can scoop right to the bottom of the dip. If you’d like it thicker, you can certainly use a smaller pan.
I would imagine that you could heat this one up too! I make one that is very similar to this one but I heat it until the shredded cheese on top is melted, slightly browning and bubbling! It’s so yummy! But I also think many of these combos and tortilla chips are great anyways!! This is easy and makes it taste like you went all out!
That sounds interesting Michelle!
I see that you have added the nutrition information but how big is a serving size?Looks delicious. Thanks
This recipe serves 16.
This dip sounds so delicious and I can imagine serving for a get-together. Simply awesome recipe and easy to create.
Whenever there’s a 7-layer dip on a a party table, I gravitate to it -but honestly, this one puts every one I’ve tried in the past to shame. Holy moly, this looks good! My mouth is seriously watering right now.
Same Krista, I could eat it for breakfast!! :)
This is literally my go to dip for parties! You seriously cannot go wrong with a good 7 layer dip!
I agree Lorie!
This looks absolutely EPIC! Perfect for a party, can’t wait to give it a try! PS: I’m a HUGE fan of yours, thanks for sharing all these awesome recipes x
Aww thank you so much Andrea! I hope you love it as much as we do!
I love this 7 layer dip recipe….always a huge hit at any party that I bring it too!
So great for parties!
This is a CLASSIC recipe and is so perfect for the upcoming Super Bowl! I love that this dish is relatively inexpensive to make, too!!
Game day LOVEs this dip!
Who doesn’t love 7 layer dip?! It’s always a crowd pleaser and feels so good when your dish is totally empty! This classic version looks like the place to start
how do you “prepare” guacamole?
I used prepared (premade storebought) guacamole for this recipe. You could also try my Pineapple Guacamole in this recipe!
What could you use instead of guacamole in your taco dip?
You could skip the guacamole if you’d like!
I am so glad you love it Gloria! It is one of my guilty pleasures too.
I really love the different flavours in this dip! I have to admit I’ve only ever had individual dips and never a layered dip before so I’d love to try this.
Let me know how you like it, it is super popular around here Corina!
What an awesome party dip – love all those Mexican flavors! Am going to pin this and maybe serve for the Super Bowl. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carrie, let me know how it turns out!
This dip is always such a hit at parties! It’s a really great option for all the upcoming game day parties!!
You’re right Kathryn – always a hit!