Get the chips ready because this 7-layer dip recipe is a classic party appetizer with layers of refried beans, seasoned cream cheese, guacamole, salsa and plenty of toppings! It’s quick to put together and can be prepared ahead of time for game day, potlucks or parties.

easy 7 Layer Dip in a dish with a scoop taken out

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Why I Love This 7 Layer Dip

This 7-layer dip recipe is one of Spend with Pennies’ most requested party dips! It is easy to make, uses simple ingredients and it’s always one of the first to disappear.

  • Flavor: Fresh, creamy, and zesty.
  • Prep note: This dip can be made the night before. Store the toppings separately and sprinkle on top just 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

7 Layer Dip Layers

These classic 7 layers stay thick, neat and are easy to scoop.

  • refried beans
  • taco seasoned sour cream/cream cheese mixture
  • guacamole
  • salsa
  • toppings (I use cheese, green onions, olives or tomatoes)

Variations

  • Spicy: pickled jalapenos
  • Fresh: shredded lettuce, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of cilantro
  • Meaty: cooked and seasoned ground beef

How To Make The Best 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.

Dish Size & Dip Tips

  • Dish size: Use a 2qt dish or 9-inch square dish. A larger dish will make the layers too thin. A clear serving dish makes a pretty presentation.
  • Smooth consistency: 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.
  • No browning: Ensure the guacamole is completely covered so it doesn’t brown. Store-bought guacamole tends to last longer.
  • Perfect layers: Drain the salsa so it keeps the layers crisp.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and add fresh toppings just before serving.

More Favorite Appetizer 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
4.99 from 369 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  

  • 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
  • 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 369 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 369 votes (312 ratings without comment)

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Comments

    1. I have never tried freezing this dip. If you try it please come back and let me know how it worked out.

  1. 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.

      1. 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.

  2. 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.3 stars

    1. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. This dip sounds so delicious and I can imagine serving for a get-together. Simply awesome recipe and easy to create.5 stars

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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!!5 stars

  8. 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

  9. 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.5 stars

  10. 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!5 stars

  11. This dip is always such a hit at parties! It’s a really great option for all the upcoming game day parties!!