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.
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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.
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
- Prepare the refried bean layer (full recipe below).
- Prepare the sour cream mixture.
- Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and top with guacamole, salsa, and toppings.
- Chill before serving.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
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
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.
easy great taste
Grew up eating this at every event, and this was the best I’ve had! I think the biggest difference is the sour cream mixture, but I’ll never do it any other way now!
Very easy to make, very quick to make and it leaves very quickly enjoy!!!!!
I use frito lay bean dip instead of refried beans. Then taco seasoned hamburger meat, guacamole, sour cream, white and yellow cheese, diced can jalapenos and green chilies. Try it sometime its delicious.
I added a layer of canned nacho cheese dip before the shredded cheese and a liberal sprinkling of fresh cilantro on the top. Delicious!!
My teenagers are already beggin for more.
Delicious!
can you use a white cheese instead yellow would that change the taste?rr
It’ll change the taste a little bit but it will still be great in this recipe.
Great recipe – everyone loved it.
I need some quick Mexican recipe
I would like to join.
Sara, you can click here to sign up to receive emails. Look forward to sending you recipes!
Try subbing Frito lays bean dip for the refried beans. It takes it to the next level.
Great Tip Keith!
1 cup of cream cheese? That’s a bit too much isn’t it? I think 1/2 cup of cream cheese would be more preferable. Instead of the salsa, wouldn’t it be better to use tomatoes instead?
You can definitely alter this recipe as you prefer Owain. :) Enjoy!
I found this recipe being delicious and easy. Made several times and everyone that has tried it, loved it.
I made this a couple of times over Christmas it turned out delicious and quite straight forward ; not time consuming, everyone loved it. I’ve certainly added your recipe to my bring along gatherings Thank you for sharing
It is unsure when and where to use the drained salsa? It starts with refried beans but after that?
It is added in step 4 of the recipe.
This is a quick and easy dip to make for a last minute gathering. Although according to your recipe: “This dip has (obviously) 7 layers to it, and creating the layers isn’t quick and easy.” Typo I presume.
Oh my gosh ! Whoops, it’s definitely easy! :)
Thank you
You are welcome!
I made this exactly as written for Halloween last night. It was demolished! My kids and husband said I could make it when ever I wanted to. It was the perfect bite of all flavors each time. Never would have thought of using milk, genius. Thank you.
Love this Jenn! So happy they enjoyed it, hopefully you were able to snag some before it was all gone!
Ok I made this last night for a party because I wanted to fully try it out before I commented. Based on the other commenters, I did at least 1.5x each ingredient to really fill the 9×13 pan (sometimes 2x), and I have to say, it would have been better if I had just stuck to the original measurements! It seems like not much at all and would be very hard to spread fully in the 9×13, but I would have got more of each ingredient in each bite, instead of worrying about having more quantity in the pan. I did have to use more sour cream than it says, to make that layer not taste like just cream cheese. I also upped the taco seasoning, but that depends on your taste. I also added some salt and taco seasoning to the refried beans because those can be so plain by themselves. Oh and I did way more cheese than it says, because I love that top cheesy layer. Other than that it’s a great recipe and very adaptable to your taste. Stick with the original measurements though!
So happy you enjoyed it Jackie!
Interested in these type recioes
You can check out our other appetizers & snacks or dips here Terry! Enjoy!