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.
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!