This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party — but we won’t judge you if you just want to eat it at home as a whole meal (because we do that, too!). The 7 layers of this Tex Mex dip include creamy refried beans, sour cream and cheese, guacamole, salsa, cheddar cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions. This layered dip is truly impressive from top to bottom. But the thing you’ll love the most is that it only takes 10 minutes to make. So grab some tortilla chips and get dunking.
Why You’ll Love 7 Layer Dip
- It only takes 15 minutes to make. You can serve this dip immediately, but if you have the time, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the dip to firm up and bring the flavors together. But of course, if you and your crowd is hungry now, this dip is ready in no time.
- It’s so simple, yet so delicious. This 7-layer dip with cream cheese is incredibly easy to make. It consists of refried beans, salsa, guacamole, and a creamy cheesy layer with taco seasoning. It’s not rocket science, but the taste is out of this world — and so much better than store-bought Costco 7 layer dip.
- A no bake appetizer or snack. There is no cooking or baking involved in this 7-layer dip. Just make it, cool it, and eat it. The hardest part of this recipe is remembering to pick up the tortilla chips. Some other favorite easy last minute dips that you can make are Whipped Feta, Avocado Hummus, and Tzatziki.
Ingredient Notes
To make this easy 7 layer dip, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):
- refried beans - feel free to use canned refried beans or homemade Refried Beans.
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- guacamole - feel free to use store-bought guacamole, or make homemade Guacamole in 5 minutes with a few ingredients .
- salsa - feel free to use store-bought salsa or make Salsa at home in 5 minutes. You could even switch up the flavor and use Mango Salsa.
- cheddar cheese - or substitute with Monterey Jack cheese or a Tex Mex blend.
- black olives
- tomatoes
- green onions
Want to make adjustments to this 7-layer dip? No problem.
- You can also customize the toppings and add in your own. Some popular options are shredded lettuce, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Make this dip vegetarian by using vegetarian refried beans. Canned refried beans often contain lard, so look for one that doesn't.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the sour cream layer or replacing it with pre-cooked taco meat or chili.
- Make it vegan by substituting vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheddar.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and an 8-inch square casserole pan or 2.5 quart casserole dish. You can also use a 9x13-inch casserole pan with thinner layers.
How to Make the Best 7 Layer Dip
It is really easy to make 7-layer dip. All you do is spread out each of these layers on top of each other in an 8-inch square casserole pan or 2.5 quart casserole dish.
- Refried beans. Spread the refried beans in a single layer on the bottom.
- Sour cream mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning and stir to combine. Gently spread mixture over the refried beans in an even layer.
- Guacamole. Add a layer of guacamole.
- Salsa. Use a fine mesh sieve to drain the salsa to remove any excess water. Then, spread the drained salsa over the guacamole.
- Cheese. Top with shredded cheese.
- Black olives and/or tomatoes. Sprinkle black olives and tomatoes on top.
- Green onions. Sprinkle green onions on top.
Then, serve immediately with tortilla chips, tortilla strips, or crackers, or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- How to store: 7-layer dip is best served fresh or within 24 hours. Keep leftover 7 layer dip in the fridge for 4-5 days. Cover the pan with plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil. Note that the longer it is stored, the more the layers will start to blend into each other and won't look as good, but the taste will still be the same.
- How to use leftovers: Serve leftovers as dip for your favorite Mexican dishes such as Fish Stick Tacos, Shrimp Avocado Tostadas, Beef and Bean Burritos, or Chicken Quesadillas.
More Dip Recipes
- 20 Best Dip Recipes
- Easy Guacamole
- Mango Salsa
- Mexican Queso Cheese Dip
- Olive Tapenade
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.
Recipe
7 Layer Dip
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party, made with layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more.
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can refried beans
- 8 ounce package cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups guacamole
- 2 cups salsa, drained
- 1 + ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In an 8-inch square casserole pan or 2.5 quart casserole dish, spread the refried beans in a single layer on the bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning and stir to combine. Gently spread mixture over the refried beans in an even layer.
- Add a layer of guacamole.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to drain the salsa to remove any excess water. Then, spread the drained salsa over the guacamole.
- Top with shredded cheese. Sprinkle black olives, tomatoes, and green onions on top.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or crackers, or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Do I have to let it set? You can serve this dip immediately, but if you have the time, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the dip to firm up and bring the flavors together.
How to store: 7-layer dip is best served fresh or within 24 hours. Keep leftover 7 layer dip in the fridge for 4-5 days. Cover the pan with plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil. Note that the longer it is stored, the more the layers will start to blend into each other and won't look as good, but the taste will still be the same.
How to use leftovers: Serve leftovers as dip for your favorite Mexican dishes such as Fish Stick Tacos, Shrimp Avocado Tostadas, Beef and Bean Burritos, or Chicken Quesadillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Comment