7 Layer Dip Recipe

This Mexican 7 layer dip is a combination of beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and toppings, all layered together and served with tortilla chips. The ultimate make-ahead party snack!

Whenever I’m entertaining, I put out a variety of dips such as rotel dip, corn dip and this layered Mexican dip. This recipe has been in my family for years, and it’s always a huge hit with family and friends.

For every single holiday or gathering, my mom makes 7 layer dip. It’s become a tradition! What I love about this dip is that it takes just minutes to put together, is easy to customize to your tastes, and is totally delicious!

How do you make 7 layer dip?

This recipe is as simple as spreading the ingredients into layers in a dish. The dip starts with refried beans, which are topped with sour cream. A layer of guacamole goes on top of that, then a layer of salsa. The finishing touches are a sprinkle of cheese, olives and green onions. I also like to add some chopped tomatoes for color, but that’s an optional step. Serve your dip with a pile of tortilla chips and watch the rave reviews come in!

Tips for the perfect dip

• Use an offset spatula to spread the ingredients into even layers.
• You can use low fat cheese and low fat sour cream to save a few calories.
• Feel free to use homemade or store bought guacamole, they both work great.
• I recommend using freshly grated cheddar cheese. The bags of pre-shredded cheese at the grocery store often contain anti-caking agents and preservatives, which can affect the taste and texture of the cheese.
• Take care to cover the whole layer of guacamole with the salsa. The acid in the tomatoes will prevent the guacamole from turning brown.
• This dip can be made up to 8 hours before you plan to serve it. Store your dip covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.

7 layer dip variations

While this recipe is a fairly traditional version of this popular appetizer, you can swap out layers for other ingredients, or even add more layers!

• Spicy Dip: Add 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapenos.
• Veggie Lover’s Dip: Add a layer or two of vegetables such as sauteed peppers and onions, or roasted corn.
• Meat Eater’s Dip: Add a layer of cooked, crumbled ground beef or cooked shredded chicken.
• Cheese Fan’s Dip: Add a second layer of pepper jack cheese between the beans and the sour cream.

Can you heat up 7 layer dip?

You can heat 7 layer dip if you prefer to serve it warm. That being said, I really think this works better as a cold dip, because the flavor and texture of the sour cream and guacamole could change if they’re heated up. If you’re planning to serve this as a warm dip, I’d recommend using a different combination of layers such as ground beef, beans, cheese, olives, salsa, corn and salsa.

How long does 7 layer dip last in the fridge?

This dip has the best flavor and texture if you serve it within 8 hours. The avocado in the guacamole will eventually turn brown, even with the acidic salsa on top.

I hope this dip is as big of a hit with your family as it is with mine!

More delicious dip recipes

• Philly Cheesesteak Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Dill Dip
• White Queso Dip
• Shrimp Scampi Dip

7 Layer Dip Video

Print Pin

5 from 12 votes

7 Layer Dip

This Mexican 7 layer dip is a combination of beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and toppings, all layered together and served with tortilla chips. The ultimate make-ahead party snack!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword 7 layer dip, seven layer dip

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 21 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 187kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

• 16 ounce can refried beans
• 8 ounce container sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups guacamole
• 12 ounce tub fresh chunky salsa drained, can also use pico de gallo
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• optional garnish: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

• Spread the refried beans in an even layer in a 9 or 10 inch bowl or serving dish.
• Spread the sour cream on top, then spread the guacamole over the sour cream.
• Spread the salsa over the guacamole. Top with shredded cheese, olives and green onions. Sprinkle diced tomatoes over the top (optional).
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14.55g | Saturated Fat: 6.81g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 383IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg