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
7 Layer Dip Video
7 Layer Dip
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.
Rachael Yerkes says
this dip is the best ever!
Aimee Shugarman says
Making this again for game day weekend. Delicious!
Laura Reese says
This dip is amazing and so easy to whip up! I appreciated the tips about the shredded cheese. I’ve bought the bags a lot and have been baffled when sometimes it won’t melt!
Lisalia says
Always up for a good seven layer dip! I eat it off the spoon!
Beatrice says
My favorite dip always! I make one for the party and one for me!
Sandra says
This dip looks really amazing! A sure hit at any party!
Cate says
YUM! This looks so delicious and I love the photos!
Emily says
LOVE 7 layer dip and it is perfect for game day coming up!
Mirlene says
This sounds like the perfect dip to make. Looks incredibly delicious.
Jacque Hastert says
This is a staple on our game day table. I will have to give this recipe a try on Sunday.
Deanne says
This is our favorite seven layer dip – perfect for our parties and get togethers!
Allyson Zea says
This dip is always a HIT!
Erin says
This is seriously making me hungry!