This 7-Layer Dip is a quick and easy appetizer to throw together for gatherings like Cinco de Mayo, game day, Taco Tuesday, or any event where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. This Mexican-inspired dip has seven distinct layers, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures in each scoop. No cooking required—just layer and enjoy!
We love easy dip recipes like Cowboy Caviar and Spinach and Artichoke Dip. They are quick to whip up and make hosting a breeze. If you are entertaining this season, this 7-Layer Dip is a must-try!
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7-Layer Dip Recipe
Seven Layer Dip is a very literal name for this dish because that’s just what it is… Seven layers of ingredients (plus some garnish) layered in a 9×13-inch pan. Together they create this simple, Mexican-inspired appetizer that is perfect for any gathering.
Why This Appetizer Works
- Easy – There is no cooking. Quickly assemble the dish by layering the ingredients in a pan and serve. It’s make-ahead friendly and is easy to transport to a party or potluck.
- Crowd Pleasing – Seven Layer Dip appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s vegetarian-friendly and can be easily swapped to suit dietary preferences, making it an appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
- Feeds a Crowd – Most of the ingredients are ready-made and the straightforward layering technique allows you to adjust the recipe to accommodate a crowd of any size.
Ingredients
The key to making a great 7-Layer Dip is really in using the freshest ingredients. While everything can be purchased pre-packaged in a pinch, the taste and presentation are so much better with fresh ingredients.
- Refried Beans – the base layer, use your favorite refried beans and season them for extra flavor.
- Guacamole – Prepared guacamole is a quick option, but for the best flavor, try our Homemade Guacamole.
- Sour Cream – provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Shredded Cheese – Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese are our favorites.
- Roma Tomatoes – We prefer chopped tomatoes to salsa because there is less liquid, and the brighter color helps to make the layer more defined.
- Green Onions – provide a fresh and mild onion flavor, with a pop of color.
- Taco Seasoning – Our simple homemade seasoning easily transforms plain ingredients into a familiar Tex-Mex flavor profile. We mix the seasoning into the sour cream and the refried beans.
- Cilantro – a bright, fresh, and aromatic garnish.
- Black Olives – a classic layer for this dip.
What are the Best Canned Refried Beans?
There are so many brands to choose from. According to AllRecipes, la Preferida’s authentic version is the best one. According to The Daring Kitchen, it’s Rosarita’s Traditional version. I found a nice organic one at my grocery store, but just about any brand will work here.
Substitutions
7-Layer Dip is easy to customize to your flavor preferences. You can add or omit a variety of ingredients such as:
- Cooked ground beef (we use this in our Taco Salad Dip)
- Corn
- Greek yogurt
- Diced bell peppers
- Homemade Salsa (drain any excess liquid to keep the dip from getting soggy)
- Black beans
- Jalapeños
Pro Tip:
Though not required, if time permits, prepare this dish a few hours in advance and refrigerate to help the layers set and give the flavors a chance to develop, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Make 7-Layer Dip
The only prep work required here is to mix the beans with half of the taco seasoning and stir the other half right into the sour cream container (which means fewer dishes to wash!). I also like to prep Homemade Guacamole, but you can use storebought as well and save a step.
- Heat the refried beans to make them easier to spread. Stir in half of the Taco Seasoning. Spread the beans into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish.
- Spread the Guacamole over the layer of beans.
- Sour Cream – In a second small bowl, stir the remaining half of the taco seasoning and sour cream together. Spread the sour cream mixture over the guacamole layer.
- Add Toppings and Garnish – Sprinkle on the cheese then add tomatoes, drained black olives, green onions, and cilantro on top. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Pro Tip:
Don’t get too hung up on the order of layering, but do ensure you layer the guacamole near the bottom so it doesn’t discolor when exposed to air.
How to Serve Seven-Layer Dip
We like to prepare this dish in a glass pan to showcase each layer. Depending on your event, you can serve this Seven Layer Dip in a variety of ways from individual clear cups for smaller gatherings to large aluminum pans for big parties. Tortilla chips are the classic choice for dipping, but you can also use:
- Scoops
- Pita chips
- Corn chips or Fritos
- Sliced peppers
- Potato chips
Make-Ahead
Prep Ahead – Make this appetizer several hours before your party, then cover and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers – Return any leftovers to the refrigerator and cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Seven Layer Dip will keep for up to three days. If you notice excess moisture, drain the liquid or gently pat the top layers with a paper towel to absorb any excess liquid. It doesn’t look as pretty on day three, but I assure you it tastes amazing!
Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful and satisfying appetizer, this 7-Layer Dip is sure to be a hit. With its vibrant layers and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for people to gather around and keep them coming back for more. So grab your favorite dippers and let the fiesta begin!
More Cinco de Mayo Recipes
If you love this 7-Layer Dip, then you won’t want to miss these other Cinco de Mayo recipes. We love re-creating our favorite Mexican-inspired dishes and hope you will love them as much as we do.
7-Layer Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz can refried beans
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning, homemade, or 1 oz packet, divided
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2-3 cups guacamole, homemade or storebought
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese, or cheddar cheese
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- ½ to 1 cup sliced black olives, 2-4 oz, or added to preference
- ½ bunch green onions, (¼ cup) finely chopped
- ½ small bunch cilantro, (¼ cup) finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the refried beans in a saucepan or in a bowl in the microwave until warm to soften them up and make spreading easier. Stir in half of the taco seasoning. Spread the beans into the bottom of a 9×13 glass casserole dish.
- Spread the guacamole over the beans.
- In a second small bowl, stir together sour cream and the remaining half of the taco seasoning. Spread the sour cream over the guacamole.
- Sprinkle on the cheese then tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences. Some of our favorite options include:
- Cooked ground beef (as in our Taco Salad Dip)
- Greek yogurt
- Diced bell peppers, or jalapeños
- Homemade Salsa (drain any excess liquid)
- Black beans or Corn
Nutrition Per Serving
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Omg this came out so good !!! I got so many compliments ☺️ thanks for sharing the recipe @Natasha
In place of refried beans I use 2 cans of Fritos spicy bean dip or the regular. Spreads easy and so yummy!!
I love this stuff!!! In place of refried beans which usually contain a lot of fat I use Bush’s Chili Beans mashed with a potato masher. I hold some of the juice back to see if its needed. They are flavorful and most likely less expensive than bean dip or refried beans
I had something like this years ago…I’m looking forward to trying yours…I’ve printed your recipes….does the guacamole part need to be doubled (or tripled)? or will it be enough for the layer? Thank You !!
Hi Jane! I’m excited for you to try this recipe. The guacamole recipe can be double if you like extra or a very thick layer, but the recipe as written is enough to cover. I hope you love this dip!
This looks really good and easy. If made ahead and stored in fridge, should it be rewarmed for serving or served cold?
Hi JP. This dip is excellent served cold with chips.
Can I make it the night before to be eaten during lunchtime the next day? Thanks in advance!
You sure can!
This dip is always a favorite at holidays and parties! I love how easy it is to make!
We think so too! I’m glad you’re loving it.
You better believe this is on our menu for Cinco de Mayo!! It’s always a hit & one of the first things gone!!
That’s just awesome, Kristen! Thank you for your lovely review!
Every time I think about this recipe, my mouth waters. It’s so easy, but so so good! A classic.