7 Layer Dip

This easy 7 Layer Dip recipe is a party favorite with layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cheese, olives and green onions. I amp up the flavor with a few secret touches that make this dip extra delicious! Perfect for gamedays or any casual gathering!

A dish containing 7 layer dip made with layers of refried beans mixed with taco seasoning, sour cream  mixed with lime juice, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, and black olives.

Taco, but make it a dip! Whether you call it Mexican layer dip, taco dip or just good ol’ 7 layer dip, one thing is certain: it’s the first appetizer to disappear at any party. With layers of creamy beans, zesty guacamole, fresh tomatoes, and plenty of cheese, this Tex-Mex classic is the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

It’s my go-to for Super Bowl parties, Cinco de Mayo, and potlucks because it’s easy to make ahead, requires zero cooking and always wins over a crowd. Just grab a bag of tortilla chips, and watch it vanish in record time!

Ingredients

This isn’t just any 7 layer dip recipe—we’re amping up the flavor with taco-seasoned beans, skipping watery salsa and using smart store-bought shortcuts for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dip ever.

Seven layer dip ingredients in various sizes of glass bowls: chopped scallions, black olives, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, refried beans, diced tomatoes, guacamole and taco seasoning.

The 7 Layers Are:

What makes this dip so irresistible? Each layer brings something different to the table—creamy, cheesy, tangy, fresh and even a little briny. Here’s what goes into a classic seven layer dip, plus my favorite tips for making each layer extra flavorful:

  1. Refried beans: We’re using canned refried beans, but to give them an extra flavor boost, we mix them with a packet of taco seasoning. Use your favorites here! I love Rosarita refried beans, and if you like a little heat, try their Spicy Jalapeño variety.
  2. Guacamole: Store-bought or homemade guacamole both work. If you’re short on time, simply mash a couple of ripe avocados with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Want extra flavor? Stir in chopped cilantro and half of a finely diced fresh jalapeño.
  3. Sour cream: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a little extra flavor to the sour cream. For a lighter, high-protein alternative, swap in full-fat Greek yogurt—it’s just as creamy with a little extra tang.
  4. Cheese: Freshly grated is always best! Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can make it feel dry and dull the flavor. I prefer sharp cheddar for its bold taste, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend will also work.
  5. Tomatoes: Finely diced Roma tomatoes are my top choice because they’re firm and don’t release much liquid. While you could use salsa in a pinch, be sure to drain off the excess liquid first—nobody wants a watery dip!
  6. Sliced black olives: Some love them, some skip them—but I’m a fan and they are such a classic choice for 7 layer dip! They add a salty, briny bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers. If you’re not an olive person, you can swap in pickled jalapeños or extra scallions for a different kind of zing.
  7. Green onions (scallions): The perfect finishing touch! Green onions add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Cilantro would be delicious, too.

How to Make 7 Layer Dip

Now that we’ve got our layers ready to go, let’s talk assembly! The key to a great seven layer dip is stacking everything in the right order so you get a little bit of everything in every scoop.

Most people make this dip in a 9×13-inch casserole dish—it’s classic, shallow and easy to scoop. I like to use a taller dish (this glass serving dish is my favorite!) for a more stunning presentation, and guests can spoon out servings onto their plates to get all seven layers in every bite. Bonus: this helps eliminate broken chips in the dip! Individual servings in small parfait glasses are another fun option, perfect for parties.

To assemble, spread the seasoned refried beans on the bottom, followed by the sour cream mixture, guacamole, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until party time.

This dip is best chilled or at room temperature. Because of the dairy in it, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temp (or 1 hour if it’s hot out).

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Make-ahead: The dip can be made up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. I like to add the fresh toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Store leftovers: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just know that guacamole may darken slightly, but it’s still delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This layered Mexican dip is the ultimate gameday snack or party food for any casual gathering. Pair it with these other crowd-friendly appetizers for an epic spread:

And for dessert, serve up strawberry margarita popsicles for a refreshing, boozy twist (because why not drink your cocktail and eat it too?). If it’s a Super Bowl party, football cookies are a must!

Seven layer dip with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, chopped scallions and sliced black olives in a dish.

More Party Dips You’ll Love

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Appetizer

7 Layer Dip Recipe

This 7 Layer Dip is a must-have for your next gathering! With layers of refried beans, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, diced tomatoes, cheese, olives, and green onions, it's a classic dip everyone loves. Simple, fresh and loaded with flavor.
Author: Kelly Senyei
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A dish containing 7 layer dip made with layers of refried beans mixed with taco seasoning, sour cream mixed with lime juice, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, and black olives.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10 servings

Ingredients 

  • 2 (16-oz.) cans refried beans
  • 1 (1-oz.) package taco seasoning 
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 cups guacamole
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 (3.8-oz.) can sliced black olives, drained 
  • 1/2 cup sliced scallions
  • Chips, for serving

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, stir together the refried beans and taco seasoning.
  • In a separate medium bowl, stir together the sour cream and lime juice.
  • In a 13×9-inch dish or alternate serving dish(es), add the refried beans in an even layer. Top the beans with the sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, black olives and scallions. 
  • Serve with chips for dipping. 

Kelly’s Notes

  • A 13×9-inch baking dish works well because it’s shallow, allowing for easy scooping. I like to use a taller dish (this is my favorite glass serving dish) to make for a more stunning presentation, which you can then spoon out the dip onto plates to ensure you get all seven layers. 
  • Make-ahead: The dip can be made up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. I like to add the fresh toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Store leftovers: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just know that guacamole may darken slightly, but it’s still delicious!
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 1151mg, Potassium: 396mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1236IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 258mg, Iron: 2mg

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