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7 Layer Dip is the no-cook party appetizer I make when I need something fast, easy and guaranteed to disappear. This easy 7 layer bean dip recipe starts with refried beans seasoned with green chiles and taco seasoning, then gets layered with guacamole, chunky salsa, creamy lime-spiked sour cream, cheese and fresh toppings.
It takes about 15 minutes to assemble and is perfect for game day, potlucks, holidays and just about any party. Add a big bowl of sturdy tortilla chips and watch it disappear.
Table of Contents
Kellie’s Note
Layers Of Flavor
I’ve never met a party dip I didn’t like, but a really good 7 Layer Dip has to have plenty of flavor in every layer. Plain refried beans straight from the can just don’t do it for me, so I mix mine with green chiles and taco seasoning before they ever hit the serving dish.
From there, it’s all about contrast: creamy guacamole, chunky salsa, tangy seasoned sour cream, plenty of cheese and crisp fresh toppings. You get a little bit of everything on one tortilla chip, which is exactly how a layered dip should be.
And because there’s absolutely no cooking involved, this is one of my favorite appetizers for game day, parties and those times when people are already on their way over and I suddenly realize I need one more thing for the table.
Now get to dippin’.
Why You’ll Love This 7 Layer Dip
- No cooking required – Everything is mixed, layered and served cold.
- Ready in 15 minutes – Perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Extra flavorful – Green chiles and taco seasoning add flavor to the beans while fresh lime brightens the creamy sour cream layer.
- Easy to customize – Swap the cheese, salsa or beans or add jalapeños for a little heat.
- Party friendly – Assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until everyone is ready to dig in.
Ingredients for 7 Layer Dip
- Refried beans – The sturdy base for the dip. Traditional refried pinto beans are perfect, but refried black beans also work.
- Green chiles – Add mild chile flavor to the bean layer without making it too spicy.
- Taco seasoning – Divided between the beans and sour cream. Homemade taco seasoning or your favorite packet works.
- Guacamole – Homemade has the freshest flavor, but refrigerated store-bought guacamole is a great shortcut.
- Chunky salsa – Drain off excess liquid so the dip doesn’t become watery. Pico de gallo is a good substitute.
- Sour cream – Creates the cool, creamy layer. Thick plain Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- Lime – Fresh zest and juice brighten the sour cream layer.
- Monterey Jack and cheddar – Use freshly shredded cheese when possible. A Mexican cheese blend also works.
- Shredded romaine – Adds fresh crunch. Wash and dry it thoroughly before layering.
- Tomatoes – Grape, cherry or Roma tomatoes all work. Remove excess moisture before adding them.
- Black olives – Add a salty, briny bite. Skip them if olives aren’t your thing.
- Cilantro – Optional, but adds a fresh finish.
- Corn or tortilla chips – Use sturdy tortilla chips that can scoop through every layer.
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
This easy 7 Layer Dip comes together in about 15 minutes. A wide, shallow serving dish makes it easier to scoop a little of every layer.
- Season the beans – Mix the refried beans, green chiles and half of the taco seasoning. Spread evenly in the bottom of the serving dish.
- Add the guacamole – Spoon the guacamole over the beans. Gently spread into an even layer.
- Layer the salsa – Drain off any excess salsa liquid. Spread evenly over the guacamole.
- Mix the sour cream – Stir together the sour cream, remaining taco seasoning, lime zest and lime juice. Carefully spread over the salsa.
- Add the toppings – Layer on the shredded lettuce and cheeses. Finish with tomatoes, black olives and cilantro, if using.
- Chill and serve – Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Serve cold with tortilla or corn chips.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best 7 Layer Dip
- Drain the salsa. Extra salsa liquid is one of the easiest ways to end up with a watery dip.
- Use a wide, shallow dish. It makes it much easier to scoop through every layer in one bite.
- Dry the vegetables well. Lettuce and tomatoes can introduce extra moisture, so pat them dry before adding them.
- Keep the layers even. Thin, even layers give you a little bit of everything with every scoop.
- Use good guacamole. Homemade is fantastic, but a good refrigerated guacamole is perfectly fine when you need a shortcut.
- Keep it chilled. Refrigerate the dip until you’re ready to serve it.
7 Layer Dip Variations
- Make it spicy – Add fresh or pickled jalapeños or swap the Monterey Jack for pepper jack.
- Use black beans – Substitute refried black beans for traditional refried pinto beans.
- Skip the olives – Replace them with sliced green onions, cilantro or extra tomatoes.
- Use Greek yogurt – Thick plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream.
- Change the salsa – Try pico de gallo, salsa verde or your favorite hot salsa. Drain it well first.
- Add taco meat – Add cooled seasoned ground beef for an extra-hearty game day version.
- Make individual cups – Layer the ingredients in small clear cups for easy individual party servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: You can assemble 7 Layer Dip a few hours before serving. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to eat. Drain the salsa well before layering and add a little extra lime juice to homemade guacamole to help slow browning.
- If you want to prep it earlier, prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble the dip closer to serving for the freshest texture.
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days for the best texture. The guacamole may darken slightly and the lettuce and tomatoes will soften as the dip sits.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing 7 Layer Dip. The sour cream, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes can all change texture after thawing.
- Reheating: No reheating needed. 7 Layer Dip is served cold.
What to Serve With 7 Layer Dip
Sturdy tortilla chips or corn chips are my first choice because you need something strong enough to scoop through that hearty bean layer.
For a game day or party spread, serve it with a few more easy appetizers like:
More Easy Party Dip Recipes
Planning a party or game day spread? Try a few more of my favorite easy dips:
- Hot Spinach Dip
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- The Very Best Cold Crab Dip
- Rotel Dip with Sausage
- Dill Pickle Dip
For more easy appetizer ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
7 Layer Dip Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8×8 inch serving dish
Ingredients
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 4.5 ounce can green chiles, drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups guacamole
- 16 ounce jar chunky tomato salsa, slightly drained
- 2 1/2 cups sour cream
- Zest and Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Chopped fresh Cilantro, for garnish, optional
- Corn chips, for serving
Instructions
- Mix the beans, green chiles and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning in a bowl until well combined. Spread refried beans in an even layer in the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spread the guacamole in an even layer on top of the bean layer.
- Top the guacamole with the salsa.
- In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, remaining taco seasoning lime zest and lime juice. Spread in an even layer on top of the salsa.
- Top the sour cream layer with the lettuce. Sprinkle Monterey jack and cheddar in an even layer over the lettuce.
- Finish by topping with tomatoes, black olives and cilantro, if using.
- Serve with corn chips.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid from the salsa to keep the dip from becoming watery.
- The dip can be assembled a few hours ahead, covered and refrigerated until serving.
- For longer make-ahead prep, prepare the individual layers separately and assemble closer to serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- Refried black beans can be substituted for traditional refried beans.
- Thick plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.
- Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
7 Layer Dip FAQs
What are the seven layers in 7 Layer Dip?
For this recipe, the layers are seasoned refried beans, guacamole, salsa, seasoned sour cream, lettuce, cheese and a final layer of fresh toppings with tomatoes, black olives and cilantro.
Is 7 Layer Dip served hot or cold?
7 Layer Dip is served cold. Assemble the dip, refrigerate it and serve it chilled with tortilla or corn chips.
Can I make 7 Layer Dip the night before?
For the best texture, I prefer making it only a few hours ahead. Salsa can release liquid and the guacamole can darken as it sits. If you need to prep the night before, prepare the components separately and assemble the dip closer to serving.
How do you keep 7 Layer Dip from getting watery?
Drain excess liquid from the salsa and make sure the lettuce and tomatoes are thoroughly dry before adding them. Chunky salsa or well-drained pico de gallo works better than a thin salsa.
How do you keep the guacamole from turning brown?
Use fresh lime juice in homemade guacamole, keep the dip tightly covered and refrigerated, and avoid assembling it too far in advance.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes. Thick plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream. Whole-milk Greek yogurt will give you the creamiest texture.
Can I use refried black beans?
Yes. Refried black beans are an easy substitute for traditional refried pinto beans and work well with all the same toppings.
Can I add ground beef to 7 Layer Dip?
Absolutely. Add a layer of cooled seasoned taco meat above the beans for a heartier version.
How long does 7 Layer Dip last?
For the best flavor and texture, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. The lettuce and tomatoes will begin to soften and the guacamole may darken the longer it sits.
Can you freeze 7 Layer Dip?
I don’t recommend freezing it. Sour cream and guacamole can change texture after freezing, while lettuce and fresh tomatoes become watery after thawing.
Can I double 7 Layer Dip?
Yes. I recommend making two shallow dishes instead of one very deep dip. That makes it easier for everyone to scoop through all of the layers.
