7 Layer Dip Recipe

This 7 layer dip recipe is so good you'll fight for the last bite. It combines refried beans with rotel tomatoes, guacamole, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and a handful of other ingredients to make the ultimate dip recipe. In addition to tasting delicious though, this layered dip could not be easier to make. In fact, you can have this 7 layer dip prepped and ready to go in less than 10 minutes!

The Best Old Fashioned 7 Layer Dip Recipe

When it comes to making an easy dip recipe that's guaranteed to be a winner every time, I always make this classic seven layer dip. And I'll be honest, of all the dip recipes I've come up with lately - which is a lot - this one might just be my favorite yet.

I mean, this 7 layer dip just has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a savory, spicy, cheesy, creamy dip that's jam-packed with delicious ingredients. And it makes the perfect game day snack!

Plus, as I mentioned, it's so, so easy to make this dip. Seriously, all you have to do is a little mixing, a little, and a little serving! Speaking of serving the dip, this 7 layer dip is best served cold and paired with tortilla chips. For what it's worth, the Tostito's Scoops are my favorite chip to serve the dip with.

By the way, since this dip recipe comes together so quickly, you'll have plenty of time to whip up some other equally delicious appetizers to serve with it. I love serving this seven layer dip next to this pigs in a blanket recipe and this cheese ball recipe. That way there's something for everyone.

7 Layer Dip Ingredients

One of the best things about this 7 layer dip is that it comes together with just a handful of super simple ingredients. In fact, I can almost guarantee that you have most - if not all - of them on hand already!

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make it:

• 1 cup refried beans
• 5oz. Rotel tomatoes
• ½ tablespoon taco seasoning
• 2 small avocados
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• ¾ cup sour cream or crème fraiche
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup seeded and diced tomatoes
• 2-3 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortilla chips to serve with

Super simple stuff, right?!

Oh, and if you end up with any leftover rotel tomatoes, then you definitely need to try this Rotel dip recipe as well! It's the talk of almost every party we serve it at.

My Ingredient Substitution Recommendations

While I recommend making this 7 layer dip with the ingredients listed above, there is some room to switch up this recipe. 

First off, this recipe calls for either sour cream - or crème fraiche - since that's the classic way to make the dip. That said, if you're in a pinch or you want to make a richer and creamier dip, then you can swap the sour cream for cream cheese. Just make sure to let the cream cheese soften on the counter for 20-30 minutes before using it.

Now, when it comes to adding extra flavor to your layered dip, the options are pretty endless. You can add things like ground beef, shredded lettuce, roma tomatoes, or even pickled jalapenos and chopped-up green chiles for a spicy kick.

How To Make 7 Layer Dip

As I mentioned earlier, it couldn't be easier to make this 7 layer dip. After all, how could you beat a recipe that requires just layering the ingredients in a casserole dish?!

Anyway, let's stop wasting time and make this 7 layer dip, shall we?

Step 1: Build The First Layer

First, you'll want to take out a large bowl and mix the refried beans, rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning until they fully combine. Then, you can spread the refried beans mix evenly on the bottom of your casserole dish. 

Step 2: Add The Guacamole

Once you've got the refried bean layer good to do, you can peel and pit the avocados. Then you'll want to add them to a bowl along with the lime juice, salt, and pepper, and mash them until they're smooth.

Next, you can stir in the chopped cilantro and layer the guacamole in the casserole dish on top of the refried beans.

Step 3: Finish Building The Dip

Up next for this 7 layer dip is my favorite - the sour cream layer. So to make it, you'll want to whisk the sour cream with salt and pepper until it's combined. Then you can spread the sour cream over the guacamole.

Next, you can top the sour cream with chopped tomatoes and black olives, followed by the sharp cheddar cheese. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the shredded cheese on top first and then finish the dip off with black olives and chopped tomatoes.

Last but not least, you can garnish the 7 layer dip with chopped green onions, chives, or any of your favorite toppings and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve it. Then when you're ready to dive into the dip, serve it chilled with some tortilla chips or Doritos for dipping.

Enjoy!

Expert Tips To Make The Best 7 Layer Dip

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a vibrant and flavorful 7-layer dip is fresh ingredients. Opt for ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and freshly grated cheese for the best taste and texture. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes lack the creamy melt that freshly grated cheese provides.
• Layer in the Right Order: To prevent sogginess and ensure a sturdy dip, layer the ingredients strategically. Start with a sturdy base like refried beans or seasoned ground beef, then add creamier layers like guacamole and sour cream before finishing with lighter toppings like tomatoes, cheese, and olives.
• Season Each Layer: Elevate your dip by seasoning each layer individually. Add lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to your guacamole, or sprinkle taco seasoning into your sour cream or refried beans for an extra punch of flavor.
• Serve Chilled but Not Too Cold: For the best flavor, let the dip sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together without making the layers too stiff.
• Prep Ahead, Assemble Later: You can prepare each layer in advance (up to 24 hours) and assemble the dip just before serving. This keeps the layers fresh and prevents any ingredient from becoming watery or soggy.
• Customize to Your Crowd: Tailor the layers to your audience. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for spice lovers, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you have vegetarians in the group, skip the meat and focus on extra beans, guacamole, or cheese.
• Keep It Sturdy with the Right Chips: Use sturdy tortilla chips or even pita chips to scoop up the dip without breaking. Avoid thin chips that might crumble under the weight of the layers.
• Scale Up for a Crowd: Hosting a big party? Double the recipe and use a larger dish for an impressive centerpiece. Alternatively, serve individual portions in small clear cups for an easy grab-and-go option.
• Avoid Runny Layers: To prevent watery layers, drain diced tomatoes well and pat them dry with a paper towel. Similarly, if using store-bought salsa, strain out excess liquid before adding it to the dip.

How To Store 7 Layer Dip

This recipe for 7 layer dip makes 8 servings, so it's really great to serve as a party snack or appetizer. Honestly, whenever I serve this dip, I hardly ever have any left. It's just that good!

With that said, if you do end up with some leftovers of the dip, consider yourself lucky because this taco bean dip is just as good the following day/s after you make it.

As for those leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and keep 'em in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Then, whenever you want to eat it, you can just take it out of the fridge and enjoy it immediately since it's best served cold.

My Final Thoughts on This Dip Recipe

Well, that's how to make 7 layer dip!

I know I'm biased, but I really do think this is the best seven layer dip recipe ever. It just has the perfect balance of textures and tons of delicious flavor. Plus, I just love that it comes together in as little as 10 minutes.

Honestly, it's been a Cunningham family favorite of ours for a while now, and I just know you and everyone else who tries it will love it too.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this seven layer dip recipe as much as I/we do.

As always, if you give this recipe a try, then be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it went!

More Dip Recipes

If you're in need of even more delicious dip recipes, we've got you covered. 

Here are some reader favorites:

• Veggie dip
• Taco dip
• Sour cream dip
• Knorr spinach dip
• Skyline chili dip
• Chili cream cheese dip
• Corn dip with cream cheese

Oh, and don't forget to check us out on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more deliciousness. We post new recipes on them every single day.