This 7-layer dip recipe is the perfect appetizer to serve when you are entertaining! It combines tasty, refried beans, zesty salsa, refreshing sour cream, creamy guacamole, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and crunchy green onions for an appetizer that everyone will love!
7 Layer Dip has always been one of my favorite appetizers. I’ve even had it on its own as a meal! There are dozens of variations of this Mexican layered dip, but this one is definitely my favorite. I make it for almost every party, and it is always a hit. There is just something about the combination of flavors from all of the layers that makes this dip so delicious that once you start eating it, you don’t want to stop! Pair this seven-layer dip with tortilla chips, Fritos, Doritos, or even celery or carrot sticks, and you will have a tasty appetizer that everyone will love.
Another reason to love this 7-layer bean dip (even though you probably don’t need one) is how simple it is to make! You start by mixing your salsa and refried beans and spreading the mixture into the pan to create the first layer of your layered taco dip. You will top that layer with tasty guacamole. On top of that, you will put a mixture of sour cream and taco seasoning. Then just layer cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions on top. This Mexican layered dip is as simple as that! All that you have to do is a little mixing and a little layering. Voila!
Why You’ll Love This 7 Layer Bean Dip
- This 7 layer dip is the perfect appetizer when you are entertaining. No baking is involved, so it can be made very quickly!
- The layers of this dip pair together perfectly.
- The taco seasoning in this 7 layer dip adds the perfect amount of spice and Mexican flavor.
- This refrigerated dip can be made in advance.
- 7 layer bean dip is a popular appetizer that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients For This 7 Layer Dip Recipe
- Refried Beans: These are the key ingredient to this classic bean dip. You can use any kind that you like.
- Salsa: This helps soften the refried beans so that when you scoop the dip with a chip it will not break. It also adds so much flavor to the seven layer dip. If you are using a salsa with a lot of liquid, I recommend either draining some of the liquid out or using 3/4 cup instead. My Homemade Salsa has the perfect consistency for this 7-layer dip recipe.
- Guacamole: You can use my Homemade Guacamole or your favorite store-bought guac. I personally like the texture of the homemade kind the best, especially in this seven layer dip.
- Sour Cream: This adds the perfect creamy layer to this Tex-Mex classic dip.
- Taco Seasoning: This is what adds so much flavor to the sour cream. You can use my Homemade Taco Seasoning or your favorite store-bought kind.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my go-to for the color. You can also use a Mexican blend cheese as well in this 7 layer bean dip.
- Olives: Fresh sliced black olives work the best in this 7 layer dip recipe. In a pinch, you can use pre-sliced olives. They just won’t have the same texture as sliced whole olives.
- Green Onions: Add beautiful color to this seven layer dip and the perfect amount of onion flavor.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are my go-to for this layered taco dip, but diced grape tomatoes are a great substitution.
How To Make this Seven Layer Dip Recipe
- Step 1: In a medium bowl add salsa and refried beans, mix until well combine. Spread in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread the guacamole in an even layer over the beans.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl add sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix with a spoon until well combined and spread in an even layer over the guacamole.
- Step 4: Sprinkle cheddar cheese in an even layer over the sour cream.
- Step 5: Add tomatoes in and even layer over the cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Top with black olives and green onions.
- Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Step 8: Serve with tortilla chips.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
You can use any variation of refried beans in this 7 layer dip recipe (spicy, vegetarian, low fat, etc.).
Plain Greek Yogurt can be used instead of sour cream in this bean dip.
You can use any of your favorite salsas in this 7-layer dip recipe. If you are using a salsa with a lot of liquid, I recommend either draining some of the liquid out or using 3/4 cup instead. If the salsa has too much liquid, it makes the refried bean layer too runny which makes it hard to spread the guacamole and sour cream layer on top of it. I recommend using my Homemade Salsa. It has the perfect consistency for this recipe.
I recommend using Roma tomatoes for this seven layer dip. They have a lower juice content, which will help keep your dip from being soggy when stored in the refrigerator.
7 Layer Bean Dip FAQ’s
How can I keep the guacamole from turning brown?
Place the guacamole layer in between the refried bean and sour cream layer. Having it covered will help the guacamole from browning.
Can I serve this layered bean dip in a trifle dish instead of a pan?
Yes, if you are planning on serving this dip with a long-handled spoon, you can make this layered taco dip in a trifle dish. Divide your ingredients into equal portions before starting for multiple layers.
Do I have to use cheddar cheese in this 7-layer dip recipe, or can I use a different type?
You can use whichever kind of cheese you prefer! I have also made it with a Mexican blend, and it was still just as delicious.
Do I need to spray my baking dish with nonstick spray for this layered bean dip?
Nope! Because this dip is served cold instead of being baked, it won’t stick to the pan, so you don’t have to spray it.
Can I use pre-packaged taco seasoning for this 7 layer dip?
Sure, but I definitely prefer to use homemade. It has no preservatives, and you can make a large batch to have on hand in your pantry.
Storing Leftover Seven Layer Bean Dip
If stored in the fridge and covered in plastic wrap, 7 layer bean dip will last 3-4 days. After the first day, it may not look as pretty, but it will taste just as good. When the avocado is exposed to air it may start to brown. The dip may also get a little watery. Just drain of the water and it will be ready to eat! You won’t want to freeze seven layer dip. When it thaws out, the consistency just isn’t good.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Rotel Dip
- Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
- Pico De Gallo
- Easy Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip
- Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Easy Mexican 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe turned out!
7 Layer Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refried beans (canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ cup black olives (drained and sliced)
- 2 large Roma tomatoes (diced)
- ⅓ cup green onions (diced)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add salsa and refried beans, and mix until well combined. Spread in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the guacamole in an even layer over the beans.
- In a medium bowl add sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix with a spoon until well combined and spread in an even layer over the guacamole.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese in an even layer over the sour cream.
- Add tomatoes in and even layer over the cheddar cheese.
- Top with black olives and green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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I made this recipe but wish it was spicier. I will try it again.
I made this recipe and added to it I made my taco seasoning with a lot more spice. I added finally shreaded pork roast on top of the beans about 2 cups with my plate I used. and I used sliced jalepenos as a garnish on top of the whole thing The chilies added a crunch and flavor and they look pretty on top as well. The larger chilies in the store are not as spicy as the regular ones. Pick the biggest one you can find for your taste.
I made your recipe for family game night and it was a big hit! I used mango salsa instead of regular salsa. I didn’t have green onions or tomatoes so I used walla walla onion and homemade sun dried tomatoes. It was sooooo good! It’s a keeper! Thank you for sharing.
I love all the substitutions you made, Thank you for sharing.