Seven layer dip is the perfect party dip. The flavors combine in the best way, and it makes a big batch that will be devoured by your guests.
I am someone who can never get enough of dips and chips, so when you tell me that I can have seven layers of a delicious dip, you bet I’m on board.
This dip starts with refried beans, then a layer of seasoned avocado (similar to guacamole), a layer of taco seasoning-seasoned sour cream, next some salsa, and then it is topped with cheese, olives, tomatoes, and green onions. It is the perfect combination of flavors and I know you are going to be just as obsessed with it as I am.
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
Here is a brief overview of how this seven layer dip recipe comes together. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe including all measurements.
- Spread the refried beans. This will be your first layer in the dip; spread it into the bottom of your serving pan.
- Make guacamole. In a small bowl, mash the avocados. Then stir in the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Carefully spread the mixture over the refried bean layer. (See the photo on the left above.)
- Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning. In another small bowl mix together the sour cream and taco seasoning. Carefully spread the mixture over the avocado mixture. (See the photo on the right above.)
- Add salsa. Spread salsa over the sour cream mixture.
- Add the toppings. Top the layer of salsa with shredded cheese, then chopped tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning and sour cream combine to create a creamy and flavorful layer in this seven layer taco dip. While you can definitely use a packet of taco seasoning mix from the store, I love to make a batch of homemade taco seasoning and keep it on hand. It is so easy to make and has the most perfect flavor.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
How to Make Salsa
If you think you need to spend hours in the kitchen to make homemade salsa, I have a treat for you. This salsa recipe comes together with canned tomatoes in your blender and with minimal chopping. It has such great, fresh flavor!
Blender Salsa
Making Refried Beans
The base of this seven layer bean dip is refried beans, which can be bought in a can or made from cooked pinto or black beans. I have recipes for making pinto beans in both the Crockpot and Instant Pot. Simply blend them once they are cooked and you have refried beans! I recommend allowing them to fully cool before making this dip since it is served cold, and we don’t want to warm up the other ingredients.
Flavor Packed Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Guacamole Layer
The avocoado/guacamole layer in this fantastic dip is based on my guacamole recipe. The difference is that it doesn’t have red onions or green chiles, and it makes less than the original. The onion and chiles were taken out to simplify things and because there are so many amazing flavors happening already. But this layer works so well in this great dip.
Storing Cilantro
When you buy fresh cilantro for this recipe, there are a few tips that will help make it last longer (up to two weeks) in the refrigerator. First, look for a bunch of cilantro that has bright green perky leaves. You can see more details and step-by-step photos of this in my post on storing parsley.
- Remove any brown or wilted leaves. You’ll want to undo the bundle to see all of the leaves and stems. Discard any leaves or stems that are brown. Pat the cilantro dry.
- Cut off two inches of the stems. Place the bunch in a cup full of cold water.
- Cover and refrigerate. Place the plastic bag that the cilantro came in over the leaves and put them in the refrigerator for up to about two weeks.
Use your leftover cilantro to make Chicken Street Tacos, Shrimp Ceviche, or Asian Cucumber Salad.
Variations
- Add meat. You could add a ground beef layer after the refried beans. I suggest making my taco meat for this layer.
- Add lettuce. Top the final tip with shredded lettuce when you add the tomatoes, olives, and onions.
- Leave out the onions. If onions aren’t your thing, you can leave them off.
Serving and Storing
Serve 7-layer dip cold with tortilla chips. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the dip in the dish you made it in, tightly covered, or transfer it to an airtight container. I don’t recommend making it more than a day in advance.
Other Great Dip Recipes
If you make this recipe for seven layer taco dip or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think!
Seven Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups refried beans (homemade or a 16 ounce container)
- 2 avocados
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- dash freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sour cream (227 grams)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning homemade or a 1 ounce store-bought packet
- 1 cup salsa (259 grams)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (226 grams)
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup olives sliced (118.5 grams)
- 3 green onions diced
Instructions
- Spread the refried beans over the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch dish.2 cups refried beans
- In a small bowl, mash the avocados. Then stir in the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Carefully spread the mixture over the refried beans.2 avocados, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 1 garlic clove, 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, dash freshly ground black pepper
- In another small bowl mix together the sour cream and taco seasoning. Carefully spread the mixture over the avocado mixture.8 ounces sour cream, 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Spread the salsa over the sour cream mixture.1 cup salsa
- Top with cheese, then chopped tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of green onions.2 cups cheddar cheese, 2 Roma tomatoes, 1/2 cup olives, 3 green onions
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