When you can’t decide on one dip—make this 7 layer dip! It’s the best combination of simple Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for a party, and looks extra fancy served in a clear casserole dish.
Why You’ll Love This 7 Layer Dip
You guys know I’m a big fan of both Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican food, and this 7 layer dip is one I make often for big family events, game days, and parties like Super Bowl or Cinco De Mayo. It’s right up there with my cowboy caviar, sheet pan nachos recipe, or jalapeno poppers for feeding a crowd! It looks impressive once it’s layered up, but don’t let that fool you—it’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy to assemble: Each layer is simple and a few components (like the creamy bean layer) can be prepped ahead of time.
- Perfect for a crowd: This dip feeds a lot of people and is always one of the first thing to disappear at parties.
- No cooking required: Just mix, layer, and serve with a big bowl of tortilla chips. That’s it!
7 Layer Dip Ingredients
To be honest, I’ve tried other recipes in the past and the proportions weren’t quite right for the layers. So I’ve carefully measured out each layer to perfectly fit a 9×13 casserole dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Bean Mix: To make this layer softer, more flavorful, and more “dipable” I’m mixing sour cream and a dash of hot sauce into it.
- Guacamole: While you can technically mash up some avocados and call it a day, I say make my guacamole recipe instead. It makes all the difference!
- Sour Cream & Cheese: I’m using cheddar cheese, but you could also a 4-cheese Mexican blend. And for sour cream, choose whichever store-bought brand you prefer.
- Tomatoes: For the tomato layer, I add freshly diced Roma tomatoes on top. For a less chunky version, you can add my red salsa recipe!
- Olives: A small jar or pre-sliced black olives saves time in the kitchen.
- Green Onions & Cilantro: Quickly chop up green onions and cilantro to sprinkle on top.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make a 7 Layer Dip
Make the refried beans mixture. Stir together the refried beans, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and hot sauce using a hand mixer. If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can also mix it by hand with a spoon.
Start with layers of refried beans and guacamole. Evenly layer the refried bean mix at the bottom of the casserole dish. Then add the layer of guacamole.
Add a layer of sour cream and cheddar cheese. Smooth out the sour cream and sprinkle an even layer of the cheese.
Finish with diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cilantro! Make sure to save the green onions and cilantro as the topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Good news—you can prep the refried bean mix a day in advance! Then all you need do is whip up some guacamole the next day and layer your casserole dish with the rest of the ingredients.
If you happen to have leftovers, this 7 layer dip will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just note that the guacamole might start to brown a bit!
More Party Dips
- Pico De Gallo: The classic Mexican dip.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: My personal favorite hummus.
- Avocado Salsa: Think chunky guacamole.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Another party dip winner.
- French Onion Dip: Skip the store-bought packets.
If you make this 7 layer dip recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’d like to see more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free email community here.
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 2 (16-ounce cans) refried beans
- 2 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I use sriracha)
- 3 cups guacamole
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Make the bean mixture. Add the refried beans to a large mixing bowl along with 2 tablespoons of the sour cream and the hot sauce. Stir together or use a hand mixer to blend until creamy.
- Spread it out. In a 9×13 casserole dish spread the refried bean layer on the bottom.
- Layer the guacamole and sour cream. Top the bean layer with the guacamole, then the sour cream.
- Layer the cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar cheese, then add the diced tomatoes and black olives on top.
- Finish it up with greens. To garnish, add the green onions and chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
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Recipe originally posted February 2023, but updated to include new information for your benefit!
New twist to a favorite dip! For decades, I’ve been making this as my go to dip for family gatherings and potlucks. The new twist of blending the refried beans with sour cream and salsa was brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that! Well done! If you’d like a twist to your recipe, crumble and fry a pound of hamburger beef then add a taco seasoning packet to it (follow instructions on packaging). After you add your layer of beans to the 13×9 pan add the meat and the remaining ingredients in the recipe.
Thanks for delicious recipes and having an exceptional website!
Great idea on adding the seasoned ground beef for a hearty twist! Enjoy the recipe, Lisa :)
Not using a can of beans, as cooking my own is far healthier and tastier … so easy, too.
I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS! I never have leftovers as it’s gone quickly! However I add diced green chiles on top of the guacamole as well for an extra kick and proceed with your other ingredients.
Love the diced green chiles for an extra kick! Happy to hear this appetizer has become a staple, Christine.
5 or 7 Layer Dips are always hot dips! Bake that baby before topping w/vegs after the cheese. Then garnish w/all the vegs after it cools 5-10min.
Any thoughts on heating this up a bit in the oven before serving?
Hi Jo Ellen – you could definitely do that, as long as you don’t mind melted cheese. :)
I made this for Superbowl Sunday. It was a winner! It is so fresh-tasting and easy to put together. It disappeared in no time.
Yay, I’m happy to hear that, Karen! It’s really the perfect dip for the big game.
This was super easy and delicious!! Enjoyed it for Super Bowl with some Siete chips and everyone loved it! It didn’t last long!
Perfect combo with the Siete chips!
Hi Lisa
I want to make this for Super Bowl Sunday
If I wanted to add iceberg lettuce, when would you add it
And another question
I have homemade salsa, I wanted to add that as well
At what point would I add the salsa
Do I still keep the tomatoes or just leave it in there
Thank you
Top it after comes out of oven with all and any vegs
Mix salsa into the refried beans instead of sour cream. I add 15oz jar.
Looks yummy and want to make it.. How far in advance could it be made and still be good
Hi Sarah – you could make this 1 to 3 days in advance if you’d like. Just make sure to cover it, so the cheese doesn’t dry out. Enjoy!
Great recipe! Just like all her others! Great party dip. Thanks!!
Hi Nicole – Glad this 7 layer dip was a hit!
I made this into a 5 1/2 layer dip (no olives, no cilantro) but it was still amazing!! My friends still talked about how much they enjoyed it the next week
Hi Rebecca – I’m glad this still worked out great with 5.5 layers!
Is the calorie count for the entire dish or per serving?
Hi Carolyn – The nutritional information will always be per serving.
I just finished prepping this for New Years Eve tonight to go with our Fish tacos! Your guacamole recipe is the best! Added bonus to be included in the 7 Layer Dip! I swapped out black beans instead of the refried, and added a little gram Marsala to them. We’ll be festive tonight! Thank you!! And Happy New Year!
Sounds like my kinda munchies for NYE! Enjoy!
Super simple & yet fantastic! This dish was a HUGE crowd pleaser at our SuperBowl party and I will be bringing it out again for many occasions throughout the year! Thank you Lisa :)
Glad you found a winning appetizer Kelley!
Brought it to a party and it was a hit! I love that it’s easy to prepare and feeds a crowd. Will be making it again for another get together this month. Love it!Â
Awesome! So happy you loved the dip Sammy.
This dip was so delicious 😋
Yay, happy you loved it Lisa!
This is such a tasty dip. I made it a for a party last night and everyone raved about it.
Happy to hear it!
I just tested this recipe last week because I wanted to try it out before the big game. Omg, it was such a hit! I’ll definitely be making it again for Super Bowl Sunday!!
Yay, I’m thrilled you loved the recipe Kaye!
How large is one serving?
Hi Wanda – I didn’t measure out a serving, but it would be the casserole dish divided by 10. So you can just eyeball it. :)