7 Layer Dip
20 Comments
Updated Feb 14, 2023
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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.
All I gotta say is — thank you, Peggy Shoop! Peggy is the Texan gal who first created the iconic 7 layer dip in the 1980’s. And it’s been much loved since then.
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 parties, especially for Super Bowl or Cinco De Mayo. It’s right up there with my ultimate nachos recipe for feeding a crowd!
But don’t get intimidated by the number of layers. They’re quite simple, with a few that can be made ahead of time, such as the creamy bean mix. Then, once you’ve piled up all the layers, serve this dip with a big bowl of tortilla chips for the ultimate party appetizer.
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 each layer out to perfectly fit a 9×13 casserole dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Bean Mix: To make this layer more dippable and have more flavor, I’m mixing two ingredients into it — sour cream and a dash of hot sauce.
- Guacamole: While you can technically mash up some avocados and call it a day, I say make my guacamole recipe instead. It’ll make 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 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 the 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 up your casserole dish with the rest.
And 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!
7 Layer Dip Recipe Video
Want to see the layers get stacked together quickly? Watch the video below!
More Party Dips
- Pico De Gallo
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Mango Salsa (or this Avocado Salsa!)
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- French Onion Dip
There’s nothing like a big dish of 7 layer dip to get the party started. If you make it, let me know what everyone thinks of this recipe in the comment box below!
7 Layer Dip
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
- 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.
- In a 9×13 casserole dish spread the refried bean layer on the bottom.
- Top that with the guacamole, and then the sour cream.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese, then the diced tomatoes, and black olives evenly on top.
- To garnish, add the green onions and chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
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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!
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. :)