7 Layer Dip
7 Layer Dip is a huge party must-have! Creamy layers of beans, avocadoes, sour cream, and fresh toppings are a classic, crowd-pleasing dish!
Why We Love 7Layer Dip
- Preparing a 7-layer bean dip is so incredibly easy, which is great because every party absolutely needs to have this delicious dip on the appetizer table!
- The combination of refried beans, avocados, taco-seasoned sour cream, and fresh toppings like olives, tomatoes, and grated cheese create an insatiable bite that once people start eating they can’t stop!
- This 7-layer Mexican dip is also perfect for customizing to include other topping favorites, like jalapenos or salsa, to make it a true crowd favorite.
- Make this party staple ahead of time to cut down on how much you need to do to get ready for the party!
What is 7 Layer Dip Made of?
BEANS: Grab a can of refried beans for the base layer of this dish. You can choose any of the varieties of refried beans available but if you need to make this vegetarian-friendly, purchase vegetarian refried beans.
AVOCADO LAYER: For the avocado layer of this dip, you will need 2-3 large avocados, plus a little salt, pepper, and lemon juice. If you find that your avocados aren’t ripe enough, then picking up a package of premade guacamole will work just as well.
SOUR CREAM LAYER: Pick up a 24-ounce container of sour cream and a packet of taco seasoning (or mix up some homemade taco seasoning). Regular sour cream works the best, but light sour cream is fine to use if that’s what you prefer. You can also choose between mild and spicy taco seasoning for your dip.
TOPPINGS: Freshly grated cheddar cheese is amazing on this dip, but in a pinch pre-shredded can be used too. You will also need cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro. If you don’t like cilantro, you can skip it, no biggie.
CHIPS: Don’t forget the tortilla chips! Grab your favorite tortilla chips or create a variety using yellow corn, white corn, or Scoops tortilla chips!
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
Jump to RecipeSTEP 1 Combine the sour cream and taco seasoning in a large bowl and mix well. Set the bowl aside to let the flavor marry.
STEP 2 Scoop the avocados into a separate bowl and mash them together with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set that aside.
STEP 3 Open the can of refried beans and stir them. Then spread them evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer the mashed avocados over the beans, covering them completely. Then spread the seasoned sour cream over the avocados, again, covering the previous layer completely. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sour cream.
STEP 4 Top the dip with the halved tomatoes and a layer of black olives. Sprinkle the sliced scallions and chopped cilantro over the top of the dip. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the seven layer dip until you are ready to serve it with plenty of tortilla chips!
Tips & Tricks
- Refried beans don’t need to be cooked but stirring them will soften the beans before you layer them in the dish, which makes the process a lot easier! For a flavorful and smooth bean layer, you can also pick up two containers of Fritos bean dip from the chip aisle of the grocery store.
- Make this dip mild by using mild taco seasoning or amp up the heat with hot taco seasoning and add sliced jalapenos on top. Also, you can spread a layer of the salsa of your choice over the sour cream for an added layer of flavor!
- When making 7Layer Dip gluten-free, be sure to pick up a gluten-free taco seasoning.
7 Layer Dip Recipe FAQ
Can you make 7 Layer Dip the night before?
7 Layer dip is easy to make ahead of time, even the night before. The key is to keep the avocado layer looking fresh, as it will start to brown when exposed to air, so make sure to spread the sour cream over the avocado layer completely. Once you have the sour cream layer on, cover the dip and refrigerate it.
When it’s time to serve it, top the dip with grated cheese and other fresh ingredients, such as green onions and cilantro. This delicious dip can also be enjoyed for three or four days after making it.
What can I do with leftover 7 Layer Dip?
When everyone’s had their fill and they’ve all gone home and you can’t possibly fit one more bite of dip in, cover the dip well and refrigerate it for all the tasty leftovers you can make! Top your tostadas and tacos with the dip, and boost the delicious flavors of the quesadillas you love. Pair this dip with taco meat, chorizo, or even Carne Asada for a great Taco Tuesday. 7 layer Mexican dip is perfect in burritos or just for another night of dipping. No matter how you use the leftovers, it’s all delicious!
Can you freeze 7 Layer Dip?
Technically, 7 layer bean dip can be frozen but it’s not recommended. The bean layer will naturally release water as it sits, which when frozen and then thawed, could make the dip extra watery. Also, when dairy is frozen and then thawed it can separate, which makes the dip look less appealing. Eating this dip fresh or within three to four days really is best.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Queso Fundido con Chorizo
- Warm Jalapeno Crab Dip
- Lisa’s Guacamole Dip
- Crock Pot Chicken Queso Dip
7 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 24 ounces sour cream
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (or 1/4 cup homemade)
- 2-3 large avocados halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅔ cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- ⅓ cup sliced black olives drained
- Green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
- Cilantro chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and taco seasoning until combined. Set aside.
- To another mixing bowl, add the avocado, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until mostly smooth. Set aside.
- Open the can of beans and stir to loosen them up so they're easier to work with. Spread the beans in an even layer in the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the avocado mash over the beans so they're completely covered. Then spread the seasoned sour cream over the avocados, covering the previous layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the dip and then top with the tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle the green onions and/or cilantro over the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve, or serve immediately with a big bowl of tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.