This easy 7 Layer Dip recipe is loaded with layers of refried beans, creamy seasoned sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and fresh toppings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone loves. It’s quick to assemble, easy to make ahead, and perfect for game day, parties, Cinco de Mayo, or family movie night.
We love making this family-tested dip because it uses simple ingredients, feeds a crowd on a budget, and comes together in minutes. Serve it with tortilla chips and watch it disappear.
It doesn’t get any better than a great dip recipe at parties and this 7 Layer taco dip recipe does not disappoint. If you loved our Taco Dip, this is sure to be a hit.
Whether you are looking for the perfect dip for Game Day, family movie night or simply just to enjoy during the week, this is the best 7 layer bean dip to make. It is super easy to put together, tastes amazing and our go to dip recipe! This is one we make every year for Cinco de Mayo. Check out our other Cinco de Mayo Recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- No baking required
- Easy to make ahead
- Budget-friendly for feeding a crowd
- Great for parties and holidays
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Family-tested and always a hit
Ingredients
- Salsa – You can use store bought salsa or make Homemade Salsa Recipe
- Refried Beans – Use a 16 ounces canned or make Crock Pot Refried Beans
- Milk – We used whole milk
- Cream Cheese – We recommend the cream cheese be softened
- Sour Cream – Substitute with Greek Yogurt
- Taco Seasoning Mix – Use seasoning packet or try homemade taco seasoning with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and more
- Guacamole – Make Homemade Guacamole Recipe or use store-bought
- Cheddar Cheese – Use shredded cheese of your choice
- Black Olives – If you do not like slice black olives, you can omit them
- Roma Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes work too
- Green Onions – Dice a bunch of green onions for a great topping to this dip
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How To Make 7 Layer Dip
Step 1 – Combine beans and milk – Combine refried beans and milk (or you can use the liquid from the salsa if you prefer) until smooth. Spread the bean layer in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2 – Combine cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning – Next, combine cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning with a mixer on medium speed in a small bowl. You can even add in garlic salt. Spread sour cream layer over refried beans.
Step 3 – Layer Guacamole – Spoon guacamole layer over sour cream mixture and cream cheese mixture and gently spread. Repeat with another drained layer of salsa.
Step 4 – Top with other ingredients – Sprinkle with cheese, olives, tomatoes and green onions. I also like to squeeze a little lime juice on top. Yum!
What to Serve with 7 layer Dip
- Tortilla Chips
- Corn Chips
- Crackers
- Cup up Veggies- carrots, celery, bell pepper slices
Just use what you prefer or a mixture of several things!
Recipe Tips
- Refried Beans – No need to heat the beans to layer them in the dish. If you are making homemade allow them to cool before layering. Black beans can also be used.
- Guacamole – We recommend making homemade guacamole but you can also use store bought if you are short on time.
- Sour Cream – Make sure to stir the sour cream well before layering. This allows it to spread evenly.
- Shredded Cheese – You can use a variety of different types of cheeses. Mexican blend, Sharp cheddar cheese or Colby Monterrey Jack Cheese is what we have used.
- Roma Tomatoes – If you are adding tomatoes to your dip, use roma tomatoes. They have less juice and helps to keep the dip from getting soggy.
- Refrigerated – Make sure to keep the 7 Layer Dip refrigerated until ready to serve.
Variations Ideas
- Lettuce – Add a layer of shredded lettuce for a delicious variation.
- Cheese – You can easily change the cheese to what you prefer. Monterey Jack Cheese is a great addition.
- Add Cooked Meat – For a delicious addition to this dip, add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken or shredded pork.
More Topping Ideas
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Quick Salsa Verde De Tomatillo Recipe
- The best pico de gallo recipe
- Olives and Green Onions
- Cilantro
- Avocado
We love even more toppings. Feel free to make this recipe your own. It is very simple to add or omit based on your preference.
This dip is simply amazing and everyone always goes crazy over it.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Fridge – Store leftover 7 Layer Dip covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make-Ahead – To make ahead, assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Freezer – We do not recommend freezing 7 Layer Dip. The sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, and guacamole can separate and become watery after thawing, affecting the texture and appearance of the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 9×13 dish works great for parties, but you can also use a trifle dish or glass serving dish to showcase the layers.
Yes. Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or taco-seasoned turkey are great additions for a heartier dip.
No, you do not warm the dip. This dip is supposed to be served tortillas chips.
More Easy Dip Recipes You Will Love
We love hearing from you. If you make this 7 Layer Mexican Dip Recipe, please leave us a star review.
7 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 16 oz. refried beans canned
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole prepared
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup black olives
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- 4 sliced green onions
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounces canned refried beans with 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- Spread the refried bean mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the refried bean layer.
- Spoon 1 cup prepared guacamole over the cream cheese layer and gently spread evenly.
- Spoon 1 ½ cups salsa evenly over the guacamole layer.
- Top with 2 cups cheddar cheese, ½ cup black olives, 2 diced roma tomatoes, and 4 sliced green onions.
- Cover and chill the dip for 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crackers if desired.
I have always loved this dip when someone brings it to a gathering. I loved that you placed it in a clear dish so you can see the layers!!! It makes a beautiful presentation!
Dawn – Thank you! It’s a party favorite around here!
My eldest and I couldn’t eat chips without dip, so I decided to go all-out and try this. He and my husband couldn’t stop dipping while gaming and watching TV. It’s a win!
Had this at a family gathering, everyone loved it!!
I just love this dip! Now I have the recipe! It looks great in the clear dish so you can see the different layers!!!
Dawn – I’m so glad! It is pretty in a clear dish!
Crowdpleaser!! Went fast at party!!
Great dip for an appetizer!
Delicious! I made this for Easter as an appetizer and everyone loved it!
Incredible dip recipe!
I made this without the olives , very good
That’s the nice thing about this dip is that its so versatile & the ingredients can vary to your personal preference. I’ve been making my version of this dip for many, many moons and its one of my go to’s as well.
I mix my beans with the taco seasoning & a few TBSP of my salsa to make it spreadable (no milk in my version). I also add a 4 oz can of green chilies (peeled & chopped) for that extra heat I like. Otherwise our recipes are pretty similar.
The one thing I like to do is to serve this in my 2 Qt lidded glass bowl so you can see all the layers in the presentation, making sure each layer is spread to the edges. Kinda gives you that wow factor when placed on the table before everyone digs in.