Name: 7 Layer Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cans refried beans ((30 ounces total)); 1 ½ cups sour cream; 1 ½ cups guacamole; 1 ¼ cup salsa; 1 ¼ cup Colby Jack cheese; ½ cup sliced olives; 1 cup diced tomatoes

My delicious7-layer dipis the perfect appetizer for any occasion! With just a handful of ingredients and a prep time of just 15 minutes, this dip will be gone as soon as it hits the table.

white baking casserole dish with 7 layer dip

Are you looking for the perfect game-day snack or potluck appetizer? Well look no further than this delicious, flavorful 7-layer dip. From the savory refried beans to the creamy guacamole and sweet tomatoes, you will fall in love with each and every layer of this dip! Make sure you grab enough ingredients to make a double batch because this dip will be gone almost as soon as it hits the table.

This dip is a great low-cost option for almost any occasion. The ingredients can be easily substituted to accommodate for allergies or preferences. Not a fan of sour cream? Try using cream cheese! Looking for some extra heat? Switch out the tomatoes for diced jalapenos. No matter what you add to this dip it is sure to be a hit.

7 layer dip recipe in a small dish with a chip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and customize.
Kid friendly.
The perfect game day snack.

Recipe Ingredients

Refried Beans—Provides a savory base to your dip.
Guacamole—Usually found near the produce section of your local grocery store.
Sour Cream—Helps balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Salsa—Homemade or store bought.
Cheese—Shredded Colby Jack, pepper Jack, Monterey, or white cheddar cheese.
Black Olives—Can be sliced or chopped.
Tomatoes—Freshly diced or canned and drained.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make 7-Layer Dip

white baking casserole dish with 7 layer dip being made

Step #1.Use a spatula or large spoon to spread the refried beans into the bottom of a baking dish or large bowl.

Step #2.Spread the sour cream and guacamole over the refried beans.

Step #3.Spoon the salsa over the guacamole.

Step #4.Top your dip with sliced olives and diced tomatoes. Serve with chips and enjoy

Recipe FAQs

Why is my dip so runny?

If your dip seems a little runny then it may be because of your salsa. A wet salsa will seep through the bottom layers and cause the dip to become a little runny. We prefer to use a chunkier salsa to avoid this problem.

Are you supposed to heat up a 7-layer dip?

Traditionally 7-layer dips are served cold because of the sour cream and guacamole in the dish. Serving this dip cold gives you more flexibility in the ingredients you can add. For example, since you don’t have to worry about picking a cheese that melts nicely you have some more options in what cheese you can use on top of your dip. It also makes storing and serving your dip easier.

Is 7-Layer dip vegetarian?

Definitely! While you are welcome to add a meat-based protein to your dip, you do not have to. This recipe features 7 vegetarian layers that can be switched out to accommodate for a wide array of food allergies. You can easily make this dip vegan by replacing the cheese with vegan cheese and switching the sour cream out for plain vegan yogurt or a handful of your favorite diced veggies.

Expert Tips

You can make your own guacamole by mashing 5-6 avocados and then combining them with the juice of one lime and salt to taste.
Other cheesesyou can use include pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar. Because this dip is served cold, you do not need to worry about using a cheese that melts easily.
If you are not going to serve this dip immediately,it should be stored in the fridge until you are ready to eat it.
You can easily switch up the layers or add more if you want to customize the flavor.Try using diced red onions, diced bell peppers, green onions, and jalapenos.
You can use either freshly diced or canned diced tomatoes in this recipe. If you are going to use canned tomatoes then you will want to drain them before adding them to the dip.

close up of a white baking casserole dish with 7 layer dip

What Should I Serve With My Dip?

Like most dips and salsa, this 7-layer dip is perfect served with a generous amount of tortilla chips. For some extra flavor, serve your dip alongside your favorite flavor of Doritos! In addition to chips you can also serve your dip alongside a veggie platter or use it as a topping on some of your favorite Mexican dishes. We love adding a spoonful of this dip to our easyNavajo tacos,burritos with chickenor on top of ourenchiladas.

How to Store Your Dip

To store your 7-layer dip, simply cover the bowl/ dish with plastic wrap. You can store your dip in the fridge for up to a week before it goes bad. Storing your dip in the serving dish helps preserve the aesthetic layers of the dip; however, you can also store your dip in an airtight container. It is important to note that your guacamole may start to oxidize and turn brown after a day or two, but the dip will still be good. It is also important to note that you can leave this dip on the counter for 1-2 hours before it should be placed in the fridge.