This 7 layer dip is a quick and easy party appetizer loaded with flavor. It's the best Mexican dip with 7 layers of delicious ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or scoops!
You want to save this 7 layer dip recipe for any time you need to bring an easy appetizer to a party that people will love. We've been making this layered dip for many years and it often has great reviews. Usually the plate is licked clean by the end of the night!
Click this link to see why we sometimes call it "7 Leia Dip"!
Ingredients for Seven Layer Dip
- Refried beans - We use a can of refried beans. You can choose to flavor it more by mixing it with taco seasoning, but I like this layer just fine right out of the can.
- Guacamole - It's up to you if you want to use a homemade guacamole recipe or grab store-bought. I typically lean toward convenience and use a tub of store-bought, but we've done both!
- Sour cream - Again, this is another layer you can decide to spice it up and mix the sour cream with taco seasoning or hot sauce, etc. The recipe calls for just plain cream cheese which is typically what we do unless we're feeling extra feisty!
- Salsa - Use your favorite jar of salsa or do it homemade.
- Shredded cheese - This is another area you can go wild. Keep it simple with the classic sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican blend package of shredded cheese, or use whatever other favorites you like. I've even poured on some hot queso blanco for an extra kick!
- Black beans - Use a can of traditional black beans. You may even find some already flavored with Mexican spices, like cumin, garlic and chili powder. You can choose to spice them up or not. If you don't like black beans, sub with sliced black olives or leave out this layer altogether.
- Cilantro - Or any other toppings you'd like to garnish. I typically don't put as much cilantro on as pictured, and sometimes I leave it out altogether and sub with green onions. You could even top with shredded lettuce or diced avocado.
Layers
You can layer the ingredients in any order you want, but I have found its best to always start with the refried beans on the bottom since they are the thickest and most difficult to spread.
The sour cream layer can be fun to work with. If you want to add a little more zest, try making a sour cream mixture with taco seasonings, or lime juice, or even just a little bit of garlic. Keep in mind you may change the color of this layer from white to something else!
If there is a layer of ingredients you don't necessarily like, substitute it with something else! For example, you might not love cilantro but you really like green onions. Or, instead of black beans use black olives. Try greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and chopped fresh tomatoes in place of salsa!
7 Layer Dip with Meat
You can turn this layered dip into a meal simply by adding a layer of beef taco meat. If I add meat, I usually place it on the top before the garnishes, but any layer is great!
Best Way to Store 7 Layer Dip
We recommend storing any leftover 7 layer dip in its serving platter, in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. After that, you can still keep it a little longer but you may notice it becoming a little runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dish should I use?
You can use any casserole dish to serve this layered dip recipe. I like to keep the dish around the size of 11 inches. You can also easily halve this recipe and use a much smaller serving dish. The recipe is so versatile to fit just about any size.
Do you have to cook refried beans?
The refried beans in the can are already cooked, so you can just layer them right into the serving dish at room temperature.
Why is my taco dip runny?
This dip will become runny after being in the fridge for too long (more than 3 to 5 days). If your 7 layer dip is runny right from the start, it may be from the salsa you used. But, no worries! The dip will still taste fantastic!
How long does taco dip last?
This dip will last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
More Layered Dip Recipes
Made this recipe? Leave a star rating here, and then tag me on Instagram @seededtable so I can see. I love hearing from you!
Photography by Lindsay Evers.
This recipe was originally published in May 2016 and updated March 2022.
7 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can refried beans
- 2 cups guacamole
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 2 cups red salsa (use your favorite)
- 1 ½ cups finely shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or use your favorite)
- 1 cup black beans from a can , rinsed and drained
- Handful of fresh cilantro , rinsed, dried and chopped
Instructions
- First, spread refried beans evenly into bottom of deep serving dish (about 10 to 11 inch in size).
- Next, spoon guacamole over top the refried beans and evenly spread.
- Then, spread sour cream evenly over the guacamole, followed by an even layer of salsa.
- Last, sprinkle cheese evenly over the salsa and top with beans and cilantro.
- Finally, cover with plastic wrap and let chill 1 hour before serving. Serve with corn chips.
Notes
- You can layer the ingredients in any order you want, but I have found its best to always start with the refried beans since they are the thickest and most difficult to spread.
- If there is a layer ingredients you don't necessarily like, substitute it with something you do like! For example, you might not love cilantro but you really like green onions. Or, no black beans and instead use black olives. Try greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and chopped fresh tomatoes instead of salsa!
- Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Nutrition
Celebrity says
This recipe helped me a lot after 2 failed attempts I got it all cooked perfect. Thank you for this golden recipe 🙂
Robert Brown says
I love the star wars theme! SO CUTE! And 7 layer dip is always a party favorite for the family and friends. I like to do them in little sauce cups so everyone has their own.
Nikki Gladd says
Thanks, Robert! I've done the individual 7 layer dip cups and it's a great idea! 🙂
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
What a cute fun idea for a party!! I've always loved this dip but actually have never made it myself, I need to change that soon!
cookbook queen says
This. IS. Hilarious. I LOVE IT!! Such a fun, fun party!!