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February 2, 2024

Seven Layer Dip

Your tortilla chips have never been so happy to see a dip! This classic dip starts with a refried bean layer and piles on the flavor with fresh avocado, cheese, sour cream, and all the toppings.

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seven layer dip made with guacamole, refried beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, olives, green onion and cilantro
Photography by Gayle McLeod

More Crowd Pleasing Dips

Everyone’s Favorite 7 Layer Dip Recipe

If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. This old fashioned 7 layer dip hasn’t changed much over time for a reason. This is the perfect time to whip up a batch of Homemade Taco Seasoning, and Refried Beans. We’re adding this to our favorite Super Bowl Recipes, along with Queso Fundido, Homemade Corn Tortillas, Homemade Guacamole.

guacamole, refried beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, olives, green onion and cilantro in prep bowls

Ingredients For The Ultimate 7 Layer Dip Recipe

  • Fresh: avocados, cilantro, red onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño, limes, cherry or grape tomatoes, green onions

  • Pantry: canned refried beans, canned sliced olives, corn tortilla chips

  • Seasoning: kosher salt, black pepper, taco seasoning

  • Dairy: sour cream, shredded Mexican-style cheese blend

refried beans, taco seasoning and sour cream being combined in a bowl
refried beans, taco seasoning and sour cream stirred together and layered on the bottom of a serving bowl
refried beans, sour cream and guacamole layered in a serving bowl
refried beans, sour cream, guacamole and shredded cheese layered in a serving bowl

How To Make 7 Layer Bean Dip

  1. Make the guacamole layer in a medium bowl: This is much more flavorful than a simple smashed avocado layer, and we think the effort pays off.

  2. Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning in a small bowl.

  3. In another medium bowl, combine the beans, taco seasoning, lime juice, and sour cream.

  4. Assemble the 7 layer dip in a 9 x 13-inch pan.

  5. Serve with Tortilla Chips.

refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese and diced tomatoes layered in a serving bowl
refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, olives and tomatoes layered in a serving bowl

How To Store Leftovers + Tips

  • Leftovers are best within 1-2 days. After that, the layers start to separate. We don’t recommend freezing leftover dip. What can you do with leftover 7 layer dip? We’re plenty happy to serve it over a warm bowl of rice or as filling for cheater tacos or quesadillas.

  • Adding sour cream to the beans allows for smoother beans, which equals fewer broken chips!

  • Add protein? If you want to get wild, make our crock-pot taco meat and add it between the beans and sour cream.

  • Taco seasoning: While we think there is no sub for homemade taco seasoning flavor wise, but you can use a mild store bought version in a pinch. Just a warning, it will contain more sodium, so start with half the amount and add as needed.

  • What is the order of a seven layer dip? Start with the most dense ingredients and then layer to the lightest (so beans on the bottom, finishing with the sprinkled items).

seven layer dip in a serving bowl surrounded by tortilla chips
seven layer dip made with beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, olives, tomato, cilantro and green onions

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Seven Layer Dip

  • Serves: 10
  • Prep Time:  30 min
  • Cook Time:  0 min
  • Calories: 253

Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe avocados, pitted and smashed
  • ¼ cup minced cilantro
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • 1½ cups sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
  • Corn tortilla chips, for serving

Method

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the smashed avocados, cilantro, red onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño (if using), salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the lime juice.

  2. In a small bowl, combine 1¼ cups of the sour cream with 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning.

  3. In a second medium bowl, combine the refried beans with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir until smooth.

  4. In a 9 x 13-inch pan, spread the refried bean mixture out in a single layer. Top with a single layer of the guacamole, then cover with a single layer of the sour cream. Top with the cheese, tomatoes, black olives, then green onions in separate layers.

  5. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories253
  • Protein8 g
  • Carbohydrates16 g
  • Total Fat18 g
  • Dietary Fiber4 g
  • Cholesterol45 mg
  • sodium544 mg
  • Total Sugars4 g

Seven Layer Dip

Questions & Reviews

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  • Cindy

    Oh yeah, this was a hit at our get together this weekend.

    Thanks Cindy, so glad you all enjoyed!