This easy seven-layer dip is always a huge hit at parties, potlucks, gamedays, and reunions. Refried beans, avocados, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, black olives, tomatoes, green onions, spices, and herbs make this dip one of our all-time favorites. Serve it with fresh tortilla chips, and watch it disappear.
Impress your friends at your next party with this delicious and simple dip recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to make it in just a few easy steps.
No matter the time of the year, this dip is always a hot commodity and one of the first dishes to go. I love to serve this at our neighborhood get-togethers with Crispy Fried Mushrooms, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Crab Rangoon Dip, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Refried beans: I like the vegetarian kind best, but any can of refried beans, including homemade ones, will work.
- Avocado: you can mix it with a few goodies, or in a pinch, you can pick up already prepared guacamole.
- Sour cream: full-fat or light
- Cheese: finely shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any Mexican blend
- Tomatoes – grape, cherry, or Roma tomatoes.
How to Make 7 Layer Dips
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Combine the refried beans, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl. Then, spread the mixture in an even layer at the bottom of a casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mash the avocados, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, onion powder, salt, and cayenne. Spread the mixture over the bean layer. Carefully spread the sour cream over the avocado layer. Sprinkle the top with the finely shredded cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- For a change of taste, add a layer of salsa or a bit of salsa to the sour cream layer.
- Any shredded Mexican-style cheese, including sharp cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Asadero, will work.
- For ultimate flavor, use fresh, not dried, cilantro.
- Try toppings such as shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, pico de gallo, blackened corn, or diced bell peppers.
- For a healthier option, substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This delicious dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Ensure you include the lime juice in the avocado layer, cover the dip with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
It is best to serve within 24 hours after preparing while the ingredients are fresher. However, if covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator, it will last up to 3 days. For best results, use fresh lime juice with the avocado to help prolong that beautiful green color.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it is about halfway browned, add a little chopped onion. Then add taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and a little water, beef or chicken broth, and let it simmer for a few minutes. This method works with ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
More Dip Recipes
Easy 7 Layer Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 10 ounce can rotel tomatoes and green chilies drained
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 medium avocados peeled and seeded
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey jack cheese blend
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes grape tomatoes, or roma tomatoes
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Combine the refried beans, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Spread the mixture in a 7 x 11-inch casserole dish.
- Mash the avocado. Mix in the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, onion powder, salt, and cayenne. Spread it over the bean layer.
- Carefully spread the sour cream over the avocado layer. Top with the finely shredded cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a change of taste, add a layer of salsa or a bit of salsa to the sour cream layer.
- Any shredded Mexican-style cheese, including sharp cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Asadero, will work.
- For ultimate flavor, use fresh, not dried, cilantro.
- Try toppings like shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, blackened corn, or diced bell peppers.
- For a healthier option, substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Erin
Love this recipe so much. It went over well at book club. I’m going to try some of your other dips as well. Thanks!
Patty Reynolds
Looks yummy and easy to make…Have to make soon.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Patty! Enjoy!
Allyssa
This is our new favorite dip! Thank you so much for sharing your idea of 7 layer dip! It’s indeed really easy and taste amazing!
Danielle Wolter
My boyfriend is obsessed with 7 layer dip and always buys it from the store. Our anniversary is in a couple weeks so I am totally going to make this homemade version for him!
Jacqueline Meldrum
WOW! That’s a dip and a half. It sounds amazing!
Shinta Simon
I’ve always wanted to try this recipe for 7 layer dip ! Looks brilliant and perfect for entertaining. Looking forward to making it very soon
Dannii
This looks like the perfect dip for game day. I can’t wait to try it.
Michelle
Tried this dip yesterday and it was so good with a pile of chips! Will definitely make this again and soon!!
Sandra
Such an amazing appetizer! This was a huge hit last weekend!
Renee
This recipe is also delicious when a serving heated in microwave ‘til just warm enough to melt the cheese a bit. My boss did that years ago when I made this for a Christmas party.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such a fantastic dip!! I love how easy and delicious this is!
katerina @ diethood.com
YUM! This is my favorite dip!! Perfect for the weekend!!
Catalina
All delicious ingredients that I go crazy over! It’s a must make dip for our movie night.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This 7 Layer Dip is couldn’t look any more perfect!
Jo
Perfect for movie night! my whole family loves it!
Amanda
This has always been a hit, everyone loved every bite!