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
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Clarice
Wow! This looks really delicious. Very timely since I have some friends visiting us tomorrow. Would love to try this. Thank you for teaching us how to make the 7 layer dip. 🙂
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiicccceeeee….it’s my first time seeing such a dip! I am bookmarking it for when I am in the kitchen!
Thena
This looks amazing! I want to make this right now but I think it will be perfect for halloween! I cant wait to try.
AscendingButterfly
Avocado and Sour Cream are definitely my love language! This dip would be an entire meal for my single butt! 🙂
Ave
This dip looks delicious and would be a great dish to bring to any gathering. We really like Mexican-inspired dishes.
Bill
Aww, yeah. Nothing is better than 7 layer dip. It’s my go-to whenever we go out for Mexican. I need to give this one a try.
Elise Ho
Good dip doesn’t last at a party but these layered dips do keep up pretty well in the fridge, if you have the right container.
Tara Pittman
This looks so deicious. I will have to make this soon.
Ruth I
This looks so good! I honestly haven’t tasted something like this before so I am curious of the taste.
Gervin Khan
Oh my goodness, your 7 layer dip looks really good and tasty. It makes me hungry!
Monica Simpson
I laughed at the question “how long does the dip last?” only because if it’s brought to a party it won’t last long at all! This is such a crowd pleaser.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Heather
At my last job, one of the girls used to bring a seven layer dip all the time. I would love to try to make it myself.
Anne Marie
So easy to put together! I want to try your BLT dip, too.
Tara Pittman
I saw some vegan sour cream the other day. So I will be making this in a plant-based version.
Kara
Adding the rotel to the refried beans added so much flavor! Is it bad that I could eat this as a meal and be totally happy?
Sara Welch
This is always one of my favorite recipes to serve at parties and for good reason! Quick, easy and delicious! Always have a clean plate by the end of the event!