This easy 7 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 with fresh tortilla chips, and watch this dip disappear.
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.
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.
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 Dip
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.
Mash the avocados, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, onion powder, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. Then, spread that 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
This delicious dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Make sure 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.
- Make it a main meal and add a layer of cooked seasoned ground beef.
- Any shredded Mexican-style cheese will work, including sharp cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or Asadero Cheese.
- For ultimate flavor, use fresh, not dried, cilantro.
- Try different 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
Krystle
This dip is addicting. We ate the whole pan just as a family!
Angelica
I’ve made a similar version of this but this looks so much better!
Richelle Milar
Wow! This is such a really amazing recipe! It was absolutely delicious I love it!
Subarna
This 7 layer dip looks absolutely beautiful. The colors will tempt people to taste. I am sure it will taste as it looks. Will try it soon. As it sounds so yummy
Bryan
A party isn’t a party without chips and dip! And a seven layer dip is my absolute favorite type of dip.
Beth Pierce
Mine too! It is so yummy!
Stephanie
7 Layer Dip is one of my absolute favorite things at a party! I make it a lot at home, too, and when I worked in an office that did monthly potlucks, it was always my thing to bring in. Everyone loved it. I’ve never tried black olives on mine before, though, so will add those next time!
Briana Baker
YUM! Take the olives off and I am IN! LOL, I’d probably replace them with japos!
laura
This dip is making me hungry; I must take the time to make some, thanks for sharing this with us.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Laura! Enjoy!!
Rose Ann Sales
Wow! This was a really amazing recipe! It was absolutely delicious I love it!
Kathy
This was so good. I have had 7 layer dips before, but this one was amazing. I will definitely be making this again.
Beth
We love this 7 layer dip and always make it for our Superbowl party.
Amber Myers
I am all about easy. This looks like a simple and delicious dip to make!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Amber! Enjoy!!
Brianna
One of the best if not the best 7 layer dip I’ve ever made. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Brianna! So happy that you liked it!
Rachel
Love the small version of this dish. The avocado mixture is very fresh flavorful. Better overall than other versions I’ve tried.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rachel! Enjoy!!
Lauren
It was a big hit at moms night in!
Beth Pierce
Awesome!
Anosa Malanga
I haven’t tried making this one yet and I would definitely love to try it out! I guess I will make this over the weekend to try out.