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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Emily
This was amazing! Everyone loved it! It’s the perfect side dish for Taco Tuesday or just when you have some friends over to hang out.
Beth Pierce
So glad that everyone liked it!
Lydia
I LOVE 7 layer dip. It’s my favorite dip of all time. Yours really delivered on the flavor. It’s my new favorite!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lydia! So happy that you like it!
Nicole
Making this today for the big game! I accidentally forgot to include the garlic but I think it will still be delicious
Beth Pierce
It will still be good! Have fun!
Shadi
Easy and delicious, this one is a keeper. I know I’m going to make it over and over again!
Janie
I”m definitely saving this recipe and making it this weekend. Everyone loves a good dip and this one will be it. Off to the store I go for the ingredients.
Elizabeth
Oh man, this dip has so many layers of amazing flavors! I brought it to a pool party and everyone gobbled it up. Thanks for the recipe.
Kay
I love the combination of flavors in this dip. Thanks for sharing.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kay! So glad that you liked it!
Dannii
This was an epic dip. Everyone was asking for the recipe.
Gene Finch
Great recipe, I did putt a layer of chunky salsa, browned sausage. I also mixed in a packet of Fiesta dip mix into the sour cream. It turned out fantastic!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gene!
Dottie Goodwin
Looks fantastic!
Lynn
Really good dip with tons of flavor. I don’t care for black olives so I substituted corn instead. This recipe is always a big hit.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lynn! Glad that you were able to customize it to suit your taste!
Elise Ho
I agree that the vegetarian beans are the best
Pooja
This is my favorite dip recipe but be careful. It is very addicting.
Fransic verso
This looks so yummy. something I haven’t tried before and I would love to try it. I will see if I can try it. Thank you for sharing it!
Cinny
I love a good dip. This would be a great recipe to test out.
Brianne
This seven-layer dip is so full of mouthwatering flavors. This is perfect for my next party!