My 7 layer taco dip is perfect for parties. I make it with refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and more and my whole family loves it!
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My Easy 7 Layer Dip Recipe
I created this recipe when I decided to throw a family birthday party for my kids and knew I needed an easy, quick, and kid-friendly dip. That’s when I came up with my ultimate 7 layer dip recipe!
I eventually decided on this one for a few different reasons: it is no bake and comes together in about10 minutes. I love it when it works out like that!
Not only did I make my recipe super easy, but it’s super filling, and there was enough for everyone. Plus, I had a little left over, which is always a win for me.
And, if you love a good dip recipe, try my recipes for corn dip, fruit dip, spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, avocado crema, crab rangoon dip, mango habanero salsa, and my cheesy white bean tomato bake.
What is Seven Layer Dip?
Taco dip is a seven-layer masterpiece! While seven-layer dip recipes can vary, most will feature beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, and tomatoes—just like mine. Some are made with meat, like ground beef (I’ve got some tips on that below, too). I typically like to make it in a clear glass dish so that everyone can admire those gorgeous layers.
Seven Layer Taco Dip Ingredients
- Refried Beans – canned
- Sour Cream
- Cream Cheese – softened
- Taco Seasoning
- Guacamole
- Chunky Salsa
- Mexican Cheese Blend – shredded
- Sliced Black Olives – canned
- Tomatoes – Roma, or whatever you like
How to Make 7 Layer Dip
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add the refried beans to the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish and smooth into an even layer.
STEP TWO: Combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a separate bowl and mix until smooth. Spoon the mixture over the refried beans.
STEP THREE: Add an even layer of guacamole on top, then a layer of salsa.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the cheese on top, then add the black olives and diced tomatoes. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best 7 Layer Taco Dip Recipe
- To make spreading easier, use the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula when creating the layers.
- If the refried beans are too thick, I usually thin them out with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
- It’s okay for the layers to look too thin when assembling the taco dip, just trust the process! If the layer were deeper, the chips won’t be able to pick up all of the layers in one bite.
- Serve this with the sturdy triangle-shaped tortilla chips. I’ve used the scoops chips and they have a tendency to break.
- Make the recipe ahead of time! Creating those layers should take about 15 minutes. I just leave the dip in the fridge until I’m ready to serve. In fact, I find that this dip tastes even better after it’s had some time to chill in the fridge. It gives the flavors a chance to meld together nicely!
Variations for 7 Layer Dip with Cream Cheese
- Make the dip even heartier by adding meat. I’ll usually cook some ground beef with half a packet of taco seasoning, then add it right after the sour cream layer. If I add in ground beef, I will sometimes skip the guacamole.
- Use shredded chicken! I’ve also used shredded rotisserie chicken and placed it in the dip right after the sour cream layer.
- Feel free to add other toppings. Jalapeno slices, shredded lettuce, diced peppers, and sliced green onions are just a few of my favorites.
- Use half cheddar cheese and half Monterey Jack for a make-your-own Mexican cheese blend. Queso fresco or cotija cheese is also really tasty.
- Add another layer of black beans or chickpeas for another protein-packed vegetarian option.
- Double the sour cream cream and omit the cream cheese or vice versa. I’ve done this when I have one or the other and it’s still delicious!
7 Layer Taco Dip FAQs
Is seven layer dip spicy?
Seven layer taco dip is only as spicy as the ingredients used! I like to use a mild salsa and keep the dip pretty mild to appease everyone, especially my kids. If I want to add a little heat, I swap the salsa for a hot salsa and add some chopped jalapenos.
Why does my taco dip get watery?
Taco dip could get watery if the ingredients you use are overly watery. Use a nice chunky salsa and store it in the fridge until it’s ready to be served. Most of the ingredients get looser once they’ve been sitting at room temperature, so I love to chill it beforehand so it can sit out for longer at parties.
What is the best order for 7 layer dip?
I layered my dip in a strategic order for the best flavor and placement on the chips by weight. Refried beans are the heaviest followed by the sour cream and cream cheese mixture, then the guacamole. I then put the rest of the ingredients in whatever order I want since they are similar in weight. I recommend making things easier and simply follow my instructions on the recipe card!
How to Store Leftover 7 Layer Bean Dip
My dip is best enjoyed fresh, when I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. That said, if the dip was left out for more than 2 hours, I recommend off tossing it to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Million dollar deviled eggs
- Baked jalapeno poppers
- Sausage balls
- BBQ grape jelly meatballs
- Buffalo chicken wontons
- 35 air fryer appetizers
Easy 7 Layer Taco Dip
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refried beans canned
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 packet of taco seasoning about 3 tablespoons
- 10-12 ounces guacamole
- 16 ounces chunky salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives drained
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes diced (or other tomato)
Instructions
- Spoon the refried beans into a 13×9 casserole dish in one even layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and packet of taco seasoning. Mix until blended and smooth.
- Spoon mixture evenly on top of the refried beans.
- Spread evenly a layer of guacamole, then a layer of salsa.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over top then top with black olives and diced tomatoes.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving.
Notes
- If refried beans are too thick to spread, thin them with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
- Option to add meat: Add in 1lb ground beef or shredded chicken cooked with half the seasoning packet (using the other half of the packet for the sour cream layer). Add the meatto the 7 layer dip above the sour cream layer. Can either replace guacamole or add in between.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I totally enjoy this recipe and so do kids; I do 1 thing differently…, I add a layer of fresh Cilantro leaves on top of the seasoned sour cream layer (so the leaves get covered in salsa). The fresh Cilantro seems to enhance the Mexican flavor!
I love that idea! I usually keep cilantro out of my dips for parties like this because I know some people can’t tolerate the taste of fresh cilantro, but it is definitely delicious!