Name: 7 Layer Dip Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing, Make-Ahead
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cans refried beans; 3 avocados (or 2 cups guacamole); 1½ cups sour cream + 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups shredded cheese; 1½ cups drained pico de gallo; Sliced olives (green onions, tomatoes); Optional: jalapeños (cilantro)

Introduction

Table of Contents

7 Layer Dip is the undisputed king of party food: cool, creamy refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and fresh toppings stacked high in one glorious pan. Ten minutes of assembly, zero cooking, and it feeds a crowd that will hover until the last scoop. Presented in a white ceramic dish or clear trifle bowl so every colorful layer shows, optionally garnished with extra jalapeños and cilantro, this 7 Layer Dip offers pure Tex-Mex joy that disappears faster than you can say “where’s the chips?”

Ingredients

For the 7 Layer Dip (9×13 dish, serves 12–20): • Layer 1 – 2 (16 oz) cans refried beans (or 3 cups homemade)
• Layer 2 – 3 ripe avocados (or 2 cups good guacamole) + juice of 1 lime + salt
• Layer 3 – 1½ cups sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• Layer 4 – 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• Layer 5 – 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Layer 6 – 1½ cups pico de gallo or salsa, well-drained
• Layer 7 – 1 cup sliced black olives + 4 green onions, sliced + 1 cup diced tomatoes

Optional Add-Ons: • Jalapeños, cilantro, extra cheese, hot sauce drizzle

For Serving: • Tortilla chips (sturdy ones!)

Step-by-Step Process

Layer 1 – Beans
Spread refried beans evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 dish (warm slightly if too thick).
Layer 2 – Guacamole
Mash avocados with lime juice and salt. Spread gently over beans.
Layer 3 & 4 – Seasoned Sour Cream
Mix sour cream with taco seasoning. Spread carefully over the guacamole.
Layer 5 – Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese in an even layer.
Layer 6 – Pico/Salsa
Spoon well-drained pico or salsa over cheese (too much liquid = soggy dip).
Layer 7 – Toppings
Scatter olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes. Add jalapeños and cilantro.
Chill & serve
Cover and refrigerate 1–4 hours. Serve cold with sturdy chips.

Tips for Perfect 7 Layer Dip

• Drain everything well—soggy dip is the #1 killer
• Spread each layer to the edges—prevents mixing when scooping
• Seasoned sour cream > plain—flavor in every bite
• Make 4–24 hours ahead—flavors meld beautifully
• Use a clear dish or trifle bowl—shows off the pretty layers
• Double the guacamole—no one ever complains about too much

Variations and Customization

• 9 Layer Monster: add seasoned ground beef/taco meat + shredded lettuce
• Spicy Kick: mix hot sauce into sour cream + extra jalapeños
• Light Version: Greek yogurt for sour cream + reduced-fat cheese
• Bean-Free: replace beans with extra guac or hummus
• Buffalo Chicken: shredded chicken + buffalo sauce + blue cheese
• Dessert Dip: chocolate pudding base + cream cheese + whipped cream + toffee

Storage and Serving Tips

• Best 4–24 hours after assembly—flavors peak
• Fridge up to 3 days (cover tightly)
• Do not freeze—avocado and sour cream separate
• Quick refresh: add fresh toppings day-of
• Serve ice-cold—place dish on ice for outdoor parties
• Use Fritos Scoops or Tostitos Scoops—won’t break

Nutritional Information

Based on 20 servings:
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Total Fat: 16g (Saturated 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Fiber 4g)

FAQ

1. My dip is watery—what happened?
You didn’t drain the salsa/pico enough. Next time, press in sieve.

2. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—best 4–24 hours ahead. Add final fresh toppings right before serving.

3. No taco seasoning—what can I use?
Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt.

4. Vegetarian/vegan version?
Use refried beans, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheese.

5. How do I keep avocado from browning?
Lime juice + press plastic wrap directly on the surface.

Conclusion

This 7 Layer Dip is pure party legend—cool, creamy, crunchy, and so addictive that the chip bowl empties before anyone touches the mains. One pan on the table, and suddenly everyone’s crowded around with their “just one more bite” faces. Keep the ingredients stocked year-round, because once people taste it, they’ll be begging you to bring “that dip” to every game day, birthday, and random Tuesday that needs a win.