Seven Layer Dip Layers

This 7 Layer Dip has been a party favorite in my home for years and never fails to impress guests. It combines creamy, fresh, and savory elements in a bright colorful dish that everyone can dig into. Whether for game day or casual gatherings, this dip brings everyone together around the snack table.

I first made this dip during a last-minute get-together and it was instantly requested at every party since. The balance of creaminess and fresh veggies keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Refried beans: the creamy and hearty base choose a good quality brand for smooth texture
• Water: to loosen the beans and make spreading easier
• Premade mild guacamole: adds freshness and richness fresh or store-bought works fine
• Sour cream: adds tang and creaminess that balances the flavors
• Mild taco seasoning: infuses the sour cream with classic Tex-Mex spices
• Chunky mild salsa: bright with tomato and pepper chunks but drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess
• Shredded lettuce: adds freshness and crunch on top
• Pre-shredded fiesta blend cheese: melts nicely and adds savory depth freshly shredded can also be used
• Sliced black olives: offer salty briny notes thoroughly drained for best texture
• Chopped roma tomatoes: juicy and vibrant help balance richer layers
• Thinly sliced green onions: sharp fresh finish slice thin so they layer well

Instructions

Mix beans and water:

Add the canned refried beans to a small mixing bowl with three tablespoons of water. Stir until the mixture is completely combined and smooth to make spreading easier.

Spread beans:

Use a silicone or offset spatula to spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom of a nine by thirteen-inch baking dish. A clear glass dish works great to show off the layers.

Add guacamole:

Carefully spread the premade guacamole on top of the refried beans, creating an even layer.

Mix sour cream and seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and the packet of mild taco seasoning. Whisk them together thoroughly until the seasoning is fully incorporated creating a flavorful creamy layer.

Spread sour cream mixture:

Spread this sour cream mixture evenly over the guacamole layer.

Drain and spread salsa:

Drain the chunky mild salsa using a mesh strainer to remove most of the excess liquid. Then spread the drained salsa carefully over the sour cream layer.

Add cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded fiesta blend cheese evenly across the salsa.

Add lettuce:

Next, layer the shredded lettuce in an even layer over the cheese to add fresh crispness.

Add olives:

Scatter the well-drained sliced black olives evenly on top of the lettuce.

Add tomatoes:

Spread the chopped roma tomatoes over the olives, patting off any excess juice to keep the dip from getting watery.

Add green onions:

Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions across the tomatoes for a fresh aromatic finish.

Chill:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the layers to meld and flavors to develop. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.

My favorite part is the taco-seasoned sour cream layer. It brings a subtle spicy creaminess that ties all the other layers together. This dip reminds me of holidays with family where everyone voices their layer preferences as we build it up.

Storage tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. The lettuce and tomatoes may lose some crispness so add fresh if serving later.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap mild guacamole with spicy if you like a bit of heat. Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for tang and slightly more protein. Use black beans mashed if refried beans are unavailable.

Serving suggestions

Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or crisp vegetable sticks to scoop the dip. For a party platter, add extra bowls of salsa and guacamole for guests who want more.

This classic dip is perfect for quick gatherings and always impresses. With little prep and big flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What ingredients form the base layers?

The base layers include refried beans, mild guacamole, and a sour cream mixture seasoned with mild taco spices.

→ How should the salsa be prepared before layering?

Drain the chunky mild salsa through a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, ensuring the dip layers stay firm.

→ Can I use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded?

Yes, freshly shredded fiesta blend cheese works well and can enhance the overall texture and flavor.

→ What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Chill the layered dip for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled with tortilla chips.

→ Are there alternative vegetables to use in the layers?

Other fresh veggies like diced bell peppers or jalapeños can be added or substituted for extra flavor and color.

→ How is the sour cream flavored in the layers?

The sour cream is whisked with a mild taco seasoning packet to add a subtle, savory spice to the creamy layer.