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Seven Layer Dip

Classic Seven Layer Taco Dip is a great party appetizer. A cold dip made with beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, olives, green onions and tomatoes.

One of my favorite things about food is the ability for one bite to bring back so many memories. Take this Seven Layer Dip for instance. This is the dip that my mama would bring to every potluck we attended. It would be on the table at every BBQ and 4th of July Celebration.

Seven layer dip in a white dish on wooden cutting board.

I bet you remember it too! It is, after all, a classic. And whether you are hosting a game day event, backyard BBQ or just an average taco Tuesday, this dip is a must have.  

And guess what? IT IS SO EASY. It is a cold dip so no cooking involved, simply layer and then dip those chips!

Dipping a chip into taco dip in a white dish.

The hardest part is letting the dip set up in the fridge for about 30 minutes before eating to give the flavors of the layers a chance to meld. 

Speaking of layers, let’s talk about them shall we?

Showing the layers of seven layer dip in a white dish

What are the seven layers in seven layer dip?

REFRIED BEANS: Traditionally, this dip is made with pinto refried beans but you can use black beans. I also, love to substitute a can of spicy refried beans when I want to increase the heat just a bit. 

TACO SEASONED CREAM: This is by far my favorite part of the whole spread. It’s actually a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise and taco seasoning.  It’s creamy and really packs the taco flavor. Use your favorite taco seasoning blend or make your own

Taco Seasoned Sour Cream in a glass bowl on wooden cutting board.

GUACAMOLE: I prefer to make my own using this easy guacamole recipe but you can also use store-bought. 

CHEESE: Use freshly grated here. I know it might seem easier to use pre-shredded cheese but freshly grated will taste better. 

TOMATOES: Some recipes call for salsa but that can make the dip kind of watery. Instead, I like to use freshly diced tomatoes. Simply remove the seeds to help keep the water content down. 

OLIVES: Sliced black olives are my personal favorite for this recipe. 

GREEN ONIONS: Green onions add a nice pop of color as well as a hint of oniony flavor. You could substitute red or yellow onion if you like but the onion flavor will be much stronger. 

Seven layer dip on a chip.

These are the seven layers in this Seven Layer Taco Dip but one of the best things about this dip is that you can adapt it to use whatever you have on hand. You could do a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheese or add some jalapeños for heat. The possibilities are really endless. 

How do you make layered taco dip?

Like I said before, this dip is easy peasy. There are a few key points that you should know though: 

4 photos showing the different layers of seven layer dip in a white dish.

STEP 1: The refried beans always go on the bottom. They are the heaviest, sturdiest part of the dip so it’s better that they are on the bottom. 

STEP 2: At this point you could either add the guacamole or the taco seasoned sour cream first. It really doesn’t matter which goes on first. But you want these spreadable components on top of the beans and below all the other ingredients. 

STEP 3: Sprinkle the freshly shredded cheese over the top.

STEP 4: Finally, add the remaining ingredients. Cover and let the whole thing refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. 

DES’ TIP: Lots of party planning to do? You can make this dip up to 24 hours in advance! I wouldn’t make it any earlier than that though. 

How long does seven layer dip last?

This dip will last for 3 – 4 days covered in the refrigerator. 

Seven Layer Taco Dip in a white dish on wooden cutting board.

If you like this recipe for Seven Layer Dip you’ll love these other dip recipes:

Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip 

Artichoke Tapenade 

Creamy Ranch Dip 

Looking for more Cinco De Mayo Recipe ideas? Check these out! 

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Sour Cream Sauce 

Shredded Beef Taquitos 

Crab Ceviche

Note: This recipe was originally published in 2008. It was updated with new photos, tips and nutrition facts in 2020. 

Overhead photo of seven layer dip in a white dish with striped towel.

Seven Layer Dip

Classic Seven Layer Taco Dip is a great party appetizer. A cold dip made with beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, olives, green onions and tomatoes.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 242 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1 14.5 ounce can of spicy refried beans
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions diced
  • 1 4 ounce can sliced olives
  • 2 medium tomatoes seeded diced

Instructions
 

  • Combine the mayo, sour cream and taco seasoning in a small bowl.
  • Spread the refried beans on the bottom of a serving dish
  • Spread the taco sour cream on top of refried beans.
  • Spread guacamole on top.
  • Sprinkle the cheese, then the green onions, olives and tomatoes.

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 12.8gProtein: 5.6gFat: 19.9gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 651mgFiber: 3.2gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: 4th of July Recipes, 7 layer dip, Dip, Food, guacamole, Homemade, mexican, Recipe, salsa, seven layer dip, taco

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    June G.
    September 5, 2021 at 1:56 am

    5 stars
    I forgot to explain the name, Mt Diablo. I make it on a large platter and graduate each ingredient, making it look like a mountain. And add tortilla chips around the edge of the platter.

  • Reply
    June G.
    September 5, 2021 at 1:47 am

    5 stars
    I got this recipe when I worked at a bank, 1980-1984 and it is double this recipe, 28 oz can of beans etc (It calls for the taco seasoning too) . We called it Mt. Diablo back then. And let me tell you, there is never any leftovers. And I still get requests to bring it to our annual Super Bowl party. It is so delicious. Enjoy!

  • Reply
    Sandra
    May 7, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    5 stars
    This is perfect! Such a new great dip recipe to try!

  • Reply
    Sara Welch
    May 5, 2020 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    This was a hit for Cinco de Mayo! My whole family cleared this dish in no time! I will have to make it again later this week!

  • Reply
    Cathy
    May 5, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    Definitely an upgrade from Taco Dip! A new favorite for us!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    May 5, 2020 at 12:20 pm

    5 stars
    I love all the ingredients in this dip! I will make it!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    May 5, 2020 at 4:02 am

    5 stars
    This Seven Layer Taco Dip is seriously making me hungry!

  • Reply
    Vikki
    May 4, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe for a fantastic dip! Looking forward to serving this when I can!

  • Reply
    Dorothy Reinhold
    May 4, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    5 stars
    This dip brings back memories for me too! It is such a classic.

  • Reply
    graygram
    February 3, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Looks good, but I can only contain less than 10 people in our apt.

  • Reply
    Mom
    November 14, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Up until now the taco seasoning was a family secret. Not sure about this website Desi!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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