Dessert

7 Layer Dip Recipe

ByHailey Reed January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This classic 7 Layer Dip is a crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It combines savory beans, creamy layers, and fresh toppings to create a flavorful, colorful appetizer that everyone will love.

This dish is served in a white plate on a white marbled surface. It has multiple layers visible from the side: the bottom layer is a thick brown spread that looks creamy, followed by a bright green layer which appears smooth, then a thin white layer above it. On top of these are layers of red sauce covered with a generous amount of shredded yellow and white cheese. The dish is decorated with some small green lettuce pieces and black olive slices on top. There is a round, lightly toasted chip placed upright in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces chunky salsa
1 16 oz. can refried beans
1 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
2 ½ cups sour cream (separated)
2 cups guacamole (16 oz.)
1 cup cheddar or Mexican cheese (shredded)
1 cup shredded lettuce (or 4 sliced green onions)
½ cup black olives
Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain excess juice from the salsa to avoid a watery dip. You can run it through a sieve if you prefer a thicker consistency. Set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the refried beans, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix well, then spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Step 3: Layer the remaining ingredients over the bean mixture in this order: guacamole, sour cream (remaining 2 cups), salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce (or sliced green onions), and black olives.
Step 4: Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes before serving. Serve chilled with tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top before serving.
Swap black olives for diced jalapeños to add some heat.
Use low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter dip.
If you prefer, layer in a clear glass dish to showcase the colorful layers for a more impressive presentation.

Storage

Store the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep fresh, cover tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. If the dip separates slightly after storage, gently stir before serving. It’s best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve

The dish is a layered dip served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth, light brown bean dip, followed by a bright green layer of guacamole. Above that is a thin white creamy layer, then a layer of red chunky salsa. The top layer is covered with shredded yellow and white cheese, scattered green lettuce pieces, and sliced black olives. A round, light-colored tortilla chip is placed upright in the center of the dip. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make 7 Layer Dip ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours or overnight in advance is ideal to let the flavors meld and the layers set nicely.

What can I serve with 7 Layer Dip?

Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but you can also serve the dip with fresh vegetable sticks like carrot, celery, or bell pepper slices.