Save This chilled seven-layer dip combines refried beans seasoned with taco spice, a smooth sour cream and optional cream cheese layer, creamy mashed avocados brightened with lime, and chunky tomato salsa. A generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese follows, topped with crisp iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions for texture and freshness. Perfectly chilled and served alongside crunchy tortilla chips, it's an easy-to-prepare Tex-Mex delight ideal for sharing during game day or festive gatherings.
My friend Sarah brought this taco dip to a housewarming party years ago, and I literally hovered over the platter the entire night. The way all those layersmeld together in one scoop is just magic. I ended up begging for the recipe before we even left, and now it shows up at absolutely every gathering I host.
Last Super Bowl, my cousin Jake who claims to hate vegetables went back for fourths. He kept saying I do not know what is in this dip but I cannot stop eating it. Watching him discover that the green stuff was actually guacamole he loves was priceless.
Ingredients
- Refried beans: Use canned for convenience or homemade if you have extra time, just make sure they are well seasoned
- Taco seasoning: This little packet transforms plain beans into something that actually tastes like a taco
- Sour cream and cream cheese: The cream cheese makes the layer extra thick and spreadable, but sour cream alone works too
- Ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy
- Lime juice: Keeps that guacamole layer bright green and prevents browning
- Chunky salsa: Pick your heat level, mild for crowds or spicy if your friends can handle it
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend: freshly shredded melts better than the pre shredded stuff
- Iceberg lettuce: Shred it yourself for the crispest texture that does not get soggy
- Diced tomatoes: Roma tomatoes work best because they have less water
- Black olives: These add a salty punch that cuts through all the creamy layers
- Green onions: Both the white and green parts add a nice bite and color
- Tortilla chips: Get sturdy scoops because this dip is loaded and needs a strong chip
Instructions
- Season the bean base:
- Mix refried beans with taco seasoning in a medium bowl until completely combined. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch glass dish as your foundation.
- Make it creamy:
- Blend sour cream and softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Gently spread over the bean layer without mixing them together.
- Prep the guacamole:
- Mash avocados with lime juice and salt until mostly smooth with small chunks remaining. Spread this carefully over the creamy layer.
- Add the salsa:
- Spoon salsa over the guacamole and spread it toward the edges, being gentle so the layers stay distinct.
- Layer on the cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the entire salsa layer.
- Pile on the veggies:
- Top with shredded lettuce followed by diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions in even layers.
- Chill it out:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour so all those flavors can hang out and get friendly with each other.
- Dive in:
- Serve chilled with plenty of sturdy tortilla chips for maximum scoopage.
Save This dip became a tradition in our friend group after that first Sarah encounter. Now someone always asks, Are you bringing the seven layer thing before they even RSVP.
Make It Your Own
I have found that swapping in Greek yogurt for sour cream actually works beautifully and nobody notices the difference. You can also hide a layer of spiced ground beef or turkey between the beans and cream for a heartier version.
The Chip Strategy
Not all chips are created equal when it comes to heavy dips. I learned the hard way that delicate chips just snap under the weight, so now I only buy thick scoops or restaurant style chips that can handle a loaded bite.
Timing Is Everything
This dip tastes best within 24 hours because the vegetables start releasing water and it gets a little soupy after that. Assemble it the morning of your party and let it hang out in the fridge until game time.
- Set out a spoon alongside the chips in case the dip settles
- Keep extra toppings on hand to refresh the look if it sits out for a while
- Make a double batch because the first one will disappear before halftime
Save There is something so satisfying about watching a room full of people gathered around a seven layer dip, chips in hand, actually talking to each other between bites.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should the dip chill before serving?
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to meld for best flavor and texture.
- → Can I make the dip spicier?
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Yes, add diced jalapeños or choose a hot salsa to increase the heat level.
- → Are there vegetarian options for added protein?
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For a non-vegetarian option, cooked seasoned ground beef or turkey can be added between the bean and creamy layers.
- → What is the best way to keep the dip fresh?
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Best served within 24 hours as leftovers may become watery; keep covered and refrigerated.
- → Can sour cream be substituted in the creamy layer?
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Yes, Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to sour cream that works well in the creamy layer.
