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This is a classic Mexican inspired 7 layer dip that is seasoned to perfection! With this updated and flavorful seven layer dip, your friends and family will be clamoring for more.
Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, game days and beyond, this layered taco dip is the ultimate party food!
I know what you’re probably thinking. “Julie, how much dip can one person possibly eat?”
Well, the answer is a lot. All the dips, all the time. If I could live on dips alone, I would do it and be thrilled about it! (Especially if it’s this Mexican layered dip!!!)
But the fact is, that would leave no room for pasta or cookies, and it probably wouldn’t be good for me. Everything in moderation, of course!
That’s why this classic 7 layer dip is perfect for parties. It feeds a crowd, which keeps me from eating every last bite… and that makes it the perfect appetizer for any kind of party.
Don’t Skip These: You don’t want to miss this incredible Cinco de Mayo menu or my incredible Super Bowl Recipe Guide for all your planning needs!
Table of Contents
7 Layer Dip
Everyone loves it, and it’s usually the first thing to go during gatherings with friends and family! It’s easy to make, colorful and festive to serve, and packed full of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Refried Beans – Classic or spice it up using Frito Lay Jalapeño refried beans (my favorite).
- Fresh Grated Cheese – I love Monterey Jack for this recipe, but you can use your preference. The only requirement? Grate it fresh! No pre-bagged cheese will do. You won’t regret this step, I promise!
- Taco Seasoning – Homemade taco seasoning or store bought. Chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper).
- Pico De Gallo – Use pico de gallo instead of the layer of regular sliced tomatoes that most recipes suggest. It takes the flavor to a whole new level!
- Fresh Guacamole – I understand if you choose to save time and skip this step, but no store-bought version can compare to fresh, creamy homemade guacamole.
- Black Olives – Canned, drained.
- Sour Cream – Add to a condiment dispenser or ziplock to drizzle on.
Variations
- Use this Cilantro Lime Crema instead of sour cream.
- Instead of pico de gallo, try it with this Chipotle Corn Salsa!
- Substitute Frito Lay Jalapeño Bean Dip for spicier flavor
- Substitute seasonings with a Tablespoon of taco or fajita seasoning
How to Make
- Layer 1 – In a small bowl, mix your bean dip and taco seasoning mix (homemade, as noted on the recipe card) Spread refried beans onto serving dish.
- Layer 2 – Gently spread guacamole on top of beans. You want to achieve that pretty layered effect when guests scoop onto a chip.
- Layer 3 – Cheese! On top of the guacamole, spread your layer of grated cheese.
- Layer 4 – Top with pico de gallo for added color and flavor.
- Layer 5 – Sprinkles with olives.
- Layer 6 – Green onions and cilantro.
- Layer 7 – Add a drizzle sour cream on top!
Tips
- While I love a make-ahead dip, this 7 layer dip is best when made just before serving.
- However, if you use pre-packaged guacamole with preservatives to prevent browning, you can certainly put most of this together the night before!
- I would add the green onions and fresh cilantro just before serving for a fresh spin.
Make More (or Less!)
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best order for 7 layer dip?
After years of practice with this classic dip, we have found that it’s best to layer the guacamole right on top of your bean base. Fresh shredded cheese goes on top of those two layers, and then you can do as you wish from there!
How do you keep guacamole from turning brown in 7 layer dip?
If you must make this dish ahead, you’ll want to keep as much air from reaching the guacamole as possible. Using plastic wrap, push it down onto the guacamole to push out any air pockets to help prevent browning.
Lighten it Up
This dip is amazing to serve as it is, but easy to create in a lighter profile.
- You can make it a little lower fat by using reduced fat or fat-free refried beans, and of course you can also use a little less cheese.
- Reduced fat cheese won’t be as creamy, so it’s best to just use less of the good stuff, in my humble opinion!
- You’re eliminating a lot of sodium simply by making your own taco seasoning mix.
- Another easy tip? Instead of classic chips, try dipping fresh sliced peppers and crunchy sugar snap peas into this layered taco dip! The sweet crunch of the veggies is a delicious match to this slightly spicy dip.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free (be sure to serve with gluten free dipping options)
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – This 7 layer dip can sit out at room temperature while serving for up to two hours.
- Refrigerate – Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Please note that some browning of the guacamole will occur.
- Freeze – This recipe does not freeze well.
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More Tex Mex Inspiration
Cinco de Mayo
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Mexican Layer Dip (7 Layer Taco Dip)
This is a classic Mexican inspired 7 layer dip that is seasoned to perfection! With this updated and zesty seven layer dip, your friends and family will be clamoring for more.
Yield
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refried beans
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper
- 1 cup guacamole prepared
- 1½ cups monterey jack shredded
- 2.25 ounces black olives sliced (1 small can)
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 green onion sliced
- 3 tablespoons sour cream optional: thin with a little milk for a pretty drizzle.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine refried beans and chili powder.
- Spread onto a platter or shallow dish.
- Spread guacamole on top.
- Sprinkle with cheese to cover.
- Add pico de gallo (or tomatoes, onion and cilantro).
- Add olives.
- Top with green onions.
- Garnish with cilantro.
- Thin sour cream with a touch of milk for a pretty drizzle. Put sour cream in a ketchup container or a ziplock with the corner snipped and zig zag across the Mexican Layer Dip.
Tips
Substitutions
- Substitute Frito Lay Jalapeño Bean Dip for spicier flavor.
- Substitute seasonings with a Tablespoon of taco or fajita seasoning.
- Use this Cilantro Lime Crema instead of sour cream.
- Instead of pico de gallo, try it with this Chipotle Corn Salsa!
How To Store
- At Room Temperature – This 7 layer dip can sit out at room temperature while serving for up to two hours.
- Refrigerate – Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Please note that some browning of the guacamole will occur- try to press plastic wrap as tightly as possible against any guacamole to prevent browning.
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 202kcal (10%), Carbohydrates: 13g (4%), Protein: 8g (16%), Fat: 13g (20%), Saturated Fat: 5g (25%), Cholesterol: 21mg (7%), Sodium: 771mg (32%), Potassium: 175mg (5%), Fiber: 4g (16%), Sugar: 4g (4%), Vitamin A: 585IU (12%), Vitamin C: 5.2mg (6%), Calcium: 190mg (19%), Iron: 0.9mg (5%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Sue Gilman says
This looks wonderful. Can’t wait to make this.
Julie Blanner says
Enjoy!