Easy 7 Layer Dip - A Make Ahead Crowd Favorite
Get the chips ready because this 7-layer dip recipe is a classic party appetizer with layers of refried beans, seasoned cream cheese, guacamole, salsa and plenty of toppings! It’s quick to put together and can be prepared ahead of time for game day, potlucks or parties.
Why I Love This 7 Layer Dip
This 7-layer dip recipe is one of Spend with Pennies’ most requested party dips! It is easy to make, uses simple ingredients and it’s always one of the first to disappear.
Flavor: Fresh, creamy, and zesty.
Prep note: This dip can be made the night before. Store the toppings separately and sprinkle on top just before serving.
Time-saving tips: Use pre-shredded cheese and premade guacamole
Serving suggestions: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.
7 Layer Dip Layers
These classic 7 layers stay thick, neat and are easy to scoop.
refried beans
taco seasoned sour cream/cream cheese mixture
guacamole
salsa
toppings (I use cheese, green onions, olives or tomatoes)
Variations
Spicy: pickled jalapenos
Fresh: shredded lettuce, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of cilantro
Meaty: cooked and seasoned ground beef
How To Make The Best 7 Layer Dip
Prepare the refried bean layer (full recipe below).
Prepare the sour cream mixture.
Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and top with guacamole, salsa, and toppings.
Chill before serving.
Dish size: Use a 2qt dish or 9-inch square dish. A larger dish will make the layers too thin. A clear serving dish makes a pretty presentation.
Smooth consistency: Mix the cream cheese layer with a hand mixer. It makes the mixing easy and helps with a creamy consistency, so your chips don’t break as you scoop them.
No browning: Ensure the guacamole is completely covered so it doesn’t brown. Store-bought guacamole tends to last longer.
Perfect layers: Drain the salsa so it keeps the layers crisp.
Make ahead: Assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and add fresh toppings just before serving.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
Did you enjoy this 7 Layer Dip? Leave a comment and rating below!
Prep Time 15 minutes minutesChill Time 1 hour hourTotal Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Place salsa in a sieve and drain the liquid into a small bowl (this keeps your dip from getting runny).In a small bowl, combine refried beans and milk (or you can use the liquid from the salsa if you prefer). Mix until smooth and spread in the bottom of a 2 qt baking dish or pan.In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning with a hand mixer on medium speed. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the beans and spread evenly.Spoon guacamole over cream cheese and gently spread. Add the drained salsa and gently spread.Top with cheese, olives/tomatoes and green onions.Chill 1 hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
This dip can be prepared up to a day in advance.
Additional toppings such as cilantro or jalapenos can be added.
Using a hand mixer for the beans and sour cream layers ensures the dip is fluffy and easy to scoop.
Tightly cover leftovers with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some separation may occur when storing, drain off any liquid if needed.
Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 168 | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 702IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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