7-Layer Dip That Always Delivers! There’s something about a good 7-layer dip that just gets it. It’s bold, it’s messy, and it’s always the first dish to vanish at any get-together. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting game day, showing up to a backyard potluck, or just trying to keep snack-happy roommates or family members from hovering in the kitchen — this dip shows up hard with basically zero stress. The best dips have layers, and this 7-Layer Dip is the best one yet! Serve with a warm tortilla or your favorite crunchy chip.
What makes this version stand out? We’re not going subtle. We’re bringing spicy refried beans, a punch of flavor from Rotel (yes, with all that juicy goodness), creamy layers of guac and sour cream, a solid sprinkle of cheese, and toppings like salsa, olives, green onions, and tomatoes to take it over the top. No need to bake, no need to overthink it — just layer it up, chill it, and dig in with some sturdy chips.
You don’t need to follow the order with precision, either. You can build it backwards, sideways, or however your brain wants to do it at the moment. The layers meld together just right once it’s had a chance to sit in the fridge for an hour (or even made ahead — it holds up great). It’s salty, creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and full-on craveable.
You truly haven’t lived until you’ve had 7 Layer Dip. Each layer consists of something even more delicious than the layer before. Spicy refried beans, Rotel, guacamole, and sour cream are just the beginning of this dip!
What is a 7-Layer Dip?
7-layer dip is a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack that consists of layers of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tomatoes, and olives. This popular party dish is typically served with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping and dipping.
And hey — if you’re the type who likes to riff on a classic, you can easily tweak this. Swap the beans, change the cheese, add a layer of taco meat if you’re feeling extra (my favorite addition!). It’s flexible, forgiving, and doesn’t ask for perfection.
Ingredients in This 7 Layer Dip Recipe
Sometimes you’ll find that dips like these have different ingredients than other recipes. In this recipe, here are all of the main ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious recipe.
- Spicy refried beans
- Rotel, with juices
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Grated Mexican cheese blend
- Salsa
- Black olives
- Diced green onions
- Fresh tomatoes
How to Make Seven Layer Dip
This 7-layer dip is basically made for summer get-togethers — it’s the kind of appetizer that just belongs at a 4th of July spread, sitting proudly next to the chips and cold drinks while everyone grazes between burgers and fireworks. It’s easy to throw together in minutes, no oven required (because who wants to turn on the stove in July?), and it holds up like a champ even after a couple hours by the pool. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this dip travels well, feeds a crowd, and doesn’t need babysitting. Just park it on the table, toss a bowl of tortilla chips nearby, and watch it disappear.
Tips for Making 7-Layer Mexican Dip
- Feel free to change the amounts of each ingredient to suit your tastes.
- You can even change the order of the layers.
- Use regular refried beans if you’d like a less spicy bean dip.
- For extra spice, use hot salsa or mix salsa with some hot sauce.
- For more of a taco flavor, mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the sour cream.
How to Store
This 7-layer dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Layers will start to separate some and it may become a bit watery.
What can I serve with this dip?
Serve with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas. Feel free to grab a spoon and start eating this dip! It’s got so many flavors.
Got Questions? Let’s Dip into the FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually gets better after a little fridge time. Just cover it tightly and store it up to a day ahead. Wait to add the tomatoes and green onions until right before serving to keep them fresh.
Can I leave out an ingredient?
Of course. Not a fan of olives? Skip ‘em. Hate raw tomato? Leave it off. This dip doesn’t have rules, just guidelines.
What if I want to make a bigger batch?
Double everything and move up to a 9×13 pan. You’ll thank yourself later when people go back for seconds (and thirds).
Can I make this non-spicy?
Definitely. Just use regular refried beans instead of spicy, and choose a mild Rotel or swap it out entirely for plain diced tomatoes.
What kind of chips are best?
Go for thick, scoop-style tortilla chips. This dip is hearty, and flimsy chips are gonna fold under pressure. Nobody wants that.
Common Extra Questions
What is a traditional 7-layer salad made of?
A typical 7-layer salad consists of lettuce, bacon, cheese, onion, peas, and sometimes tomatoes or other veggies. The ingredients are layered in a clear glass dish for presentation and then drizzled with ranch dressing or mayonnaise before serving. Some recipes also call for the addition of hard-boiled eggs to the recipe.
How many carbs are in a 7-layer salad?
The number of carbs in a typical 7-layer salad will depend on the exact ingredients used and the portion size. To keep the carb count low, you can use fewer beans and use more veggies in the dip. Remember, this versatile dip can be used however you’d like it to be!
Should a 7 layer salad be served cold?
Yes, most people prefer to serve 7-layer salad cold. However, you can also serve it at room temperature if desired. To keep the salad cold, store it in the refrigerator until it is ready to serve. You may need to add a little more sour cream before serving if the salad has been refrigerated for a while.
Bottom line: this dip is here for your snack emergencies, party spreads, or weeknight dinner where chips count as a utensil. No baking, no cooking, just layers of goodness in under 10 minutes. And if you’re feeling the dip mood, you’ll find more fun twists — like spicy Southwest versions or Greek-inspired takes even, all on my site too!
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7-Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 16 oz can of spicy refried beans
- 1/2 can 10 oz can of Rotel with juices
- 2 cups guacamole
- 2 cups sour cream
- 4 oz grated Mexican cheese blend about 1 cup
- 1-2 cup salsa
- 1 can sliced black olives 1⁄2-1 cup
- 1 bunch diced green onions
- Fresh tomatoes diced
Instructions
- Use an 8×8 baking dish or equivalent serving dish.
- Mix spicy refried beans and rotel. Spread in the bottom of your baking dish.
- Spread guacamole layer over the bean layer.
- Spread a layer of sour cream over the guacamole.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over sour cream.
- Spoon salsa over the cheese layer.
- Top with olives, green onions, and tomatoes (optional).
- Cover and refrigerate for an hour or until you are ready to serve.
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