BEST 7 Layer Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

This 7 layer dip has layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.

Love appetizers? Some other crowd favorites are my crockpot buffalo chicken dip, pigs in a blanket and my 4-ingredient cheese ball.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Favorite Party Appetizer

This seven layer dip is a delicious Mexican appetizer that’s so easy to put together! This easy recipe is the ultimate party appetizer.

If you want to take this dip up a level, you can make your own guacamole, salsa and homemade tortilla chips for dipping. And when I don’t feel like making layers I make easy taco dip instead.

What’s In 7 Layer Dip?

Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.

• Refried beans: The first layer is a mixture of beans, cream cheese and taco seasoning.
• Sour cream: All you need is plain sour cream for the second layer.
• Guacamole: You can make your own homemade guacamole or buy premade guac from the store.
• Salsa: Chunky salsa works best. Make sure to drain any liquid before adding.
• Cheese: Shredded Mexican, pepper jack, or cheddar cheese work great.
• Tomatoes: Dice the tomatoes and drain any juices. I use roma tomatoes.
• Olives: I love adding sliced black olives along with some chopped green onions. Olives are hit or miss for most people, so you could always leave them off if preferred. Or do half with, half without.

How to Make 7 Layer Dip

This recipe is SO easy to make and comes together super quickly. Layer the ingredients as follows below.

1. Layer 1: Combine the refried beans, cream cheese and taco seasoning. Layer the refried bean mixture on the bottom.
2. Layer 2: Next layer the sour cream over top.
3. Layer 3: Scoop the guacamole on top. Then careful spread with a spatula.
4. Layer 4: Drain the salsa if needed in a mesh strainer. Then add the salsa on top.
5. Layer 5: Add some shredded cheese.
6. Layer 6: Then add your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, olives and jalapenos,
7. Layer 7: Finish the top with sliced green onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I also love to sprinkle some flake sea salt over the top.

Tips + Variations

• Use thick salsa. I like the Trader Joe’s brand thick ‘n chunky. Make sure to pour out any extra liquid before adding so the dip doesn’t get runny.
• Add meat. You can add ground beef taco meat as an extra layer if preferred. Add it between the refried beans and sour cream layers.
• Seasoning. Add a Tablespoon or ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream layer for extra flavor.
• Tomatoes. Can substitute salsa layer with more chopped tomatoes if preferred. Or use pico de gallo for either of those two layers.
• Use less layers. For a few less layers, try making a 5 layer dip instead.

Serving Ideas

• Baking dish: This is my favorite method because the dip gets more spread out. You get more of the toppings in every bite! Use a 9×13″ baking dish.
• Trifle: Layer the dip in a trifle bowl for a fancier touch (check out the picture below the recipe). I also added a fun chalkboard label to the front of the dish.
• Individual cups: Make individual 7 layer dip cups by servings in plastic cups. This is a fun way to make sure everyone gets a bite and there’s no double dipping!

More Delicious Party Dips

• 5-Layer Greek Dip
• Crockpot Queso Blanco
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
• Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Cream Cheese and Chili Queso

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!