Seven Layer Dip
I like to make this Seven Layer Dip ahead of time and take it to parties. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require cooking, and looks more fancy than it is.
Plus, since it contains avocados it keeps really well and can be made the night before. Just make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap before storing.
The Snack Table Favorite
This snack table favorite can be whipped up in 15 minutes with NO cooking, NO stove and NO stress. It’s my go-to party appetizer for holidays, gamedays and summer cookouts.
Trust me…the chips will be gone before you can say Seven Layer Dip.
The Seven Layers and What Each One Does
Roma Tomatoes – 4 Roma tomatoes diced and seeds removed. Roma tomatoes are used because they don’t have as much water in them as other kinds of tomatoes.
This is the first layer since tomatoes will bleed some of their moisture and it’s better for it to bleed into the bowl than bleed into the sour cream layer making it watery. Remove seeds to keep from bleeding as well.
Sour Cream + Taco Seasoning – Mix 1 packet of taco seasoning into a 16 oz container of sour cream. I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice it up but you can also just use 1/2 of a packet of taco seasoning if you don’t like it too salty.
Refried Beans – Mix together 2 cans fat free refried beans with 1 cup salsa. The salsa helps to loosen up the beans since they are pretty stiff out of the can.
This is helpful when spreading them so you don’t pull apart all of your hard work.
Avocados: 3 avocados mashed, with just a touch of lime juice. It keeps them from turning brown, plus gives a freshness factor.
Do not over mash, leave some texture so it is more fun to scoop. Ripe avocados will easily mash with a fork in about 30 seconds.
Black Olives
Use one can of black olives, well-drained. I know I know, olives are a very controversial ingredient.
If you’re catering a crowd, feel free to add olives to only half of the dip. You can also sub the olive layer with corn, preferably whole kernel, or diced jalapeños.
Colby Jack Cheese
For the cheese, I like Colby Jack because it’s creamy and mild. Feel free to use pepper jack instead to amp up the heat.
My preference is always to shred your own cheese, though not as pretty, because pre-shredded cheese is sprayed with additives to keep from clumping and usually ends up more on the dry side.
Green Onions
The scallions add a fresh, sharp element to help balance the richness of the dip.
Tips for making Seven Layer Dip
When it’s time to devour this dip bring out a BIG ol’ bag of tortilla chips.
This recipe requires a 9×13 dish.
How to Layer Seven Layer Dip (In Order)
In a 9×13 glass dish, add diced tomatoes and spread to create an even layer. Next, combine sour cream with the taco seasoning, spreading it evenly over the tomatoes.
Add the olives and spread.
Combine beans with the salsa and stir well. Add bean mixture over the olives and spread.
The beans are the hardest layer to spread without disturbing what’s underneath, so use a light hand and work from the center outward. Mash avocados and add a splash of lime.
Add avocados on top of beans. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and green onions.
Done! Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Make It the Night Before (Here’s What Holds)
- Tomato layer holds perfectly overnight
- Seasoned sour cream holds perfectly overnight
- Olive layer holds perfectly overnight
- Bean layer holds perfectly overnight
- Avocado layer holds perfectly overnight if you cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap pressing against the dip
- Cheese and green onions can be added ahead of time, but will soften overnight, so add them right before serving if you want them perky
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just make sure to tightly cover with plastic wrap pressing against the dip.
7 Layer Dip FAQ
What is the order of 7 layer dip ingredients?
The order of ingredients in this classic party dip is: diced Roma tomatoes, sour cream mixed with taco seasoning, sliced black olives, refried beans mixed with salsa, mashed avocado (guacamole works too!), shredded colby jack cheese and green onions.
Can the dip be made ahead of time?
This dip is best when the avocado and cheese are fresh. But if needed, you can make it ahead of time.
Just keep it refrigerated until needed.
Can it be stored?
Yes, this dip keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will release more liquid though.
Just pour out the extra liquid before serving. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge.
Can it be frozen?
I would not recommend freezing 7 layer dip. The texture of the sour cream, avocado, and tomatoes will change and never be the same again.
Can the dip be made with guacamole?
Yes, it is delicious with guacamole. Use about 1 cup of guacamole in place of the mashed avocado.
Taste your guacamole though, as I found store-bought guacamole to be pretty salty and spicy. Mixed in with the seasoned sour cream, the salt/spice level was pretty strong.
What other ingredients can be added to 7 layer dip?
Some of my favorite additions/substitutions are guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and corn.
How do I make it spicier?
Use a spicier taco seasoning, add some cayenne to the sour cream, use hot salsa, and/or add some sliced pickled jalapeños. I personally like to keep this recipe on the milder side and offer a side of hot sauce for those who like their food HOTTER.
Why is lime juice added to the avocado?
Lime juice prevents the avocado from turning brown. It still will turn brown eventually, but the lime helps to slow it down a bit.
Also, the top layer of cheese helps to block out any air getting to the avocado. Just know that the tighter the plastic wrap pressed onto the top of the dip, the less it will turn brown.
Can a different pan be used?
I have seen this made in other sizes of pans, but a 9×13 allows the ingredients to make nice, thin, even layers that are easier to scoop up a bite of everything. Use a clear glass 9×13 dish so you can see each of the 7 different layers.
How far ahead can I make this?
This dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressing into avocado.
After 24 hours the tomatoes will “sweat” a little and you’ll find some of the juices on the bottom of the dish. Making the night before is best.
What if I don’t like black olives?
I made this recipe several times playing with different ideas. Some people like to add corn and others like diced red onion.
You can totally leave them out or add some pickled jalapeños. This dip is tasty with or without black olives.
Other Dips That Disappear at Parties
Layered Taco Dip – This cold taco dip requires no cooking and is topped with a batch of my delicious Homemade Guacamole.
Jalapeño Popper Dip – This hot, baked cheese dip has the perfect amount of kick from the cream cheese and the REAL jalapeños.
Baked Crab Rangoon Dip – This creamy dip tastes just like crab rangoons at the restaurant. This dip is served HOT.
Crab Dip with Cream Cheese – If you’ve had this popular crab dip at your local deli you’ll love this recipe that adds cream cheese and buttermilk. This dip is served COLD.
Crock Pot Spinach and Artichoke Dip – Serve this party favorite in a slow cooker and keep it at just the right temperature all party long.
Seven Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 4 Roma tomatoes seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 16 oz. sour cream
- 1 can sliced black olives drained
- 2 cans fat free refried beans
- 1 cup salsa of your choice
- 3 avocados
- ** splash of lime juice for avocados
- 2 cups colby jack cheese
- 5 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Mix sour cream and taco seasoning, set aside. Mix salsa and beans, set aside. Layer ingredients in the order listed. You'll layer them in a 9x13 glass dish in this order: tomatoes, taco seasoning/sour cream mixture, black olives, refried beans/salsa mixture, avocado mixture, cheese and lastly green onions.
- Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips on the side - enjoy!
- ** You can make this ahead of time, just be sure to seal it really well so the avocados don't turn brown.