Seven Layer Dip
Seven layer dip is an appetizer that is sure to go fast at the party. You won't even be able to sit down before it's gone. It's creamy, cold, and packed with flavor, plus it's super easy to make. It only takes about 15 minutes, and best of all, no cooking, no stove, and no stress.
All you need is one 9×13 dish and a bag of tortilla chips.
The Snack Table Favorite
We've been using this dip for several years, and we take it to every major holiday, every gameday, every summer cookout.
People comment on this recipe because it feels fancy but in reality it is super easy! I have made it the night before more times than I can count and it always fine the next day as long as the plastic wrap is sealed tight.
Avocados keep better than most people think.
The Seven Layers and What Each One Does
Roma Tomatoes
You will need 4 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and diced. Romas have less moisture than traditional tomatoes, which is why they go at the bottom. They will release the least liquid of any tomato variety.
The water gets trapped in the seeds, so remove them prior to chopping the tomatoes. Using unseeded tomatoes is why this dip gets so watery.
Sour Cream + Taco Seasoning
One packet of taco seasoning should be mixed with one 16-oz container of sour cream. Combine ingredients thoroughly and sample before layering – this is the most delicious layer in the dish.
If you prefer extra heat, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper. If it's too salty, check the brand of seasoning. Next time, try using half a packet.
Refried Beans
I mix two cans of fat-free refried beans with one cup of salsa. The salsa thins the beans just enough to spread without tearing the layers of the beans underneath.
Feel free to use whatever salsa you like — chunky gives a little more texture, and smooth will spread more evenly. It’s also not something to skip; the refried beans from the can are a bit stiff and tend to drag the sour cream layer when you spread them.
Avocados
Three avocados, mashed with a hint of lime juice. The lime juice prevents browning and adds freshness.
Don't mash too much. Leave some texture so that it is more satisfying to scoop. If your avocados are ripe, they will easily mash with a fork in 30 seconds; if they are still firm, leave them for another day on the counter and the dip will suffer.
Black Olives
One drained can of sliced black olives. I know I know, olives are a very controversial ingredient. These are optional.
When you're catering for a crowd, put olives on half the dish. Not an olive person? Skip the olives and add a layer of corn or diced jalapeños. The dip is good no matter what.
Colby Jack Cheese
Two cups of shredded colby jack, sprinkled on top. Shred it yourself if you can spare a few minutes. Pre-shredded has anti-caking coating that makes it drier and clumpier.
Colby jack has a mild, creamy taste that combines well with other layers. If you want a little spice, a great alternative is pepper jack.
Green Onions
Five chopped scallions sprinkled on top. Don't omit these – the freshness and mild bite balance the richness and complete the presentation.
Each scoop will taste better with some green onion.
How to Layer Seven Layer Dip (In Order)
- Dice 4 Roma tomatoes (seeds removed) and spread in the bottom of a 9×13 glass dish.
- Mix 16 oz sour cream with taco seasoning packet until fully combined. Taste it — it should be well-seasoned and slightly tangy. Spread evenly over the tomatoes.
- Drain olives and scatter over the sour cream layer.
- Mix 2 cans refried beans with 1 cup salsa until smooth. Spread over the olive layer. The beans are the hardest layer to spread without disturbing what’s underneath — use a light hand and work from the center outward.
- Mash 3 avocados with a splash of lime juice. Spread over the bean layer.
- Sprinkle 2 cups shredded colby jack over the avocado layer.
- Top with 5 sliced green onions. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready.
Make It the Night Before (Here’s What Holds)
- Make ahead: Assemble everything, cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Avocado browning: The lime juice helps, and the cheese layer on top shields the avocado from air. It holds better than most people expect when the plastic wrap is tight — the difference between sealed and loosely covered is noticable.
- Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will release some liquid at the bottom — pour it off before serving if needed.
- Freezing: Don’t. The sour cream, avocado, and tomatoes all change texture when frozen and thawed.
7 Layer Dip FAQ
What are the 7 layers?
This version includes: diced Roma tomatoes, sour cream with taco seasoning, black olives, refried beans with salsa, mashed avocado, colby jack cheese, and green onions.
Different recipes use slightly different layers; some might add guacamole instead of regular avocado or substitute other ingredients like pico de gallo, jalapenos, or corn.
What order do you layer a 7 layer dip?
Layer the ingredients from bottom to top: seasoned sour cream, olives, beans, avocado, cheese, and finally green onions. Don't forget to add the tomatoes first because they are the least watery.
The order really matters. If the beans were on the tomatoes, it would be much harder to spread everything out. Plus, the cheese helps keep the avocado from browning by sealing and protecting that layer.
Can I use guacamole instead of mashed avocado?
Sure, guacamole from the store works just fine. Just be sure to taste it first. Premade guacamole tends to be saltier and more highly seasoned than what you might find at other stores, and you are already layering this over seasoned sour cream.
Approximately one cup works best for this dish.
Can I make it spicier?
Use hot salsa, choose a spicy taco seasoning, or add sliced pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. The taco-seasoned sour cream is where most people like to sprinkle some cayenne for heat in every bite.
I like to keep it mild so that more people can enjoy it, then I just put hot sauce on the table.
Do I have to use a 9×13 dish?
No, it's the right call. A 9×13 gives you thin, even layers that are easy to scoop through in one go.
With thicker layers they require a deeper dish, making it more difficult to get all 7 layers on one chip without breaking it. Additionally, since it’s in a clear glass 9×13 dish people can see all of the layers from the side, which helps the dip look extra impressive when it’s on a party table!
How far ahead can I make this?
Up to 24 hours. Surprisingly, the avocado keeps better with plastic wrap sealed against its skin.
In the last 24 hours, the tomatoes have started to sweat, and the bottom is getting a bit wet. If you do it the night before, you should be good.
What if I don’t like black olives?
You can skip it. I've done it both ways and it's good no matter what. If you're looking for a sub, try a layer of corn, diced red onion, or pickled jalapeños.
Or simply bypass that layer; no one will find out unless you let them know.
Other Dips That Disappear at Parties
- Layered Taco Dip — cold taco dip with homemade guac on top, no cooking required
- Jalapeño Popper Dip — hot, cheesy baked dip with cream cheese and real jalapeños
- Baked Crab Rangoon Dip — creamy baked dip with all the flavor of restaurant crab rangoon
- Crab Dip with Cream Cheese — cold deli-style crab dip with cream cheese and buttermilk
- Crock Pot Spinach and Artichoke Dip — stays warm the whole party in the slow cooker
Feel free to comment and let me know how my seven layer dip turned out. If you changed one of the layers or added something else, I’d love to hear how it worked.
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.