This 7-layer taco dip is the best snack for a party! It is very easy to make and tastes delicious. You start with a layer of beans on the bottom. Then, you add yummy layers of cream cheese, green guacamole, and red salsa. On top, you sprinkle lots of yellow cheese and fresh veggies. It looks like a colorful rainbow in a dish! Every bite is full of flavor. You can eat it with crunchy tortilla chips. Kids and grown-ups both love it. It is so good that people will want to eat it all up very quickly. Get your chips ready and enjoy this fun treat!
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: jalapenos for some extra spice
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the base
Take the refried beans and mix half of the taco seasoning in a small bowl. Spread this mix evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
Step 2: Creamy layer
Mix the cream cheese with the sour cream and the rest of the taco seasoning. Spread it gently on top of the beans. Try not to mess up the layer under it.
Step 3: Add guacamole
Spread the guacamole over the cream cheese layer. It is ok if it looks messy. That is part of the charm.
Step 4: Pour on salsa
Now spread the salsa evenly on top of the guacamole. I like chunky salsa because it adds texture.
Step 5: Cheese it up
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer. My kids always sneak a little while I am doing this.
Step 6: Add fresh toppings
Top the dip with tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and jalapenos if you want it spicy. You can be creative here. I sometimes add a little extra cheese because why not.
Step 7: Chill and serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is hard because you just want to eat it right away. Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear fast.
Meal Prep Tips
Making this seven layer dip ahead of time can save you stress and make any party or snack time super easy. Here are some tips to get it ready without losing any of the yum:
- Prepare the layers separately in small bowls if you want to assemble it later. This keeps the ingredients fresh and easy to layer quickly.
- Make the dip a few hours or even a day before serving. The flavors get even better when they sit together a little.
- Use a clear dish if you want to show off all the layers. It looks fancy but really it is just a few simple steps.
- Keep chips, veggies, or other dippers separate until serving so they stay crunchy.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers or want to save some for later, storing this dip is easy and it still tastes great.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you want to make single servings, scoop some into small containers or jars. Perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks.
- Avoid freezing the dip because ingredients like guacamole and sour cream do not hold up well when thawed.
- When serving again, let the dip sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it is easier to scoop and tastes fresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally make it a few hours or even a day before your party. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. The flavors actually taste better after sitting together for a while.
Can I use store-bought guacamole or salsa?
Absolutely. I sometimes use store-bought when I am in a hurry. Homemade is great too if you want it extra fresh, but both work perfectly.
How long will the dip last in the fridge?
It will stay good for about 3 days if you cover it tightly. After that, some layers like guacamole might start to get a little brown, but it is still safe to eat.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. You can add jalapenos or a little hot sauce to the salsa layer. You can even sprinkle some crushed red pepper over the top for extra kick.
Can I freeze the dip?
I do not recommend freezing because the guacamole and sour cream do not freeze well. It can get watery and separate when thawed.
Seven Layer Dip Recipe Card
Seven Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 1 can beans 16 oz refried
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives sliced
- 2 onions green chopped
Optional:
- jalapenos for extra spice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the base
- Mix refried beans with half of the taco seasoning. Spread evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
Step 2: Creamy layer
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and remaining taco seasoning until smooth. Spread on top of the beans layer.
Step 3: Add guacamole
- Spread guacamole evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Pour on salsa
- Spread salsa on top of the guacamole layer.
Step 5: Cheese it up
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa.
Step 6: Add fresh toppings
- Top with chopped tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and jalapenos if using.
Step 7: Chill and serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour before serving. Serve with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Notes
Tips
- Make the dip a few hours or a day ahead for flavors to blend better.
- Keep chips or veggies separate until serving to stay crunchy.
- Use fresh ingredients for toppings to keep layers bright and flavorful.
- Mexican blend cheese can be used instead of cheddar for a little twist.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper to the salsa layer.
- Kid-friendly version: Skip the jalapenos or any spicy ingredients.
- Single-serving cups: Layer dip in small jars or cups for easy lunchbox or snack options.
- Different beans: Try black beans or refried pinto beans for a slightly different flavor.
This 7-layer taco dip is the perfect treat for any gathering. It is fun to build, beautiful to look at, and even better to eat! With its mix of creamy layers and crunchy toppings, it has something for everyone to enjoy. Once you put it on the table with a big bag of chips, it won’t stay there for long.
Whether you are sharing it with friends at a party or enjoying it with your family at home, this dip is a guaranteed winner. It is a simple way to bring a lot of flavor and a little bit of magic to your snack time. Happy dipping!
