7-Layer Dip is a party favorite with a Tex-Mex flair! A creamy bean dip base is topped with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and taco fixings.

7 layer bean dip served in a casserole dish topped with sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and black olives

Move over chips and salsa! This easy 7-Layer Dip recipe is my favorite thing to pair with tortilla chips because it’s got a little bit of everything—refried beans, tomatoes, guac, cheese, sour cream, black olives, and green onions. If you like tostadas, you’ll love 7-Layer Dip because it’s kind of like a tostada in crowd-pleasing appetizer form.

Easy 7-Layer Dip Recipe

7-Layer Dip is always a big hit at parties because everyone loves those Tex-Mex flavors! Even better, 7-Layer Dip is super easy to make. All you need to do is stir together the ingredients for the bean dip layer, then make the guacamole—everything else is just a matter of layering. Make the dip in advance and you have a party appetizer ready to go whenever your guests arrive!

There are many versions of this dip, but the one below is my favorite. I share a few variations on the original, too, if you want to mix things up. There’s really no right or wrong—if you don’t like one ingredient, feel free to swap it out for something else, or try my 7-Layer Greek Dip for something different!

Ingredients

Refried beans
Diced tomatoes with green chiles
Taco seasoning – Here’s how to make your own taco seasoning.
Avocados
Lime
Cilantro – You can skip the cilantro if you’re not a fan.
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese – A shredded Mexican blend will work, too.
Black olives
Roma tomatoes
Green onions – You can use shredded lettuce instead, if you like, or a combination of both.

Variations

Even Easier 7-Layer Dip – Use store-bought bean dip instead of the refried beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, store-bought guacamole instead of the avocados, lime, and cilantro, and store-bought salsa instead of the Roma tomatoes.
7-Layer Dip With Meat – Swap the refried beans with taco meat; top with remaining ingredients and serve immediately, while the meat is still warm.
7-Layer Dip With Cream Cheese – Instead of the sour cream layer, you can stir together cream cheese and salsa.

How to Make 7-Layer Dip

1. Make the Bean Dip

Stir together the refried beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a bowl and spread it onto the bottom of a 7×11-inch casserole dish, using a rubber spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed.

2. Make the Guacamole

In another bowl, mash the avocado, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth. Spread the guacamole over the beans.

3. Add the Sour Cream

Stir the sour cream and spread it over the guacamole layer.

4. Finish

After the sour cream, layer the cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until you’re ready to dig in. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping!

Hint: Use a glass dish if you have one so the layers can be seen from the side.

scoop of 7 layer bean dip on a corn tortilla chip

How to Store 7-Layer Dip

Store leftover 7-Layer Dip tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. I don’t recommend making it any more than a day in advance because the ingredients can start to release a bit of water, making it not look as pretty—it’s perfectly fine to eat leftovers at this point, though!

FAQ

Can I freeze 7-Layer Dip?

No, this 7-Layer Dip recipe won’t freeze well; the fresh tomatoes and green onions will be limp once they thaw, and it’s likely that the dip will be watery.

Is 7-Layer Dip served hot or cold?

Because there’s guacamole in this dip, it’s best served cold. If you want the bean layer to be warm, you can warm the bean mixture in the microwave, spread it on the bottom of the dish, then layer on the remaining (cold) ingredients and serve immediately.