7 Layer Dip

This isn’t your ordinary 7 layer dip recipe – it has a couple unique layers that make it stand out from the crowd. Make it for your next party and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

At a glance

What stands out: Seven layer dip is always popular at get-togethers! It makes a big batch but just watch it disappear.

How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: large serving platter or dish
Servings: 15

This is one of our favorite party recipes. It’s absolutely reliable for game day parties!

The problem is we always tend to overeat because we can’t get enough of it. Same thing with poblano queso dip or Mexicali dip! Don’t get us started with black bean and avocado salad which is a fantastic dip. And lately we've been loving this Mexican corn dip.

All the credit for this one goes to our former neighbor and good friend, Julie. We first tried this at Julie’s house and immediately became obsessed with it (you will too!). After we tried it the first time, we got the recipe from her to make it myself. And then we lost the recipe, so when we say the credit for this recipe goes to her, it does, and we do think it’s fairly close. Any way you make it, it’s going to be memorable.

About this Layered dip

It has a “secret” ingredient. The true genius behind this recipe is the whipped cream cheese. It’s a surprising layer in this dip and (in our opinion) is what makes it truly irresistible. Another advantage to using whipped cream cheese is that you can spread it in a nice thin layer without having to soften it. It keeps the dip soft enough to be dippable.

Extra flavorful. There are a few more differences between this dip and the traditional 7 layer dip you may be used to. Instead of a plain sour cream layer, you mix sour cream with mayonnaise and add taco seasoning for lots of flavor. This creamy layer goes right next to the shredded cheese and you’re just going to have to trust us, it’s irresistible.

Even the beans have extra flavor. Instead of plain refried beans, you mix the beans with salsa. This not only adds great flavor to the dip, but it also makes dipping easier because the beans are a thinner consistency. If you like to make your own beans, try crockpot refried beans or Instant Pot refried beans.

This dip keeps well. Because this recipe is made without guacamole or avocado, the dip keeps longer. You don’t have to worry about the avocado turning brown. Feel free to add a guacamole layer if you like though.

Make your own chips! Did you know you can make baked tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips right at home using plain ol’ corn tortillas? It’s straightforward and nothing’s quite like fresh warm chips.

Cooking Tip

Traditional 7 layer dip usually includes sliced black olives. We don’t add them because we don’t care for black olives but feel free to sprinkle them on if you like ’em. The same goes for any part of this dip. Don’t like something? Just omit it!

What You Need & What is in Each Layer

1. Whipped Cream Cheese: Choose the plain unflavored kind. A block of cream cheese won’t work as well because it’s too stiff and doesn’t spread (or dip) easily.
2. Beans + Salsa: Choose your favorite brand of refried beans and stir in a little salsa (again, any kind you prefer) to flavor the beans and to give them a softer consistency. The jarred variety of salsa works better than fresh salsa.
3. Sour Cream + Mayo + Taco Seasoning: You’ll love the flavor of this layer. Much better than plain sour cream!
4. Shredded Cheese: Choose a Mexican blend, pepper jack, colby, cheddar, or crumbled cotija.
5. Lettuce: Finely shredded iceberg lettuce is traditional. We've used leaf or romaine lettuce too.
6. Green Onions: Use the green part for the mildest flavor and most color.
7. Tomatoes: Any kind of fresh tomato is fine. If they are juicy, you may want to squeeze the juice out so it doesn’t pool on the dip.

Before you start

Make it your own

You can add different toppings. Chopped fresh cilantro is a great addition to this dip. If you like a little heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top of the dip. Finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeño peppers are good, too.

If you’re looking for a special touch, learn how to pickle red onions and sprinkle a few of those on this! They add a burst of flavor that can’t be beat. Pickled radishes are similar and rich!

Have fun with this 7 layer dip and make it your own but don’t skip that cream cheese layer (just trust us on this one!).

Keeping leftovers

If the dip is covered and refrigerated promptly, it will keep up to 4 days. If it’s been setting out for a few hours, with lots of people dipping into it, you may just want to toss it.

We wouldn’t freeze this dip because cream cheese, sour cream, and lettuce don’t fare well in the freezer.

Leftover Love

Lots of dip left over? Add it to a burrito, taco, or quesadilla. With all the layers, you’ll have a great vegetarian entrée or add taco meat or Instant Pot shredded chicken.

• Yield: 15 servings
• Prep: 15 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 container (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese spread
• 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
• 1 cup salsa (we prefer salsa from a jar rather than fresh salsa which can be watery)
• 1 cup sour cream (full fat or reduced fat, not fat free)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see note)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• ½ cup sliced green onions (about 2 green onions, more or less to taste)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
• tortilla chips for serving

Method

1. Spread whipped cream cheese in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or serving platter in an even layer. In a bowl, stir together refried beans and salsa until evenly combined. Spread the bean mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese.
2. In another bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning until combined. Spread carefully over the bean layer.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top of the sour cream and mayo mixture in an even layer.
4. Sprinkle lettuce on top of cheese, and then top with green onions and tomatoes.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

Nutrition information does not include chips.

Make-Ahead Tip: Just make the cream cheese, bean, sour cream and mayo, and cheese layers. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days ahead. Add the fresh ingredients (lettuce, green onions, and tomatoes) right before serving.

We like to use our from-scratch taco seasoning but you could use a packet. We only use two tablespoons of our from-scratch seasoning but if you buy a packet, especially if it’s mild, you can probably use the entire package.