This classic 7 Layer Bean Dip recipe is the ultimate game day appetizer. It’s layered with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheddar cheese and our favorite toppings making for a colorful, delicious, make-ahead dip that everyone loves.
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Best 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Sometimes you really can’t beat the classics, and this 7 layer dip is absolutely no exception. Whether you make it for the Super Bowl, or a summer BBQ, it’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to know and love. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, involves zero cooking and is gluten-free*!
You can make just exactly as the recipe says, or feel free to spice things (literally). Think of it as a taco dip - anything that tastes great in tacos or nachos will probably taste great in this recipe. We love to add a thin layer of canned green chilis, or else you could purchase refried beans with jalapeno.
If you want to make your 7 layer dip with meat, feel free to add some cooked ground beef, or shredded chicken. Whatever floats your boat!
*Be sure to check the taco seasoning, as some brands contain gluten
What to Serve with 7 Layer Dip
The most classic way to eat this bean dip is with tortilla chips. They’re salty and crunchy - the perfect pairing with this creamy, cold and refreshing dip.
If you want to go a little healthier, another option would be to serve with fresh veggies, like baby carrots or sliced bell peppers.
Ingredients in 7 Layer Bean Dip
- Refried Beans - this recipe calls for the 16oz cans of your favorite brand. If you like a little spice, you could even use the refried beans with jalapeno.
- Salsa - you can use your favorite brand. Hot, medium, mild… they all taste great! It’s a good idea to drain your salsa first, so you don’t end up with a soupy mess.
- Taco Seasoning - any type of taco seasoning mix will work.
- Guacamole - you can make your own, or purchase from the store. It’s best if it has been refrigerated because it will hold up a little more firmly.
- Sour Cream - lite or full fat will work.
- Shredded Cheese - you can use all cheddar, or any cheddar mix.
- Green Onions - you can use both the white and the green part, sliced thinly.
- Tomato - these should be diced, and you can drain these as well if you’d like. Another option is to substitute diced red bell peppers for a little additional crunch.
- Black Olives - you can purchase these pre-sliced, or else slice yourself. If you prefer green olives, use those instead.
- Limes - these can be cut into wedges and squeezed on at the last minute, just before serving.
- Cilantro - this is an optional, but delicious garnish.
- Tortilla Chips - this is our favorite way to eat 7 Layer Bean Dip. You can also serve with fresh veggies, too!
How to Make 7 Layer Bean Dip
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix well and spread into the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish using a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Next, spread the sour cream, followed by the guacamole evenly on top of the sour cream.
- Spoon the salsa evenly over the guacamole, then sprinkle the shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and finally the black olives. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, lightly sprinkle with chopped cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?
If covered tightly, your 7 Layer Bean Dip will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep in mind that any areas where the guacamole is showing will oxidize and begin to turn brown. It's not bad to eat, but doesn't look very pretty. All you’ll need to do to fix it is scrape the surface layer off with a spoon or a spatula and discard.
Do You Warm Up 7 Layer Dip?
This is definitely meant to be a cold dip! It would, however, taste great alongside these other warm dip recipes:
Tips for Making 7 Layer Dip
- Be sure to drain your salsa!
- Serve with a small bowl of lime wedges for people to squeeze on as they like.
- If you want to bulk this up even more, you can make your 7 Layer Bean Dip with meat, such as cooked ground beef or ground turkey.
- For spicy food fans, we suggest adding canned green chilis, or use refried beans with jalapenos.
- Rather than tomatoes, dice red bell peppers for some added crunch.
- You can mix in an 8 oz package of room temperature cream cheese with the refried bean and salsa layer for some additional creaminess.
7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 16 oz cans Refried Beans
- 1 1/2 cups Salsa
- 2 tsp Taco Seasoning
- 13 ounces Guacamole
- 1 1/2 cups Sour Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or any cheddar mix
- 4 whole Green Onions thinly sliced
- 1 large Tomato diced
- 1 4 oz can Black Olives sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro finely chopped for garnish
- 1 large Lime cut into wedges
- Tortilla Chips for Serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix well and spread into the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish using a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Next, spread evenly the sour cream, followed by the guacamole.
- Spoon the salsa evenly over the guacamole, then sprinkle the shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and finally the black olives. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, lightly sprinkle with chopped cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Here are some more of the best simple appetizers!
- Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball
- Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
- Spicy Italian Meatballs
- Homemade Pepper Jack Queso
- Soft Pretzel Bites
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This classic 7 Layer Bean Dip recipe the perfect appetizer for any game day, summer BBQ or quick and easy lunch. It’s layered with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheddar cheese and our favorite toppings making for a colorful, delicious, make-ahead dip that everyone loves.
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