7 Layer Dip
7-Layer Dip is a classic crowd-pleasing appetizer that features layers of delicious ingredients stacked high in a dish, creating a flavorful and satisfying dip perfect for any occasion. This versatile dish is a staple at parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings, offering a medley of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Why Make 7-Layer Dip
7-Layer Dip is not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up a flavorful dip that will impress your guests and have them coming back for more. This recipe allows for customization, so you can adjust the layers to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any gathering.
How to Make 7-Layer Dip
- Warm the Refried Beans: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the refried beans for 2-3 minutes or until easily combined when stirred. Spread the warmed beans into a deep dish pie plate or an 8×8 baking dish, creating an even layer at the bottom.
- Layer the Guacamole: Spread the guacamole evenly over the top of the refried beans, creating the second layer of the dip.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, room temperature cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Spread this creamy mixture over the guacamole layer, creating the third layer of the dip.
- Add the Remaining Layers: Layer on the shredded Mexican blend cheese, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions, in that order, creating the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh layers of the dip, respectively.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the 7-Layer Dip with tortilla chips and pork rinds for dipping. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures with every scoop!
Serving Suggestions
7-Layer Dip is best served as a party appetizer or snack alongside a variety of dippables such as tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. You can also serve it as part of a larger spread with other appetizers and finger foods for a complete party experience.
Storage Information
Any leftover 7-Layer Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover the dish tightly to prevent the dip from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Allow the dip to come to room temperature before serving leftovers.
Some Techniques or Tips
- Customize the layers to suit your taste preferences by adding or omitting ingredients. For example, you can add a layer of cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- For a spicy kick, mix some chopped jalapenos into the creamy sour cream and cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the guacamole layer.
- Make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in an even more delicious dip.
FAQs about 7-Layer Dip
- Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the 7-Layer Dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any flavors from mingling with other items in the fridge.
- Can I use store-bought guacamole and refried beans for this recipe? Absolutely! Using store-bought guacamole and refried beans is a convenient option and will save you time in the kitchen. Just make sure to choose high-quality brands for the best flavor.
- Can I make this dip healthier? Yes, you can make substitutions to make this dip healthier, such as using low-fat sour cream and cream cheese, reducing the amount of cheese used, and adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers or shredded lettuce to increase the nutritional value.
Recipe Card
7-Layer Dip
Equipment
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Mixing Bowl
- Deep Dish Pie Plate or 8x8 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refried beans (approximately 2 cups, homemade or store-bought)
- 12 ounces guacamole (approximately 1 1/2 cups, homemade or store-bought)
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 3 ounces canned sliced black olives
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Warm the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes or until easily combined when stirred. Spread the beans into a deep dish pie plate or an 8×8 baking dish.
- Spread the guacamole over the top of the beans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the guacamole layer.
- Layer on the shredded cheese, black olives, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips and pork rinds for dipping. Enjoy your 7-layer dip!
