7-Layer Dip

In my book, a Super Bowl party really isn’t complete without a 7-layer dip. This classic party dip is layered with all your favorites—refried beans, creamy sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and more—all in one bite. If you usually turn to the store-bought version, trust me—it’s worth making it at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the easiest last-minute app to prepare when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How To Make 7-Layer Dip

INGREDIENTS

• Refried Beans: You can use canned refried beans for ease, but there is something truly unbeatable about homemade refried beans.
• Sour Cream & Taco Seasoning: A sour cream-lime-juice-taco seasoning mixture creates a creamy, tangy second layer. If you want to go above and beyond, make our homemade taco seasoning.
• Guacamole: While you can totally use store-bought if you're low on time, I’m partial to our guacamole recipe. It takes less than 10 minutes and 5 ingredients to create our fav homemade guac, and I promise: it takes this already great dip up a notch.
• Shredded Cheese: I like to use a mix of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar, but use whatever shredded cheese you prefer.
• Salsa: I prefer a chunky salsa, but use whatever kind is your favorite. If you really want to get fancy, try making your salsa from scratch too! You can always make extra, and serve it as an extra dip alongside your 7-layer masterpiece. Feel like switching things up? Layer on salsa verde instead, or really whatever your favorite variety is.
• Lettuce: This creamy dip needs a bit of crunch on top, and shredded lettuce is the ideal star player. Layer on as much or as little as you want based on how much of a crunch you want.
• Tomatoes & Black Olives: There are plenty of ways to top 7-layer dip, but grape tomatoes and olives are my favorite. That being said, you don’t have to stop there. Top with candied jalapeños, or add pico de gallo on top (really, you can’t go wrong when it comes to toppings).

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Before layering our dip, let’s make the sour cream mixture. Stir together sour cream, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl, then set aside. Feel free to taste and adjust!

Now, we can get to layering. My ideal dip starts with a layer of refried beans, followed by the sour cream mixture. Make sure to press your refried beans down into the pan to create an even layer, and spread your sour cream mixture evenly on top.

Then, add your (store-bought or homemade) guacamole, and sprinkle your cheese on top.

Top with an even layer of salsa, then add on your toppings. Lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives are my ideal toppings, but go crazy with your favorite taco-inspired toppings!

Once your 7-layer dip is topped to perfection, grab the corn chips, and dig in!

Full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• How do I layer 7-layer dip? My preferred order is refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and toppings. If you accidentally layer some ingredients out-of-order, don’t stress! It really won’t affect the dip too much. However you decide to layer, we recommend keeping your base as the thick refried beans, and saving the cheese and salsa for the top layers to make them more distinct.
• Do I serve this dip hot or cold? The layers of sour cream and guac in this dip make it best served cold. If you're looking for a hot dip, check out our refried bean dip, jalapeño popper dip or black bean dip for cheesy, warming dips to dunk into.

Storage

Though I think this dip is best consumed in the first 24 hours, leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. I recommend removing the toppings before refrigerating to avoid them growing soggy in the fridge.