Pin it My aunt Linda brought this seven-layer dip to every summer gathering I can remember, and it was always the first thing to disappear. One year she showed up empty-handed due to a kitchen disaster, and I swear the entire family felt a collective sense of disappointment. Now I make it for my own friends, watching people hover around the platter before I've even set it down completely.
I once made the mistake of skipping the salsa draining step, thinking it wouldnt matter that much. Half an hour later, the entire bottom layer had turned into a sad, watery mess that no amount of chip scooping could salvage. Now I treat that step like the most important instruction in the whole recipe.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Refried beans: The foundation layer, and mixing taco seasoning directly into the beans transforms them from bland to boldly flavored
- Ripe avocados: They should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy, and mashing them with lime juice keeps them bright green
- Sour cream: Provides the cool, creamy contrast that balances the spiced beans and tangy salsa
- Chunky salsa: Drain it thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve for at least 10 minutes to prevent a soggy dip
- Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack: The double cheese combo delivers both sharp flavor and excellent melting properties
- Black olives: Their briny saltiness cuts through all the rich, creamy layers
- Iceberg lettuce: Adds essential crunch and freshness, plus it looks beautiful sprinkled on top
- Green onions: The final pop of mild onion flavor and vibrant green color
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Season the bean base:
- Mix the refried beans with taco seasoning until completely combined, then spread them in an even layer at the bottom of your serving dish
- Make the guacamole:
- Mash the avocados with lime juice and salt, then fold in the diced onion and tomato before spreading carefully over the beans
- Add the cool layers:
- Spread the sour cream evenly over the guacamole, then top with the well-drained salsa
- Layer on the cheese:
- Sprinkle both cheeses evenly across the salsa layer, covering it completely
- Finish with toppings:
- Scatter the black olives, shredded lettuce, and green onions on top, then refrigerate for at least one hour before serving
Pin it My roommate in college would literally stand at the refrigerator eating this straight from the container with a fork. I cant say I blamed her.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Making It Ahead
This dip actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator, so feel free to assemble it in the morning for an evening party. The one exception is the lettuce layer, which can get slightly wilted after more than 6 hours.
Chip Strategy
Sturdy restaurant-style tortilla chips work best here because they need to scoop through multiple layers without breaking. Flimsy chips will shatter and leave your guests frustrated.
Serving Success
A glass or clear plastic serving dish lets guests appreciate all those beautiful layers before they dig in. Set out serving spoons alongside the chips, even though most people will just dive right in with their scoops.
- Keep extra chips nearby because this goes faster than you expect
- Provide small plates to avoid double-dipping situations
- Consider doubling the recipe for larger crowds
Pin it Watch how quickly people gather around this platter, and you'll understand why it's been a party staple for decades.
Recipe FAQs
- → How far in advance can I make this?
Assemble up to 4 hours before serving. The dip holds up well but avoid making it the night before as the layers can become soggy.
- → Can I use store-bought guacamole?
Yes, store-bought guacamole works fine. Just ensure it's well-seasoned and spread it evenly over the bean layer.
- → How do I prevent watery layers?
Drain your salsa thoroughly through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it. Pat the guacamole ingredients dry and ensure sour cream isn't too thin.
- → What size dish works best?
A shallow 9x13-inch dish provides ideal proportions for all seven layers. The shallow depth makes it easy to scoop through all layers.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Substitute dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese shreds. Check that your refried beans contain no lard. The result is still delicious.
