This easy, classic recipe for 7 Layer Dip makes the best Mexican bean dip around! With creamy sour cream, guacamole & refried bean layers, not to mention salsa and a secret ingredient to boot, this traditional party dip will have your friends and family cleaning the dish & asking for more!
What You Need To Make 7 Layer Mexican Dip
- refried beans
- guacamole
- sour cream
- Miracle Whip Dressing
- taco seasoning
- salsa
- sharp cheddar cheese
- tomatoes
- green onions
- black olives
- cilantro (optional garnish)
7 Layer Dip has been around since almost forever. And there are tons of versions & variations to prove it. But this version… well, this little gem is a result of some beauty shop chit chat and recipe swapping. Because in a small town that’s where the important stuff happens- at the beauty shop, when the little ladies gather to get their hair set and such. For my mamaw, that was every Friday. And some of the best food we’ve ever laid our lips on came from her Friday visits.
And that includes this 7 layered culinary party wonder. Loaded with all the creamy, dreamy snacky goodness that chip & dip lovers love best- guac, salsa, cheese, and beans- this dip has it all. It’s perfect for tailgates, game days, picnics, holidays. I can’t think of time when it hasn’t been a hit… or the dish been empty.
How you make & put this dip together is everything! I’ve gathered up some tips & tricks (and a little about the secret ingredient) below to make sure that your 7 layer dip is always the best.
Tips & Notes
- Can this dip be made ahead of time? Yes, the prep work steps can be done ahead of time, but assembly should be done before it’s served. The salsa, even though drained, and the tomatoes can weep and cause the dip to be watery if made in advance.
- Draining the salsa is imperative! The dip will be too watery if this step is skipped. (Look at my ingredients photo- Lots of “juice.” I hadn’t drained that salsa yet!) It’s also the reason thick and chunky salsa is suggested in the ingredients list.
- While we’re talking watery, let’s talk tomatoes. Grape or cherry tomatoes work best when you want a lot of tomato, but don’t need a lot of tomato juice that might make your dish soggy.
- Can you store the leftovers? You can store covered leftovers in the fridge for the next day. Just know that the salsa will weep a little. We rarely have leftovers though because this dip is just that good!
Substitutions
- I am not a big fan of beans, so sometimes I substitute seasoned taco meat for the refried beans. Oh my! It is yummy like that! When I make this change, I don’t add the taco seasoning to the sour cream. You could also make it with taco meat AND beans. I mean, why not?!
- What about the Miracle Whip? Can real mayo be substituted? The answer here is no, not if you want it to taste the same. Mixed with the sour cream and taco seasoning, it adds just a hint of sweet tanginess. And that is the flavor profile you’re aiming for. It’s completely old school & completely delicious. So don’t skip your secret ingredient! No one will ever be able to guess what is, but everyone will want to know! Shhhhhh…
- I love to make my own guacamole instead of buying premade. If you’re thinking you might want to make your own too, here is an awesome fresh recipe you’ll love!
Mexican 7 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 15-16 oz canned refried beans
- 13-16 oz guacamole
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2 tablespoon Miracle Whip Dressing
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 16 oz (your favorite brand) thick & chunky salsa
- 1 C sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 C sliced grape tomatoes
- ½ C sliced green onions
- ÂĽ C sliced black olives
- chopped cilantro optional garnish
Instructions
Prep Work
- In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, taco seasoning and Miracle Whip Dressing. Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix together refried beans and 2 tablespoon of salsa. Set aside. Let the rest of the salsa drain in a mesh strainer over the sink or another bowl until you're ready to use. Slice onions and tomatoes.
Assembly
- Spread refried bean mixture evenly in the bottom of a shallow 1.5 quart dish. Top with guacamole, spreading gently so as not to mix with the beans. Spread the sour cream layer atop the guacamole, also spreading gently. Top the sour cream layer with the drained salsa, gently spreading it evenly across the dip.
- Cover the salsa with layer of grated cheese. Top with chopped tomatoes, then olives & green onions. Add chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with heavy tortilla chips.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Fresh Tex Mex Guacamole
- Ultimate Creamy Chicken Dip
- Queso Dip with Sausage & Collard Greens
- Whipped Feta with Honey Dip
- Southern Cranberries & Cheddar Dip
MAKING IT EASY TO HOST & SERVE
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I made this and brought it to a party. You won’t believe it but several people thanked me for bringing it! A real hit and so delicious.
Hi, Michelli! That’s awesome! Thank you for making this dip and sharing it at a party! Sharing is what good food is all about. And I am so glad your friends loved it. Makes my day!