When you want to do the most & make the best, an original recipe is always the way to go! And the original recipe for 7 Layer Dip makes the very best party dip there is! With a special sour cream layer, cheese, salsa, guacamole, refried beans & an old school secret ingredient, this fresh Tex Mex dip will have your friends and family cleaning the dish & asking for more!
There are scads of 7 Layer Dip recipes out there- some with a plain sour cream layer, some with cream cheese, some without taco seasoning, pico instead of salsa- and (because this recipe has been around forever) the list really does goes on. However, I was surprised that the original version is hard to find!
I’m not sure why because, hands down, the original is absolutely the best version! It has a subtle secret ingredient that might say late 70’s early 80’s. But the flavor is so spot on, you’ll never make this dip without it again. No matter what decade it is.
Loaded with all the creamy, dreamy snacky goodness that chip & dip lovers love best, this dip is perfect for tailgates, game days, cookouts & holidays. I can’t think of time when it hasn’t been a hit… or the dish come back empty.
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. -MICHELLI
Behind the Recipe
7 Layer Dip came into our family in the 80’s as the 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. For my mamaw, that was every Friday. And some of the best food we’ve ever tasted came from her Friday visits.
This fancy bean dip was an instant hit the minute it hit our table. She made it for every get together. To me, it tasted like everything I loved about tacos.
What To Know Before Getting Started
I’ll walk through an overview of ingredients, recipe steps & FAQs in this section along with helpful tips. Don’t miss them! Look for specifics in the recipe card & cook along with me using the video at the bottom of post.
What about the Miracle Whip? Mixed with the sour cream and taco seasoning, it adds just the tiniest hint of sweet tanginess. And that is the flavor profile you’re aiming for- a creamy, chipotle, taco dipping sauce. It’s completely old school & completely delicious. No one will ever be able to guess what is, but everyone will want to know! Shhhhhh…
What if you don’t want to buy Miracle Whip just for this recipe? Make only what you need with real mayo using these ingredients!
2 tablespoons real mayo
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How To Make The Best 7 Layer Dip
Prep
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 + 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. (8×8 baking dish, a 9 inch pie plate, 10 inch quiche 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.
Finish with olives & green onions. Add chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with heavy tortilla chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How you make & put this dip together is everything! I’ve gathered up some tips & tricks below to make sure that your old fashioned 7 layer dip is always the best.
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.
How do I keep my dip from being watery?
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. (See also “made ahead of time” above and “the best tomato” below.)
What is the best tomato to use?
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.
Does the guacamole turn brown?
To keep your guacamole from turning brown, completely cover it and seal it off to the edges with the sour cream layer.
How do I keep my layers from mixing together?
I use an ice cream scoop to add dollops of each new layer, then use a spatula to gently connect the dollops together, then out to the edge. Gently work with the top of the dollops. Resist pressing down and spreading. (See the video below to watch exactly how I do it.)
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 no matter how well drained. We rarely have leftovers though because this dip is just that good!
Do I have to use Miracle Whip?
People make the sour cream layer all sorts of ways- with a bit of cream cheese, plain with no taco seasoning- but the original recipe does mix 2 tablespoons Miracle Whip Salad Dressing with the sour cream. And I really do think it is the best tasting version.
If you don’t want to buy Miracle Whip just for this recipe, make only what you need with real mayo using these ingredients!
2 tablespoons real mayo
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Substitutions
I am not a big fan of beans, so sometimes I substitute seasoned taco meat for the refried beans. 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?!
I love to make my own guacamole and salsa instead of buying premade. If you’re thinking you might want to, here are my homemade chunky guacamole and fresh salsa recipes.
My Chip & Dip Party Essentials
Make serving those dips and snacks as fun as it is to eat them! Here are a few of my favorite bowls, platters and trays that I could not throw a dip and snack party without. This post contains affiliate links.
chopped cilantrooptional garnish (not in original recipe)
Get Recipe Ingredients
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.
I help everyday people, like you and me, cook real deal southern food with a sprinkle of Louisiana flavor + finally host those genuine gatherings of family & friends they've been longing for. If making good food AND making memories is your thing, this is your place! Read More
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!
Tara Wilson
Could this be made a day ahead?
Hi, Tara! It sure can! I can’t wait for you to make it!
Michelli Drish
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!