7-Layer Bean Dip is a classic chip and dip appetizer that features all of your favorite Mexican ingredients. Refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, shredded lettuce, and olives are carefully layered to create this rich and creamy dish.
This delicious Layered Bean Dip is the perfect addition to your next get-together. The flavors from each layer come together perfectly to create a delicious savory dip.
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You will enjoy the 7 layers of goodness that makes a delicious Mexican inspired appetizer that is easy to make and take on the go.
Why You Will Love This Dip
- Creamy, savory, hearty, and spicy.
- Best served cold - so no need to turn on the oven or stovetop!
- An easy, dump-and-go appetizer.
- Great for serving at any event, holiday or family gathering.
We enjoy delicious dip recipes at our house. A few Mexican inspired dip appetizers that we love to make include this Mexican Layer Dip, Easy Layered Taco Dip In A Jar, and Ranch Taco Dip.
Grab an extra-large bag of your favorite tortilla chips because you’re not going to be able to get enough of this savory and spicy 7-layer dip! This chilled Mexican-inspired dip is a quick and easy, but super flavorful appetizer.
A layer of tender refried beans is topped with cheese, lettuce, olives, and a trio of flavorful sauces to create a shareable snack with just the right amount of spice.
This quick and easy dip is a must-make for your next dinner party, potluck, barbecue, family get-together or game-day party food!
Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions
- Refried Beans - Canned or homemade will act as the creamy, protein-rich base for this hearty dip.
- Guacamole - As spicy or mild as you like. I prefer to make my own, but you can also use a store-bought version.
- Picante Sauce - Or your favorite salsa.
- Shredded Cheese - I like the mild, buttery flavor of Colby jack cheese, but you can use any shredded cheese.
- Sour Cream - Adds a cool and smooth tang.
- Olives - I opted for sliced black olives since they’re so mild in flavor. However, you can use green or kalamata olives instead.
- Shredded Lettuce - Adds a crisp, refreshing element to this rich and spicy dip.
How To Make 7 Layer Bean Dip
- In the bottom of a glass serving dish, spread an even layer of your refried beans.
- Add a layer of guacamole followed by sour cream and then picante sauce.
- Sprinkle on the shredded lettuce, then the shredded cheese, and finally the olives.
- Refrigerate the dip covered with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
- Serve with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping.
How To Store
You can store the 7 layer bean dip in the refrigerator covered in plastic wrap for up to 2 days. However once you have scooped out some of the dip the guacamole may start to brown.
Recipe Tips
- Any leftover 7-layer dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the dip will get a little runny as it chills. You can prevent this by adding the lettuce, picante sauce, and olives just before serving.
- Try serving this 7-layer bean dip with a variety of dippers! Tortilla chips, chopped veggies, and French fries are a few of my favorites.
- Use a rubber or offset spatula to smooth out the layers in your dip. Even layers will give your 7-layer dip a pretty and neat look.
- For presentation purposes, I recommend serving this 7-layer bean dip in a glass dish. This can be a trifle dish, 8x8 baking dish, pie plate, or glass mixing bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since there is guacamole and sour cream in this dip, I recommend serving it cold. Plus, the flavors and texture of this dish are most optimal when the dip is cold.
The longer that 7-layer dip sits in the refrigerator, the runnier it will get. This is due to the extra juices being slowly released from the tomatoes in the picante sauce, shredded lettuce, and olives.
Leftover 7-layer dip makes for a great burrito, quesadilla, or enchilada filling. Simply scoop your leftover dip into a tortilla and grill, bake, or broil to your liking. Add some taco meat, grilled chicken, extra cheese, or enchilada sauce to take these leftovers to the next level!
Recipe Variations
Not a big fan of refried beans? You can use seasoned beef or chicken as the protein layer in this dip instead! Just be sure to cook your meat ahead of time so that it has time to cool before you add it to this 7-layer dip.
Add some extra flavor to this dish with a taco seasoning mix! Stir it into your refried beans or guacamole. You can use your favorite store-bought mix or make your own by combining chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Want to add some extra veggies and greens to this 7-layer bean dip? Try adding some chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cilantro, spinach, jalapenos, or green chilis.
If you want to add some heat to this recipe you can add in some diced jalapeno peppers.
Don’t want to serve this recipe as a dip? You can serve it as nachos or tacos instead! Instead of layering your ingredients inside of a glass serving dish, layer them on top of a platter of tortilla chips or inside of flour tortillas.
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I hope you enjoy this easy 7 Layer Bean Dip! If you try this recipe, please come back and rate it and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from you!
7 Layer Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1¼ cups guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup picante sauce
- 1½ cups shredded lettuce
- 1½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup diced olives
Instructions
- Spread out the refried beans in the bottom of an 8x8 inch glass dish.
- Spread the guacamole out on top of the refried beans followed by the sour cream and picante sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded lettuce on top of the picante sauce followed by the shredded cheese and diced olives.
- Refrigerate the dip covered with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can store this dip in the fridge for up to 2 days when covered with plastic wrap.
- You can use either homemade or store-bought guacamole for this recipe.
- If you want to add some heat to this recipe you can add diced jalapeno peppers.
- You can sub the picante sauce for diced tomatoes.
- This dip goes great with tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, veggies, or as a topping on nachos or tacos.