Two versions of the famous Tex-Mex 7-Layer Dip to make for your next party. One quick and easy version and one more sophisticated one for when you have a little bit more time on hand.

What is a 7-layer dip?

A 7-Layer Dip is a Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer that is made up of several “layers” such as sour cream, refried beans, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro. It is often served with tortilla chips for scooping, and is the perfect dish to serve at parties, potlucks, and holidays.

This delicious dip is super easy to prepare and can be made up to a day in advance. The combination of all of the colorful, flavorful ingredients together makes a delicious dip that everyone loves.

What to consider when making a 7-layer dip

1. Choosing a Good Dipping Container

When choosing a good dipping container for a 7-layer dip, it is important to consider size, ease of use, and presentation. A shallow baking dish offers a generous size for a large crowd and allows the dip to spread out evenly. A cylindrical bowl adds a fancier touch. For individual portions, small wide water glasses provide an easy and convenient solution. No matter which container you choose, make sure it’s transparent to show off the beautiful colorful layers.

2. Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for quick and easy 7-Layer Dip laid out on a kitchen counter. — Ingredients Simple 7-Layer Dip

Ingredients for a sophisticated 7-Layer Dip laid out on a kitchen counter. — Ingredients Simple 7-Layer Dip

Refried Beans – you can use canned or homemade, and you can even just use pinto beans without mashing and refrying but refried taste better and offer better texture and “scoopability” for the dip.

Avocado or Guacamole – either is delicious but guacamole obviously way more flavorful and fancy. Definitely don’t skip adding lime or else the avocado will brown super quickly.

Sour Cream – to reduce fat you can use Greek yogurt and to increase creaminess you can use crème fraîche instead but sour cream is your best bet in my opinion.

Ground Beef – this is optional of course and can be left out in a vegetarian version. If you still want to add extra protein but don’t like beef, ground turkey is the best alternative.

Tomato and Scallion or Pico de Gallo – if you’re in a rush just dice a tomato and slice some scallions. If you do want to give your 7-Layer Dip some extra punch, take the time and prep Pico de Gallo. Totally worth it. If Tomatoes aren’t your thing you can totally use red bell pepper instead.

Black Olives – olives in general are always optional in any recipe. I feel like there are only olive lovers and olive haters and no in-between. You do you and don’t let anybody tell you not to ;)

3. How to Make A Great 7-Layer Dip

Layers of sophisticated 7-Layer Dip shown at 90 degree angle. Brown beans first, then green guacamole, then white sour cream, then yellow cheese, then brown ground beef, then red white and green pico de gallo, then black olives.

Step-by-Step Instructions for 7-Layer Dip (watch the video in the recipe card for the visual version):

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Mash your avocado or prep your guacamole, cut up your tomato, or prep your pico de gallo. Brown your ground beef if using. Shred your cheese. Slice your olives etc.
Grab your clear container of choice.
Start with a layer of refried beans. Spread the beans evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread the avocado or guacamole over the beans and then top with sour cream making sure to spread the mixture all the way to the edge.
Make sure you use contrasting colors on each layer and don’t layer similar colors one after the other such as the refried beans and ground beef.
Cover the dip airtight so the avocado or guacamole doesn’t brown too quickly.
Refrigerate the dip if not eating right away.

Enjoy your 7-layer dip!

4. Additions to the Dip

What other additions can be made to a 7-layer dip?

Shredded lettuce
Queso fresco cheese
Cotija cheese
Salsa or your favorite salsa recipe
Chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, red onion, celery, radish etc.

5. Texture Considerations

Simple 7-Layer Dip shown at 90 degree angle to show layers and colors.

When making a 7 layer dip, texture considerations should include the crunch of the tortilla chips, the creaminess of the sour cream, the smoothness of the refried beans, the texture of the shredded cheese, the texture of the diced tomatoes and the texture of the avocado. Additionally, any other ingredients such as diced onion, black olives, jalapeños, or cilantro can add texture contrast to the dip.

6. Making Sure It Stays Fresh

To ensure that your 7-layer dip stays fresh, follow these steps:

Make the dip no more than 24 hours in advance.
Once you have made the dip, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid.
Place the dip in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
When you are ready to serve the dip, remove it from the fridge for about 20 minutes to get it closer to room temperature and not too cold.
Serve within 24 hours for the best results.

How long will a Seven Layer Dip stay fresh in the refrigerator?

A Seven Layer Dip is “edible” for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic cling wrap in the refrigerator. However, after the first 24 hours, the avocado will brown quite a bit and the layers may start to blend into each other and it may not look as good.

The Best 7-Layer Dip Recipes Ever