Ultimate 7 Layer Dip is a colorful and tasty crowd-pleaser that’s packed with layers of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful ingredients. You’ll find refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions all stacked perfectly in one dish. It’s a fun mix of textures and flavors that everyone loves to scoop up with crunchy tortilla chips.
I always like to make this dip when we have friends over or for game day snacks because it’s easy to put together and looks so inviting. One tip I’ve learned is to chill it for a bit before serving, so the layers set nicely and the flavors have time to blend. I promise, the waiting is worth it!
My favorite part about this dip is how it brings people together. Everyone reaches in, grabs their chips, and shares laughs over the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and cheesy bites. It’s simple but always a hit, and I never get tired of it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Refried beans: They form the base and add heartiness. If you want to keep it lighter, try black beans mashed with a pinch of cumin. For convenience, canned is great, just drain any excess liquid.
Guacamole: Fresh avocado mashed with lime juice is best for creaminess and freshness. Store-bought works fine too—look for one without preservatives. You can swap with mashed avocado if you prefer.
Sour cream: Brings a cool tang to balance spicier layers. For a healthier version, try Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Salsa: Choose your heat level here. Mild is good if you want to keep it family-friendly, but medium or hot salsa adds a nice kick.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and has bold flavor. You can mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or use Mexican cheese blends. For lactose-free diets, consider vegan cheese substitutes.
Toppings: Black olives, diced tomatoes, and green onions add color and fresh crunch. If you want, add jalapeños for extra spice or swap olives with sliced pickled jalapeños.
How Can I Keep the Layers Neat and Beautiful?
Layering is key to making this dip look as good as it tastes. Here’s how to keep it neat:
- Use a wide, clear dish so layers show nicely.
- Spread each layer gently with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Don’t mix layers—especially when adding salsa on top of sour cream, spoon carefully.
- Let the dip chill for at least 1 hour; this helps layers settle and flavors combine.
- If you want perfect edges, spread each layer out to the edges of the dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch glass or clear dish – it shows off the colorful layers beautifully and makes serving easy.
- Spoon or small spatula – helps spread each layer smoothly without mixing them.
- Measuring cups – to keep your layers even and balanced.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for dicing tomatoes and slicing green onions and olives neatly.
- Bowl for mixing guacamole or sour cream if you want to add extra seasoning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap refried beans for black beans seasoned with cumin for a different bean flavor and texture.
- Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken under the cheese for a protein boost that makes it a heartier snack.
- Mix chipotle powder into the sour cream for a smoky kick that pairs well with the fresh layers.
- Top with diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like more heat in your dip.
How to Make Ultimate 7 Layer Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup guacamole (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- Optional: ½ tsp taco seasoning (for beans)
- Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge before serving. The chilling helps the flavors blend and keeps the layers firm for easy dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Refried Beans:
If you like a little extra flavor, stir the taco seasoning into the refried beans. Spread the beans evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch glass baking dish.
2. Add Cheese and Guacamole Layers:
Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beans. Then carefully spread the guacamole on top of the cheese, smoothing it out gently.
3. Add Sour Cream and Salsa Layers:
Spread the sour cream in an even layer over the guacamole. Next, spread the salsa gently on top of the sour cream, being careful not to blend the layers.
4. Final Toppings and Chill:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the salsa. Add the sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and the white parts of the green onions evenly on top. Finish by scattering the green parts of the onions and fresh cilantro if you like. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve chilled or at room temperature with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors all layered in one delicious dip!
Can I Make Ultimate 7 Layer Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare all the layers and refrigerate the dip for up to 24 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if needed.
Can I Use Frozen or Homemade Guacamole?
Absolutely! Fresh guacamole gives the best flavor, but store-bought or homemade frozen guacamole works fine too. If using frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortilla chips separate to avoid sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Refried Beans?
You can use mashed black beans seasoned with cumin and chili powder as a tasty alternative, or try whole black beans for a chunkier texture if you prefer.