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7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe

7 layer bean dip is an extremely versatile Mexican dip and makes an easy party food recipe. You can assemble this bean dip recipe in 15 minutes and serve with a variety of chips and breads. Layers of refried beans, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, olives, green onions, and cheese come together for a hearty and satisfying appetizer.

This 7 layer bean dip is one of the easiest to make because it requires very little prep, is served chilled, and can be changed up to include any additional ingredients that you love. You can use it for loaded nachos too! Add some taco meat and you have yourself a platter of delicious flavors and textures that makes a full meal all on its own.

7 Layer Dip
top the 7 layered dip with green onions

Set a bowl of tortilla chips next to a pan of this layered bean dip at your next large gathering. This is a perfect choice for summer bbq appetizers and game days. We love how versatile and tasty this dip is. Unlike queso cheese dips, this one has interesting textures and a variety of flavors.

Make it your own with your favorite additions and garnishes. You can increase the heat with hot salsa, chilis, and fresh peppers; or, keep it mild and welcoming for a large crowd with different preferences. One of our favorite things about this 7 layer bean dip is the simplicity of it. It’s a fantastic last minute appetizer that can be added to your menu even on the day of.

Seven Layered Dip.

This is a good choice for an easy make ahead party recipe. You can make it, cover it and keep it in the fridge a day ahead. We suggest making this 7 layer bean dip in a glass container that has a fixable lid for easy storage and transportation if you are bringing it to an event.

Make it a day ahead

This one is simple to assemble right in the dish, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve your guests. We do recommend allowing it to warm just a bit before serving. This will help soften the heavier ingredients like the beans. Otherwise, it can be difficult to scoop without the chips breaking.

Serve this 7 layer bean dip for tailgate parties, bbq picnics, and family gatherings

This 7 layer bean dip can be created in several forms. We give you some ideas below for variations. It’s always a crowd pleaser. Enjoy!

  • Make it a melty hot dip and serve with sour cream and guac on the side
  • Add corn, lime juice, and Mexican cheeses for added flavor
  • Garnish with a layer of chopped iceberg lettuce for an extra kick of freshness and crunch
  • Add pickled jalapenos
  • Throw in some diced red onion
  • Load it up as a scoopable side to enjoy with meats like ground beef, shredded steak or chicken
  • Serve in individual portions layered in plastic cups for grab and go options similar to walking tacos
  • Offer a variety of chips like tortilla, Frito corn chips, lime infused, or hot Cheetos

How to make the best 7 layer bean dip

Using fresh, ripe, good quality ingredients is the secret to making the best 7 layer bean dip. Because it is such a simple dish, the secret is in the flavor, and we all know the best flavors come from the best ingredients.

  • Look for ripe avocados that have a slight give when you squeeze, the stem falls off to reveal a cream colored center, and the skin isn’t pulling away from the meat of the avocado
  • Making your guacamole from scratch with fresh seasonings will really bring the flavors to the forefront
  • Use a high quality salsa or make your own
  • A thick, creamy, fresh sour cream will go a long way in texture and flavor
  • Good quality cheeses that have been freshly grated are far superior to pre-shredded cheeses
  • Make sure you wait to garnish your 7 layer bean dip until right before serving to avoid wilting or drying out
7 Layer Dip 1

Loaded Nachos are probably the next best variation for a 7 layer bean dip

It couldn’t be easier to get a loaded and delicious meal from the 7 layer bean dip than by turning it into a tray of hot, loaded nachos. Simply assemble a baking sheet full of your favorite tortilla chips. Bake them at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes to get them hot and lightly toasted.

We recommend warming the refried beans slightly to make them more spreadable. Then, using a spatula, gently spread the beans over the chips. Make your favorite taco seasoned meat mixture to layer over the beans.

Follow with the guacamole and sour cream. Repeat the layers as many times as you would like, and finish with the fresh toppings.

Layered Bean Dip Variations

  • Mix rotel tomatoes into the refried beans for some added flavor and spice
  • Choose your favorite hot pepper to add extra spice
  • Add a meat layer over the beans for a meal replacer
  • Add fresh chopped tomatoes and green onions to the top of this dip for a pretty finishing touch
  • Mix the sour cream with taco seasoning
  • Choose your favorite salsa
  • Chop up fresh cilantro to garnish the top of this dip

This recipe can stand alone with a meat layer and become a yummy Mexican meal.

Easy 7-Layer Bean Dip Printable Recipe Card

7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Yield: one 8 x 8 inch pan-about 25 servings

7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

7 layer bean dip is a very popular chip dip. There are many ways to present this party dip. Here is our basic layered bean dip recipe. Our notes section will have more options for presentation and flavors. It's always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz. Can Refried beans
  • 1 15 oz. can olives
  • 1 cup Salsa (we use Pace brand)
  • 1 Cup Sour cream
  • 2 Avocados
  • 1 package guacamole seasonings
  • 1 Cup Mexican cheese blend-fine
  • 1 Cup minced green onions

Instructions

To prepare:

  1. Deseed the avocados and scoop the pulp into a bowl.
  2. Add the guacamole seasoning to the avocado and mash together. Set aside.
    Mince the olives (You can mince jalapeño pepper in with them for a kick). Set aside.
  3. Mince the green onions. Set aside.

Assembly:

  1. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of your transparent 8 x8 pan.
  2. Smooth the prepared mashed avocado over the beans.
  3. Dollop the sour cream carefully over the avocado and spread it evenly. You can add more (up to double) sour cream to your taste.
  4. Spread your preferred salsa over the sour cream.
  5. Sprinkle the Mexican cheeses over the salsa layer.
  6. Spread the olives evenly over the cheese layer.
  7. Top with the minced green onions.


Garnishes:

  1. Arrange fresh chopped tomatoes over the onions
  2. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the onions.

Notes

Variations:

  1. Mince the olives together with your favorite Hot pepper to bring up the spiciness.
  2. Change the top layer order for different presentations. For example put the olives over the sour cream and then the cheese.
  3. Stir Rotel tomatoes into the refried beans.
  4. Add taco seasonings to the refried beans.
  5. Use canned tomatoes as a layer instead of the salsa.

Nutrition Information

Yield

30

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 84Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 8mgSodium 239mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 2g

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Looking for more party dip ideas?

And if you are looking for more appetizers and party food, check these out too!

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7 layer bean dip is an extremely versatile Mexican dip

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