Fresh 7 Layer Dip (Classic Recipe) - Lauren's Latest (2024)

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This 7 Layer Dip is a classic appetizer that everyone loves! Packed with beans, cheese, salsa and all things Mexican, grab some chips and dig in! For all your party needs, check out my recipe archive of appetizers! I love love love this recipe because (1) it’s so simple to make, your kids could do it (2) it’s the kind of appetizer you could bring to a party and know everyone will love it (3) it’s full of vegetables and beans so you don’t need to feel the least bit of guilt for eating the entire thing (4) you don’t have to turn the stove on.

What’s in 7 Layer Dip?

My 7 Layer Dip is absolutely loaded with goodies. The main seven layers are black beans, sour cream, salsa, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado. Plus a garnish of cilantro, lime juice, and scallions.

Easy Substitutions

If you don’t have my full list of ingredients to make this recipe as stated, feel free to make it your own by subbing out and adding in ingredients. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:

• Black Beans – I use black beans that I mash up a little bit. It’s easier to dip your chip into without breaking, it leaves a better texture and black beans means no fat! Feel free to use another type of bean.
• Sour Cream – I like to use the light stuff but you can use full fat too.
• Salsa – any jarred or homemade salsa works here. I buy the southwest kind.
• Cheddar Cheese – this is simple and affective. You can always experiment here and switch out cheddar for pepper jack, queso fresco or cotija cheese.
• Roma Tomatoes, Green Bell Pepper and Avocado – lots of healthy fresh produce in this chip dip. Use whichever veggies you like best! Or even try some peppers (jalapeños or poblanos are great)!
• Cilantro, Lime Juice, Scallion, and Black Pepper – if you don’t like cilantro you can simply omit it!

Can I Add Meat?

Absolutely! You can cook some ground beef, chicken, or pulled pork in some store bought or homemade taco seasoning for a fantastic 8th layer.

How to Make 7 Layer Dip

So, technically this recipe has more than seven layers if you include the lime juice and cilantro, but all are so delicious scooped all together with some chips or crackers.

Prep Ingredients

Open can of black beans, rinse, and drain well. Grate your cheese, if needed. Dice your tomatoes, green peppers, and avocado. Chop green onions and cilantro.

Layer Your Ingredients

Here are your layers, starting with the bottom:

1. Pour beans onto a serving platter and mash coarsely with a fork. Spread beans evenly over the entire platter.
2. Spread sour cream over top beans.
3. Spoon salsa by the tablespoon over top sour cream layer and then spread gently to coat but not mix into the sour cream.
4. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top salsa layer.
5. Top with fresh diced tomatoes.
6. Sprinkle green peppers over the top of the entire dish.
7. Sprinkle avocado pieces over top of the dish.

Garnish

Squeeze lime juice over the avocado. Top with ground salt & pepper. Sprinkle green onions and chopped cilantro over the top of the entire dish.

Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to Serve 7 Layer Dip

This simple 7 Layer Dip recipe is such an easy and fun appetizer. It is always served cold, usually with salty tortilla chips. You could also do corn tortilla chips, Fritos, or even Doritos if you’d like.

I recommend making and serving this recipe in a shallow dish or plate like the one pictured. That makes it easier to get all 7 layers onto one chip!

How Long Will This Last?

7 layer dip can last 3-4 days in the fridge, covered well. However the longer it’s stored the more the ingredients run together making it kind of watery. It won’t look good but rest assured it’ll still taste good! Use any leftover dip in burritos or tacos.

Can You Make This Dip the Night Before?

Yes! You can make this dip up to 24 hours beforehand. Just be sure to top it all off with that lime juice to help preserve the green on the avocados (avocado oxidates with the air and turns brown over time…still completely edible, just not pretty). Alternately, you can make this whole dip without the avocado, then slice and top it with the avocado right before serving to preserve that bright green color.

Does it Freeze Well?

I know so many of you are crazy about making things in advance and freezing them, but I would not recommend freezing this 7 Layer Dip. Some food can change textures after being frozen and then thawed out. Also, the fresh tomatoes would not thaw well and add a lot of moisture to the overall dip. No thanks.

More Mexican Dips to Try!

• Cowboy Caviar or Creamy Cowboy Caviar
• Macro Friendly Protein Refried Beans
• Beef Enchilada Dip
• Classic Guacamole Recipe
• Amazing Pico de Gallo Recipe
• Jalapeño Queso Fundido
• Roasted Jalapeño Queso

There you have it, friends, an easy 7 Layer Dip loaded with goodies and perfect for parties, as a side, or even as a nice snack to eat throughout the day! The printable recipe card is down below, enjoy!