This isn’t your ordinary 7 layer dip recipe – it has a couple unique layers that make it really stand out from the crowd. Make it for your next party and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Seven layer dip is always very popular at get-togethers! It makes a big batch but just watch it disappear.
How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: large serving platter or dish
Servings: 15
This is one of my favorite party recipes. It’s absolutely perfect for game day parties!
The problem is I always tend to overeat because I can’t get enough of it. Same thing with poblano queso dip or Mexicali dip! Don’t get me started with black bean and avocado salad which is a fantastic dip. And lately I’ve been loving this Mexican corn dip.
All the credit for this one goes to my former neighbor and good friend, Julie. I first tried this at Julie’s house and immediately became obsessed with it (you will too!). After I tried it the first time, I got the recipe from her to make it myself. And then I lost the recipe, so when I say the credit for this recipe goes to her, it does, and I do think it’s fairly close. Any way you make it, it’s going to be amazing.
About this Layered dip
It has a “secret” ingredient. The true genius behind this recipe is the whipped cream cheese. It’s a surprising layer in this dip and (in my opinion) is what makes it truly irresistible. Another advantage to using whipped cream cheese is that you can spread it in a nice thin layer without having to soften it. It keeps the dip soft enough to be very dippable.
Extra flavorful. There are a few more differences between this dip and the traditional 7 layer dip you may be used to. Instead of a plain sour cream layer, you mix sour cream with mayonnaise and add taco seasoning for lots of flavor. This creamy layer goes right next to the shredded cheese and you’re just going to have to trust me, it’s irresistible.
Even the beans have extra flavor. Instead of plain refried beans, you mix the beans with salsa. This not only adds great flavor to the dip, but it also makes dipping easier because the beans are a thinner consistency. If you like to make your own beans, try crockpot refried beans or Instant Pot refried beans.
This dip keeps well. Because this recipe is made without guacamole or avocado, the dip keeps longer. You don’t have to worry about the avocado turning brown. Feel free to add a guacamole layer if you like though.
Make your own chips! Did you know you can make baked tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips right at home using plain ol’ corn tortillas? It’s super easy and nothing’s quite like fresh warm chips.
Cooking Tip
Traditional 7 layer dip usually includes sliced black olives. I don’t add them because I don’t care for black olives but feel free to sprinkle them on if you like ’em. The same goes for any part of this dip. Don’t like something? Just omit it!
What You Need & What is in Each Layer
- Whipped Cream Cheese: Choose the plain unflavored kind. A block of cream cheese won’t work as well because it’s too stiff and doesn’t spread (or dip) easily.
- Beans + Salsa: Choose your favorite brand of refried beans and stir in a little salsa (again, any kind you prefer) to flavor the beans and to give them a softer consistency. The jarred variety of salsa works better than fresh salsa.
- Sour Cream + Mayo + Taco Seasoning: You’ll love the flavor of this layer. Much better than plain sour cream!
- Shredded Cheese: Choose a Mexican blend, pepper jack, colby, cheddar, or crumbled cotija.
- Lettuce: Finely shredded iceberg lettuce is traditional. I’ve used leaf or romaine lettuce too.
- Green Onions: Use the green part for the mildest flavor and most color.
- Tomatoes: Any kind of fresh tomato is fine. If they are super juicy, you may want to squeeze the juice out so it doesn’t pool on the dip.
This dip recipe is served cold because of the cream cheese, sour cream, and lettuce. If you’re more in the mood for a warm queso type dip, try queso blanco in the slow cooker or healthy queso dip with butternut squash.
Make it your own
You can add different toppings. Chopped fresh cilantro is a great addition to this dip. If you like a little heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top of the dip. Finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeño peppers are good, too.
If you’re looking for a really special touch, learn how to pickle red onions and sprinkle a few of those on this! They add a burst of flavor that can’t be beat. Pickled radishes are similar and super delicious!
Have fun with this 7 layer dip and make it your own but don’t skip that cream cheese layer (just trust me on this one!).
If the dip is covered and refrigerated promptly, it will keep up to 4 days. If it’s been setting out for a few hours, with lots of people dipping into it, you may just want to toss it.
I wouldn’t freeze this dip because cream cheese, sour cream, and lettuce don’t fare well in the freezer.
Lots of dip left over? Add it to a burrito, taco, or quesadilla. With all the layers, you’ll have a great vegetarian entrée or add taco meat or Instant Pot shredded chicken.
More Dip Recipes
Everyone always loves this baked Brie recipe with cranberries and bourbon pecans! It’s perfect for the holidays. Hot chocolate dip is always a big hit too. It’s cool and creamy, with whipped topping, hot chocolate mix, and marshmallow fluff. It’s delicious any time of the year!
If you like warm cheesy dips, try slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, baked goat cheese dip with lemon and thyme, or Mexican spinach dip.
Looking for a healthier dip? Try my healthy ranch dressing recipe or whipped feta. Another popular dip is healthy southwestern black bean dip or edamame dip. My spinach dip substitutes Greek yogurt for some of the mayo and is super popular.
7 Layer Dip Recipe – THE BEST!
Ingredients
- 1 container (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese spread
- 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
- 1 cup salsa (I prefer salsa from a jar rather than fresh salsa which can be watery)
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat or reduced fat, not fat free)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see note)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup sliced green onions (about 2 green onions, more or less to taste)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Spread whipped cream cheese in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or serving platter in an even layer. In a bowl, stir together refried beans and salsa until evenly combined. Spread the bean mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese.
- In another bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning until combined. Spread carefully over the bean layer.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of the sour cream and mayo mixture in an even layer.
- Sprinkle lettuce on top of cheese, and then top with green onions and tomatoes.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include chips.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Just make the cream cheese, bean, sour cream and mayo, and cheese layers. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days ahead. Add the fresh ingredients (lettuce, green onions, and tomatoes) right before serving.
- I like to use my homemade taco seasoning but you could use a packet. I only use two tablespoons of my homemade seasoning but if you buy a packet, especially if it’s mild, you can probably use the entire package.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I have made this dip, for pitch-ins, everybody raves over it! I have never brought any home.
Thanks, Carolyn, so glad you like it. It’s always a hit!
You share great delicious recipes thank you very much.
You’re very welcome!
Hi – I like this recipe it feels crisper and lighter than others. If you were to add avocado or quac – where would you add that layer?
I’d put it between the beans and the sour cream layer. :)
This dish goes over so well with anyone I have served it to. I always share where the recipe came from! Thank you!
So glad you like it! Thanks for leaving a review!
Wonderful!
Thank you so much!
What is in your Mexican seasoning?
This is my recipe for homemade taco seasoning: https://www.rachelcooks.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
A friend made this years ago and I loved it. Lost the recipe and had to ask her to send me link. Making it for Cinqo de Mayo.
I’m so glad you like it! thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
I love this version. Whipped cream cheese is hard to find at the moment. I love the way you combined the salsa with the refried beans and that you put the taco seasoning with the sour cream mixture.
You could use a hand mixer to whip a block of cream cheese yourself if you can’t find the whipped cream cheese!