7 Layer Dip Recipe – THE BEST!

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! 

I’ve been meaning to put this recipe on my site for ages, because it’s 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 and texted her every time I made it until I decided to stop bugging her and just wing it.

So, when I say the credit for this recipe goes to her, it does…but I’m not sure this is the exact recipe any more….sorry if I slaughtered it, Julie! I do think it’s fairly close, and any way you make it, it’s going to be amazing.

This may not be what you traditionally know as 7 layer dip, but I assure you, you’ll never go back after you try this version. 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.

I’m partnering with SpartanNash and I picked up some of their affordable Our Family brand whipped cream cheese for the bottom layer of this dip. Another great thing about using whipped cream cheese is that you can spread it in a nice thin layer without having to soften it, and it makes dipping with a chip easy! No one wants a broken chip, am I right?

You can pick up all the ingredients you need for this dip at your local SpartanNash store, including D&W Fresh Market or Family Fare. I bought mine from Forest Hill Foods. If you’re a Fast Lane shopper, you can add all the ingredients to your list and they’ll have them ready for you to pick up!

I mentioned this when I shared my easy chicken alfredo recipe, but SpartanNash is transitioning their Spartan products to the new Our Family label and I love that they consider their customers family.

In fact, they guarantee their Our Family products:

Our Family Guarantee: “If you’re not satisfied with the quality of any Our Family brand product, simply return it to the store where purchased, and we’ll refund your money AND replace it with a like item of the brand of your choice, free. That’s our guarantee. Because no matter the family, you’re Our Family.”

About this 7 layer dip

Circling back around to this dip, there are a few other differences between this dip and the traditional 7 layer dip you may be used to. One other difference in this dip is instead of just sour cream, you mix sour cream with mayonnaise and add some taco seasoning.

This creamy layer goes right next to the shredded cheese and you’re just going to have to trust me, it’s irresistible. (This isn’t a healthy recipe, folks, but I believe in everything in moderation and some things are worth splurging on – this is one of them!)

Additionally, this dip is made without guacamole or avocado. You could easily add a layer of guacamole (I do occasionally) but typically I leave it out. One of the main reasons I leave it out is that this dip keeps longer without it. You don’t have to worry about the avocado turning brown.

Lastly, instead of plain refried beans, you mix them with salsa. This not only adds great flavor to the dip, but it also makes dipping easier because the beans are a thinner consistency.

What You Need

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Sour Cream + Mayo + Taco Seasoning: You’ll love the flavor of this layer. Much better than plain sour cream!
4. Shredded Cheese: Choose a Mexican blend, pepper jack, colby, cheddar, or crumbled cotija.
5. Lettuce: Finely shredded iceberg lettuce is traditional. I’ve used leaf or romaine lettuce too.
6. Green Onions: Use the green part for the mildest flavor and most color.
7. 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.

FAQs

Make it your own

OF COURSE, if you want, mix things up a little. I usually make this without guacamole but go ahead and add a layer of it if you like. It will be delicious!

You can also 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.

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!).

Storage Tips

If the dip is covered and refrigerated promptly, it will keep 3 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.

Leftover Love

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.

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 with Lemon and Dill. Another popular dip is Healthy Southwestern Black Bean Dip or Edamame Dip.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip Recipe – THE BEST!

4.51 from 81 votes

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

15 servings

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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! 

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 container (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese spread
• ▢ 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
• ▢ 1 cup salsa (see note)
• ▢ 1 cup sour cream (see note)
• ▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see note)
• ▢ 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ▢ 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• ▢ 1/2 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 9×13 casserole 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. Serving size: 1/4 cup. Nutrition information does not include chips.

Notes

• I recommend salsa from a jar rather than fresh, refrigerated salsa which typically have more liquid and can make this dip separate or get watery.
• Use regular full-fat or reduced fat sour cream, not fat free which is too watery and can make the dip separate or get runny.
• 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 529mg, Potassium: 170mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 579IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 155mg, Iron: 1mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

This content and recipe is in partnership with SpartanNash. I was compensated for my time but all opinions are, as always, my own. Thank you for supporting Rachel Cooks by reading about brands we use and love in our own home. Sponsored posts like these help me cover some of the expenses involved with keeping this site free for you to use! 

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