The Best Dip Has 7 Layers (2024)

If you grew up in the States, you’ve probably eaten 7-layer dip. Even if it didn’t feature in your own family’s traditions, you’ve likely run into it at a party or potluck or office happy hour, taking up lots of delicious real estate in its capacious 13 x 9-inch dish.

Whether you’ve made it a million times or are making it for the first time, you’ll find that this recipe represents the best versions of this iconic dish: super easy, super tasty, and semi-homemade.

What Is In 7-Layer Dip?

The million dollar question for 7-layer dip is…what are the seven layers? The original dip was actually from Southern Living magazine, but it was called 6-layer dip. An enterprising home cook from Texas took the recipe and added an extra layer of refried beans and jalapeños.

Beyond the refried beans, 7-layer dip consists of mashed avocado or guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, black olives, and green onions. While this traditional formula has worked for decades, don’t feel restricted to just these layers. You could make this dip with more or fewer layers. Add a layer of seasoned ground beef, for example, or a thin layer of a flavorful mild hot sauce like Valentina.

How Do You Make 7-Layer Dip?

The beauty of this dish is in its assembly, and it is so, so satisfying to put together. It almost feels like play cooking from when you were a kid. The ingredients for each layer are mixed together in bowls, then spread into a 13 x 9-inch dish.

We mix our refried beans with a little salsa and taco seasoning to spice them up, but you can use plain refried beans if you’re keeping it super simple. Similarly, we make our own guacamole because we think fresh tastes best, but if you love store-bought guac, you can certainly substitute that.

Are You Supposed To Heat Up 7-Layer Dip?

7-layer dip should not be heated. It has sour cream and guacamole layers, neither of which respond well to heating. Also, the beauty of this dish is that it’s easy to make ahead of time, transport, and serve, no heating required.

Tips for Making 7-Layer Dip

• Make your own refried beans—While canned refried beans work perfectly in this recipe, earn extra credit by making your own.
• Substitute store-bought guacamole—If desired, you can substitute about 2 1/4 cups of your favorite store-bought guac for the homemade in this recipe.
• Spread with ease—We found that a small offset spatula is the best tool for spreading the beans, sour cream, guac, and salsa into even layers in the dish.
• Use chunky salsa—The best salsa for this dip is a thick and chunky one. For best results, drain the salsa of excess liquid before spreading it over the sour cream. A runnier salsa will still make a perfectly delicious dip, but it may bleed into the sour cream more.
• Show off those layers—Use a glass baking dish so everyone can see the colorful layers of the dip. Part of this dish’s appeal is in its appearance.

Make Ahead

You can assemble 7-layer dip up to 3 days before serving. However, don’t garnish the dish with green onion until right before serving as they tend to dry out.