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This classic 7-Layer Dip recipe is the ultimate party appetizer, featuring seasoned refried beans, fresh guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions layered in one delicious dish. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
7 Layer Dip never goes out of style.
This 7-layer dip is pure nostalgia for me; every family gathering, game day, and potluck from my childhood. I love how deceptively simple it is, you're basically just stacking ingredients, yet somehow it always feels like you've created something special. I always have most of these ingredients on hand, so it's become my go-to “emergency appetizer” when people are coming over. It just works, every single time.
Try my other dip recipes, like Homemade Ranch Dressing, Homemade Salsa, Classic Cheese Ball, Cowboy Caviar, and Hummus!
How to make 7-Layer Bean Dip:
Mash Avocado and Flavor Beans: Add 1 Tablespoon of lime or lemon juice to prevent the avocado from going brown. If you are using canned refried beans, use spices to add some flavor. You can even stir in some green sauce too.
Layer: In a 9×13 dish or similar size, layer the ingredients starting with refried beans. Spread refried beans into an even layer then cover with mashed avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, olives, and finally green onion on top. Feel free to add any other toppings you love! Cover and refrigerate 7 layer dip until it's ready to serve with tortilla chips.
7 Layer Bean Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz cans refried beans, (black or pinto)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 avocados, , peeled and seeded
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice, (or lemon juice)
- 8 oz sour cream
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, , cheddar or Monterrey Jack
- 6 ounces sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, , chopped
- 1 roma tomato, diced, for garnish (optional)
- tortilla chips, , for serving
Instructions
- Season beans: Add the refried beans to a mixing bowl. Season with chili powder, cumin and garlic powder. Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Spread beans into a single layer on a large serving plate or in a 9×13'' pan.2 15 oz cans refried beans, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Mash avocado: Add avocado and lemon/lime juice to a bowl and mash well with a fork. Spread into an even layer, over the beans.3 avocados, 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- Layer: Spread sour cream into an even layer, over the avocado. Dollop small spoonfuls of salsa next. Sprinkle with cheese, olives, and lastly, green onion. We also like to add a diced tomato for garnish (optional).8 oz sour cream, ¾ cup salsa, 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, 6 ounces sliced black olives, 2 green onions, 1 roma tomato
- Refrigerate until ready to serve (can be made a day in advance). Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe September 2017. Updated February 2021, June 2024 and January 2026.
Can this Mexican dish be heated or not
This dip is meant to be served cold. Here’s our favorite warm dip to try: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/cheesy-bean-dip/
Great recipe.I added diced green cabbage, then I used 1/2 chopped jalapeño over the sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro as garnish with the sliced cherry tomatoes. Festive and delish.
So easy and delicious!
It was delicious. I added shreaded lettuce and diced jalapeños as a layer too. Good recipe
This is a great recipe. Thank you so much.
Amy’s lower sodium, organic refried black beans worked very, very well. I mixed them with diced green chilies for the first layer.
The only way to eat bean dip in my opinion. So easy, so good, and it’s always a crowd pleaser. Love this recipe!
I used to make a similar recipe to this. Refried beans mixed well with salsa and spread on the bottom, (in a bowl, mash the avocados, add the sour cream and add taco seasoning and mix well) spread this on top of the beans, add a layer of cheese, a layer of diced green onions, a layer of tomatoes, a layer of olives and serve chips or pita toast on the side.
This is he exact recipe I used to make 7-Layer Bean Dip while in college back in the 1980. IMHO, this the absolute best recipe and there was never any dip left. Sometimes we just at this in place of a meal. Delish stuff!!!
Thank you going to try this recipe it was just what I was looking for game day and my guys! It looks simple and yummy!
I love this recipe! Delicious and so easy!