Assemble up to 4 hours ahead. Add olives and scallions just before serving for freshness.

What makes it seven layers?

Beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, olives, and scallions—the classic seven.

Assorted chips with salsa, cheese, and guacamole dips

Stacked layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, and more

Classic Seven Layer Dip

Name: Classic Seven Layer Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 large dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese; Sliced black olives and sliced scallions (topping)

20 minEasy

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

1 large dish

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

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Classic Seven Layer Dip

Stacked layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, and more

The iconic seven-layer dip with perfectly stacked layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and scallions. Every scoop gets a taste of all seven layers.

20m

Prep Time

Cook Time

20m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Mexican Cuisine Appetizer Snack Gluten-Free

Sarah Chen

December 24, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

This seven-layer dip is the undisputed champion of party dips—seven distinct layers of flavor and texture that everyone scoops through with abandon. The key is spreading each layer evenly for clean, colorful cross-sections.

Ingredients

1 can (16 oz) refried beans
2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup sour cream mixed with 1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Sliced black olives and sliced scallions (topping)

Instructions

1
Spread refried beans in an even layer in the bottom of a 9x13 dish or large, shallow bowl.
2
Spread seasoned sour cream evenly over the beans.
3
Layer guacamole carefully over the sour cream, spreading gently to avoid mixing.
4
Spoon salsa over the guacamole, draining excess liquid first to prevent sogginess.
5
Top with shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and sliced scallions. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

Substitutions

Refried beansBlack bean dip

A smoother, slightly different bean base

Sour creamGreek yogurt

A higher-protein, tangier alternative

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Drain the salsa well before layering to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Use a clear glass dish so guests can see all seven beautiful layers from the side.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 2 days. Best served the day it is made.

Reheating

Serve cold. This dip is not meant to be heated.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (25mg) · 12 servings

Calories220

LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein8g

Carbohydrates14g

Fat16g

Fiber580mg

Sugar4g

Sodium3g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead?: Assemble up to 4 hours ahead. Add olives and scallions just before serving for freshness.
What makes it seven layers?: Beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, olives, and scallions—the classic seven.

Explore More

More Mexican Recipes More Appetizer More Snack Gluten-Free Recipes No-Cook Recipes

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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Instructions

1
Spread refried beans in an even layer in the bottom of a 9x13 dish or large, shallow bowl.
2
Spread seasoned sour cream evenly over the beans.
3
Layer guacamole carefully over the sour cream, spreading gently to avoid mixing.
4
Spoon salsa over the guacamole, draining excess liquid first to prevent sogginess.
5
Top with shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and sliced scallions. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping.

Classic Seven Layer Dip

Classic Seven Layer Dip

Classic Seven Layer Dip

Ingredients

Instructions