This 7-Layer Bean Dip is the ultimate game-day/party food. It’s packed with delicious flavors and is so easy to assemble.
Some other favorite game-day favorites: Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Baked Potato Dip, and Ham and Cheese Sliders.
7 Layer Bean Dip
Of all the appetizers out there, a good 7-Layer Bean Dip has always been one of my favorites. Growing up, my mom used to make this dip all the time. She’d make 2-3 separate dips, place them in the center of the snack-bar, and all 9 of us would crowd around the dips and eat them for lunch or dinner. We were never patient enough to spoon out the dip onto individual plates– it was just grab chips and GO before it’s all gone!
As game day approaches, there’s nothing better than easy, delicious appetizers and finger foods! This 7-Layer Bean Dip can be made ahead of time, goes great with chips and/or veggie sticks, and it’s a pretty well-rounded game-day appetizer.
What’s In 7-Layer Bean Dip?
- Refried beans: I mix these with some salsa to amp up the flavor! Make your own refried beans or use any canned refried beans.
- Guacamole: Make your own guacamole or buy your favorite brand, make sure you pick one with your preferred spice level.
- A mixture of sour cream + taco seasoning: You can make your own taco seasoning or use a packaged mix. I use full fat cream cheese but fat free sour cream works for a lighter option.
- Salsa: I love making this quick 5-minute blender salsa but any store-bought chunky salsa will work here.
- Cheese: Use a Mexican blend or sharp Cheddar shredded cheese.
- Olives: Buy pre-sliced olives or thinly slice them yourself.
- Green onions/fresh cilantro: A few fresh herbs add so much to this dish — use one or both!
Combine the following spices in a small bowl and whisk together. (This spice blend is the exact amount of one taco seasoning packet.)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon each: paprika and ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper
If you like the convenience of tearing open a packet of taco seasoning, why not make up a big batch of this and divide it into small plastic bags holding two tablespoons each?
Variations
- Add meat: You can put in a layer of cooked ground beef or turkey, if you do, i’d recommend putting them between the beans and guacamole.
- Season the sour cream: Mix in some ranch or additional taco seasoning with the sour cream for more flavor.
- Swap sour cream for greek yogurt: If you aren’t a fan of sour cream or looking for a higher protein option, you can swap the sour cream for plain greek yogurt.
- Try tomatoes: Instead of salsa, use chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo.
- More toppings: Go wild with extra toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, cilantro, queso, or green salsa to make it even more exciting.
Storage
Storage Tips
- Storage: Keep the dip in a sealed airtight container in the fridge and eat it within 3 to 5 days. Only take out what you will use right away.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing the dip as it can mess up the taste and texture, especially the guacamole and sour cream layers.
More Easy Appetizers:
- Pigs in a Blanket with everything bagel seasonings
- Italian Sliders guaranteed to be a hit
- French Dip Sliders with au jus sauce
- Five-ingredient Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
- Crispiest and best Air Fryer Fries
7-Layer Bean Dip
Equipment
- Baking pan 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch
Ingredients
- 1 (15 to 16-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (16-ounce) jar chunky salsa mild or medium
- 1 (13-ounce) container refrigerated guacamole
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
- 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro optional
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Drain 1 cup of salsa in a fine-mesh sieve over the sink to prevent the dip from becoming soggy. Mix the remaining salsa with refried beans and spread in an 8x8 or 9x9-inch casserole dish or a 2-quart baking dish.
- Spread guacamole on top, then mix sour cream and seasoning in a small bowl and spread over the guacamole.
- Top with layers of strained salsa, cheese, olives, green onions, and cilantro. Chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then serve with tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made this 7 Layer Bean Dip for game night, and it was a huge hit! So easy to throw together, and everyone loved the flavors. I can’t wait to make it again for our next gathering—thank you for this delicious recipe!
So thrilled to hear this! Thanks Carry!