Having a party and looking for a fabulous make-ahead appetizer? This Mexican Fiesta 7 Layer Dip is literally layer upon layer of bold flavors! Refried beans, seasoned cream cheese/sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, green onions and pico de gallo… does it get any better? Oh yes, because this dip is actually BEST when made ahead of time!
Looking for other easy party appetizers? Check out my Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Chicken Taco Pinwheels, and Jalapeno Popper Dip!
EASY 7 LAYER DIP
Football season is officially upon us, and you know what that means…
it’s GAME DAY FOOD SEASON!
I’m always in the mood for a fabulous appetizer or two, and this 7 layer dip is always the first thing gone at parties.
In fact, I made it recently and my husband and I were bickering over which one of us got to finish the dip!
This is certainly not a unique creation; 7 layer dips are tried and true and have been around for ages, most consisting of the same basic ingredients.
I put my spin on it, and added a few helpful tips and tricks for you!
HOW TO MAKE 7 LAYER DIP
A 7 layer dip is sometimes referred to as simply Mexican dip, or bean dip, but no matter the name, it consists of seven layers.
It’s served chilled and is great to bring to a party!
- Drain salsa.
- Mix together beans and chicken broth (or salsa liquid).
- Spread into dish.
- Mix creamy layer ingredients and spread onto beans.
- Top with guacamole.
- Top with drained salsa.
- Top with cheese.
- Top with pico de gallo.
- Top with green onions.
- Cover and chill.
Looks like a lot of steps, but I promise you, it’s SO easy!
COOKING TIPS FOR 7 LAYER DIP
- Drain the salsa – this ensures the dip doesn’t get too watery and wet.
- Mix the beans with liquid – ever take a chip and try to scoop a chilled bean dip and the beans are so hard that your chip shatters everywhere? That’s why I mix the beans with a liquid… they stay nice and velvety! Use the salsa liquid for extra flavor.
- Use a hand mixer for the cream cheese mixture – this ensures the cream cheese is fully combined with the other ingredients and incorporates air into the mixture, making it softer.
- Chill for maximum flavor – You can eat this dip right away, but chilling it for a bit lets all the flavors really meld together and get that much better!
VARIATIONS OF 7 LAYER DIP
- More layers – just because it’s called a 7 layer dip, you don’t have to limit it to just 7. Go for whatever you love!
- Add corn and/or black beans – on top of the salsa layer, these would be a great addition!
- Meat – brown some beef or turkey with some taco seasoning and add in between either the beans and cream cheese, or cream cheese and guacamole layer. Shredded chicken tossed with some taco seasoning would be delicious as well!
MAKING 7 LAYER DIP AHEAD OF TIME
The great thing about this dip is that it actually tastes BETTER when it’s made a little bit ahead of time.
Make the dip, cover tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes, up to 1 day.
This chilling time lets all the flavors combine and become even more delicious!
STORING MEXICAN DIP
Keep any leftover dip covered tightly in the refrigerator.
7 layer dip will keep for 3-4 days, but the longer it’s kept, the more the layers will “bleed” together and it can start to get a bit watery.
If it gets watery, just drain it off, or use a paper towel to absorb the liquid. It will still taste amazing, just may not look picture perfect on days 2-4.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THIS RECIPE
- Hand Mixer – this model is a true workhorse in my kitchen!
HOMEMADE LAYERS FOR 7 LAYER DIP
If you prefer a more homemade dip, there are a couple of layers that are great to make homemade:
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Ingredients
- 16 oz jar of restaurant salsa (or homemade)
- 16 oz can refried beans
- 2 - 3 Tbsp chicken broth (or vegetable) (or use liquid from drained salsa)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- zest of 1/2 a lime
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups guacamole
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 2/3 cup pico de gallo
- 3 green onions, sliced
- minced cilantro, optional garnish
- 1/2 lime, juiced, optional garnish
Instructions
- Drain salsa in fine mesh sieve. This keeps your dip from getting too wet.
- Add beans to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth, or use 2-3 Tbsp of the drained salsa liquid for extra flavor!
- Spread bean mixture evenly into an 8x8, 7x9, or other 2 quart baking dish.
- Use a hand-mixer to combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, lime zest, and taco seasoning. Spread evenly on top of bean mixture.
- Spread guacamole evenly over cream cheese layer, then top with drained salsa.
- Top with shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and then green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, to 1 day. Before serving, if desired, squeeze some lime juice over the top and sprinkle with cilantro. This is optional, but delicious.
- Serve with tortilla chips or veggies.
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Chef Tips
- If desired, you can make this an 8 layer dip and add a layer of browned taco meat (using beef or turkey). Just make sure to drain it very well.
- Layers can be reordered, but this is the order my family prefers.
- Adjust spice level by adjusting the heat level of the salsa and pico de gallo used.
Video
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Cici says
What is the difference between the “restaurant” salsa & pico de gallo
The Chunky Chef says
Restaurant salsa would have more liquid than pico de gallo.
jay says
I am using your recipe for the very first time on Sunday. I bought all the ingredients you posted but there is one thing that I think I didnt buy it correctly. I bought the Herdez Guacamole Salsa. Can i still use that? if yes, how should I use it since i noticed that it is kind of runny compared to a regular guacamole. Thank you so much
The Chunky Chef says
I’ve never tested this recipe with guacamole salsa, as it is definitely thinner in consistency than regular guacamole. You could try mixing in a little sour cream to the guacamole salsa to thicken it up a bit, and see how that goes?
Hellen says
Just made this for the first time and took it to a work party and there wasn’t even a crumb left! Can’t wait to make this again for my family!!
Lora says
This is the dip that I just love for game days or any get together with friends!
Melanie says
I’d do some major damage if this dip was anywhere close by!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Oh SO YUMMY!!!! Perfect for game day!!
Anamika @ Supplement Crunch says
This is seriously making me hungry! I need to try this immediately, it looks so good!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This needs to be added to our weeknight dinner rotation!
Vik says
This seven layer dip looks beautiful! Perfect for parties and game day
annie says
My 7 layer dip always turns out a little soggy! I’m going to try it again with your tips and I think it will be perfect!
Sara Welch says
Such a flavorful and delicious dip! Looking forward to enjoying this over the weekend; looks amazing!