7 Layer Taco Dip

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5 from 5 votes
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This 7 layer taco dip is one of the best party appetizers, and it’s quick and so easy to make! With 10 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for any get-together.

Partially scooped 7-layer taco dip without cream cheese, highlighting colorful layers of bean dip, sour cream, and guacamole, and garnished with fresh tomatoes, olives, and green onions

More tasty dips that you can make to go alongside this taco dip recipe are our super simple Rotel Salsa, creamy French onion chip dip, and for a heartier option, this Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe.

This no-cook dip is made with layers of bean dip, creamy guacamole, sour cream, and your favorite taco toppings. Serve the cool, layered dip with tortilla chips, corn chips, sliced veggies, or crackers for dipping.

The best part is that you can customize this dip recipe completely. Use more or less of each ingredient or even add or swap out ingredients according to your tastes.

Close-up of a tortilla chip loaded with 7-layer taco dip without cream cheese, featuring layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.

Whether you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo party or making snacks for friends and family on movie night or Game Day, you can’t go wrong with this 7 layer dip recipe without cream cheese. Guests will gobble it up in no time, and it takes only minutes to make.

Let’s get to the appetizer recipe, shall we?

Seven Layer Dip Ingredients  

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients for a 7-layer taco dip arranged on a countertop, including Fritos bean dip, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, taco seasoning mix, guacamole, sliced black olives, tomatoes, and green onions.
  • Bean Dip— I use 2 cans of Fritos canned bean dip, available at Target, Walmart, or Amazon. Many 7 layer dip recipes call for refried beans, and I have used those instead, but I find that bean dip is easier to spread, more flavorful, and more “dippable.” You can substitute with refried beans beans if you would like.
  • Guacamole— Store-bought or homemade guacamole are both great in this recipe.
  • Sour Cream— Full fat sour cream will give you the richest flavor, but you won’t see much of a difference in taste if you want to save a few calories and go with light sour cream instead.
  • Packet of Taco Seasoning— We will use this to add some taco flavor to our sour cream. You can use homemade taco seasoning instead if you prefer.
  • Shredded Cheese— This recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, but you can also use a Mexican blend or pepper jack cheese, if you prefer.
  • Tomatoes— Fresh diced tomatoes add color, texture, and flavor. I use Roma tomatoes and seed them before dicing.
  • Black Olives— Either slice them or buy them pre-sliced. I love the salty flavor they add!
  • Green Onions— Fresh green onions give that yummy onion taste without being too strong.

Equipment You’ll Need

Ready to make this easy taco dip? Here are the supplies you’ll need to get started:

  • 9 x 13 baking dish
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

How to Make Layered Taco Dip

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Step-by-step process for making a 7-layer dip. Image 1 shows a layer of refried bean dip spread in a glass dish. Image 2 shows a layer of guacamole added on top. Image 3 shows a sour cream and taco seasoning layer spread evenly. Image 4 shows the dish topped with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
  1. Layer 1: Spread bean dip evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  2. Layer 2: Add guacamole and gently spread into an even layer.
  3. Layer 3: Stir sour cream and taco seasoning together, then spread mixture over the guacamole.
  4. Layer 4: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
  5. Layers 5-7: Top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
9 x 13 glass dish filled with a 7-layer taco dip made without cream cheese, topped with shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your dip with tortilla chips, corn chips, or veggies like celery and carrot sticks for scooping up all that delicious dip. I find that the scoop-shaped tortilla chips are amazing for this recipe and hold up really well to such a thick dip.

This easy taco dip recipe is great for a Mexican-themed night! For the main course, try these Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas or our Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake.

Looking for drink ideas? Grapefruit Margaritas all around! These Blue Lagoon Margaritas and Peach Margaritas are incredible, too.

It’s also an amazing vegetarian idea for Meatless Mondays if you try to do a meatless meal in your home every week (which I highly recommend for saving money)!

Storage and Freezing

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Put in an airtight container or cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap.

I do not recommend freezing this layer taco dip recipe.

Side view of a 9x13 dish of 7-layer dip, showing distinct layers of refried beans, guacamole, taco-seasoned sour cream, shredded cheese, and toppings like tomatoes, olives, and green onions.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Make ahead: Want to make this recipe in advance? Make it up to a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container or a bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Use a glass casserole dish for the best presentation. It really shows off the layers.
  • Be sure to spread sour cream over entire guacamole layer to “seal” the guac and prevent it from browning.
  • Not entirely necessary, but I like to seed the tomatoes before dicing.
  • Squeeze a little lime juice over the dip right before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Additions and Variations

Add meat. To add protein and make this dip more filling, add a layer of seasoned ground beef after the beans and before the layer of guacamole.

Make it spicy. To add a little spice to this dip, season the beans with a bit of cayenne pepper, use Pico de Gallo instead of diced tomatoes, or add a layer of jalapenos.

Try a Southwestern spin. Layer corn and black beans seasoned with taco seasoning to make a southwestern style dip, somewhat similar to cowboy caviar.

Use different cheeses. Swap out the cheddar for a different type of cheese like pepper jack or Mexican blend.

Make it low carb. This taco dip is so easy to adapt to a low-carb diet. Simply leave out the beans and substitute a layer of taco meat instead. Serve with bell peppers, tortilla chips made with low-carb tortillas, or slices of cucumber or zucchini.

Swap out the beans. Instead of bean dip you can use refried pinto beans or refried black beans. You can add a bit of seasonings like cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, or a spoon or two of taco seasoning to your beans to make them more flavorful.

Shredded Lettuce. Add a sprinkle of shredded iceberg lettuce for extra freshness. Wait to add until just before, otherwise the lettuce will start to brown.

A scoop taken from a 7-layer taco dip made with bean dip and no cream cheese, revealing layers of beans, guacamole, and sour cream.

Recipe FAQ

What are the seven layers in 7 layer dip?

The seven layers are bean dip, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. This may vary slightly from one recipe to the next.

How long can party dip sit out?

Food safety guidelines recommend not leaving food like this taco dip with sour cream out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Do you serve this layered taco dip recipe hot or cold?

This dip is served cold because it’s made with sour cream and guacamole. Because it’s served cold, it also means it’s great for making ahead to take to a party!

Can this version of the layered taco dip be frozen?

No, this dip can’t be frozen. It would change the texture and taste. Besides, this comes together in just 5 minutes, so there’s no reason not to make it fresh whenever you want to enjoy some.

Close-up of a partially scooped 7-layer dip in a glass dish, showcasing layers of refried beans, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and toppings of diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.

More Delicious Dip Recipes

Need more yummy dips for your Super Bowl parties or family get-togethers? Try one of these easy appetizers at your next gathering.

Recipe
Partially scooped 7 layer dip without cream cheese, highlighting colorful layers of bean dip, sour cream, and guacamole, and garnished with fresh tomatoes, olives, and green onions
Recipe
5 from 5 votes

7 Layer Taco Dip

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This 7 layer taco dip has vibrant layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese topped with diced tomatoes, olives, and green onion. It's quick and easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with plenty of tortilla chips to scoop up every bite of this creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients
 

  • 2 9-ounce cans bean dip* I use Fritos brand
  • 2 cups guacamole
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cup roma tomatoes diced
  • 2.25 ounce sliced black olives
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In a 9 x 13 baking dish, use the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula to spread the bean dip in to an even layer.
  • Add the guacamole and gently spread into an even layer.
  • In a medium bowl, stir to combine the sour cream and the taco seasoning. Spread on top of the guac layer.
  • Sprinkle with cheddar cheese
  • Top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or corn chips for dipping.

Notes

Bean Layer: If you can’t get your hands on bean dip, a can of refried beans could be used instead. Bean dip spreads easier and is more “dippable” so I prefer it, but either will work.
To prevent guacamole from browning: Be sure to spread sour cream over entire guacamole layer to “seal” it in.
Cheese: Mexican blend or monterey jack cheese would also work well.
Tomatoes: Not entirely necessary, but I like to seed the tomatoes before dicing for a nicer presentation.
Make Ahead: Make up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Storage: Leftovers can be kept for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 340mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Partially scooped 7 layer dip without cream cheese, highlighting colorful layers of bean dip, sour cream, and guacamole, and garnished with fresh tomatoes, olives, and green onions

Did You Make This Recipe?

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Updated recipe and photos 11/26/2024 to use bean dip and be made in a 9 x 13. Original photo below.

Bowl of layered taco dip served with tortilla chips.
5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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