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This easy 7 layer dip recipe is your entertaining MVP! Each bite is packed with refried beans, guac, cottage cheese, salsa, and olives. This flavorful, no-bake appetizer is always a hit at parties and potlucks!
Why Make 7 Layer Bean Dip
What I love most about my seven layer dip is that every scoop delivers all the bold, creamy, zesty flavors you crave—right on a tortilla chip or as a taco topping. It’s my go-to party dip for game days, but honestly, it’s just as perfect for laid-back movie nights at home.
- No-Bake- No oven needed—just layer and serve!
- Easy Shortcuts- Save time by prepping the layers ahead or using store-bought guac and salsa.
- Crowd Favorite- Loved by everyone who tries them, and I assure you there won’t be any leftovers! Serve it with my ground beef taco or chicken tinga toastadas.
Ingredients Notes
- Black Beans- Using canned black beans make it super convenient, but you can also use dried black beans, just soak them overnight and cook according to package.
- Taco Seasoning- Store-bought is fine, but homemade (a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.) works great too.
- Lime Juice- If you’re out of lime juice, a splash of vinegar works too.
- Guacamole- We’re using fresh, ripe avocados, jalapenos, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you want a milder guac, remove the seeds of the jalapeno.
- Cottage Cheese- This adds a boost of protein. To make the cottage cheese layer, use full-fat cottage cheese. Lemon zest and parsley add a fresh and herby note. Substitute with sour cream, cream cheese, Greek yogurt.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese- Use a pre-shredded blend or freshly grate cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a combo. Shredding your own = better melt and flavor.
- Roma Tomatoes- Diced fresh tomatoes keep it light and chunky. You can also use your favorite chunky salsa for convenience.
- Green Onions- Milder than regular onion—use both white and green parts. Red onion or chives also work.
- Black Olives- Pre-sliced for ease—sub with chopped kalamata or leave out if not a fan.
- Cilantro- Optional garnish, but adds a pop of color and freshness.
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- For a spicy Southwest-style dish, add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo to the black bean layer and add pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- For a meaty version, add a layer of seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken.
Steps To Make 7 Layer Taco Dip Recipe
- Step One. Prepare cottage cheese layer: Add cottage cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula when required. Season to taste and stir through the lemon zest and herbs.
- Step Two. Prepare the homemade refried bean layer: In a food processor, add the black beans, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, taco seasoning, water / milk or cream, and blitz until combined. Set aside.
- Step Three. Prepare guacamole: In a separate bowl, mash the avocados with a fork or use a stick blender. Stir in the cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Step Four. Assemble Dip: Spread refried beans on the bottom of a 7-8 inch circular dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of cottage cheese, then cover with guacamole. Sprinkle on the grated cheese, and top with tomatoes, green onions, and black olives for the final layer.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make 7-layer dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the tomatoes, green onions, and olives until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
How long does 7-layer dip last in the fridge?
This creamy dip keeps well for 2–3 days, covered and refrigerated. After that, the guacamole and dairy layers may start to break down.
Mexican Taco Dip Tips
- Use a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread each layer evenly and smoothly for a beautiful, clean look.
- Chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the layers meld and the flavors deepen.
- Serve the dip in individual cups or small jars, instead of having one dip. Easy for guests to grab and enjoy mess-free!
Other easy dips TO Try
Appetizers
Vegan Rotel Dip
Appetizers
Easy Red Pepper Dip
Appetizers
Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Appetizers
Tuna Dip
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7 Layer Taco Dip
This easy 7-layer dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer with refried beans, guac, cottage cheese, and more—perfect for game day or any casual gathering!
Equipment
Ingredients
Black bean layer
- 1 16-ounce can black beans, drained + rinsed
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- ¼ cup milk, or water
- 1 tsp lime juice
GUACAMOLE
- 3 avocados, peeled, pitted then chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- ½ jalapeño, de-seeded then finely chopped to taste
- lime juice, from half a lime
- ⅓ tsp garlic powder
- pinch salt and pepper, to taste
COTTAGE CHEESE
- 1 21 oz container full-fat cottage cheese
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Lemon zest, from 1/2 lemon
LAYERS 4 – 7
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, freshly shredded
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced or 1 cup salsa
- 3 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 oz black olives, drained and sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the homemade refried bean layer
- In a food processor, add the black beans, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, taco seasoning, water / milk or cream, and blitz until combined. Set aside.
Prepare guacamole
- In a separate bowl, mash the avocados with a fork or use a stick blender. Stir in the cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare cottage cheese Layer
- Add cottage cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula when required. Season to taste and stir through the lemon zest and herbs.
Assemble Dip
- Spread refried beans on the bottom of a 7 – 8 inch circular dish or a 9×13-inch dish. Top with cottage cheese then cover with guacamole. Sprinkle on the grated cheese, and top with tomatoes, green onions, and black olives.
Notes
- Use a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread each layer evenly and smoothly for a beautiful, clean look.
- Chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the layers meld and the flavors deepen.
- Serve the dip in individual cups or small jars, instead of having one dip. Easy for guests to grab and enjoy mess-free!
- For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup of dip | Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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