Description

This 7 Layer Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where delicious snacking is a must. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors, layered to perfection for an irresistible appetizer. Every scoop delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients:

32 ounces canned refried beans (two 16-ounce cans)
3 tablespoons water
1 ½ cups premade mild guacamole
2 cups sour cream
1 ounce mild taco seasoning
16 ounces chunky mild salsa, drained through a mesh strainer
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups pre-shredded fiesta blend cheese
2.25 ounces sliced black olives, well-drained
1 cup chopped roma tomatoes
½ cup green onions, thinly sliced

Preparation:

Step 1:
Add the canned refried beans to a small mixing bowl. Add the 3 tablespoons of water, and stir until completely combined and smooth.

Step 2:
Use either a silicone spatula, or an offset spatula to evenly spread the refried beans into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 3:
Evenly spread the premade guacamole over the refried beans layer.

Step 4:
Add the sour cream to a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning into the sour cream. Whisk until well incorporated.

Step 5:
Spread the mixture of sour cream and seasoning over the guacamole layer.

Step 6:
Drain the container of chunky mild salsa through a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, then spread the salsa over the sour cream layer.

Step 7:
Sprinkle the shredded fiesta blend cheese over the salsa layer.

Step 8:
Sprinkle the shredded lettuce over the shredded cheese layer.

Step 9:
Sprinkle the drained sliced black olives over the shredded lettuce.

Step 10:
Sprinkle the chopped roma tomatoes over the black olives. (You can pat the tomatoes of excess juice)

Step 11:
And, finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over the chopped tomatoes. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving with tortilla chips. Serve, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 7 Layer Dip isn’t just another appetizer; it’s an experience. The layers create a symphony of flavors and textures that keep everyone coming back for more. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for both planned parties and spontaneous get-togethers. Plus, it’s customizable—feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a variety of tortilla chips: blue corn, yellow corn, and even flavored chips.
Offer a side of jalapeños for those who like extra heat.
Consider serving with a side of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and cucumber slices.

Tips:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the sour cream and guacamole to come to room temperature before spreading. This makes them easier to spread and ensures even layers.
Chop Ingredients Uniformly: When chopping the tomatoes and green onions, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This not only looks better but also ensures even distribution of flavors.
Layer Thickness: Aim for consistent thickness in each layer. Uneven layers can cause the dip to be lopsided and harder to serve, and causes some layers to overpower others for a less balanced taste.
Use a Clear Dish: Using a clear glass baking dish isn’t mandatory, but it allows you to see the layers and makes for a more appealing presentation.
Chill Time: While we suggest a minimum chill time of one hour, letting the dip chill for up to two or more hours can help the layers set better and the flavors to meld more fully.
Prevent Soggy Lettuce: Pat the lettuce dry before adding it to the dip. Excess moisture can make the upper layers watery.
Layer Order: Stick to the given order of layers. This order is designed to prevent sogginess and maintain the structural integrity of the dip.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 700mg

Conclusion:

The Ultimate 7 Layer Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings people together. Easy to make and always a hit, this recipe is a must-have for any occasion. Enjoy!

Questions and Answers about This Recipe:

Q1: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Q2: What can I substitute for sour cream?
A: If you’re looking for a substitute, try using plain Greek yogurt. It has a similar tang and creamy texture.

Q3: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Cooked and crumbled ground beef or shredded chicken would be great additions. Add them as a layer after the refried beans.

Q4: How do I prevent the dip from becoming watery?
A: The key is to drain your salsa and pat your tomatoes dry. Excess moisture is the main culprit for a watery dip.

Q5: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a little extra spice.