This Mexican layer dip is an easy no-bake recipe that’s perfect for a party at home. Refried beans, taco seasoned sour cream, and fresh toppings make it a favorite party recipe with guests. Serve this appetizer for a Mexican fiesta happy hour, game day party, or any casual entertaining.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

7-Layer Mexican Party Dip

Time for some Tex-Mex flavor to get you in the mood for Cinco de Mayo and Mexican party ideas. We’re serving up a 7-layer Mexican dip that’s always a crowd please’r.

I’ve been making this Mexican layer dip since my college days. I got the recipe while I was working a summer job in Northern Virginia. One of the gals in the office used to make it for all of us and I couldn’t get enough of it!

There’s no baking required and the steps to make it are so easy. I’ve even got some shortcuts and tips for you too.

This party dip is best made at least 2 hours ahead so the seasoned sour cream flavor has time to develop. Serve it as a casual appetizer at home or take it to a potluck party.

Don’t forget to stock up on tortilla chips and Mexican beer or margaritas!

Easy Dip for Parties

It doesn’t have to be Cinco de Mayo to enjoy this dip. Any time is a good time for this Mexican layer dip recipe!

Make it for a game day party along with other football food ideas.
Serve it for a backyard bash or casual cookout.
Include this dip as you’re planning what to serve for a graduation party. You’re guests of all ages will love it.
Take this to your next potluck party and watch it disappear.

What are the 7 layers?

There’s one particular layer to this dip that I think makes it delicious. The sour cream layer is flavored with taco seasoning and really stands out to me.

Some Tex-Mex dips call for a guacamole layer, but I think it’s better without it. I’ll take my guacamole straight up please! Serve it on the side for extra dipping and add diced avocado to the top of the dip, instead.

Of course the toppings are subject to personal taste, too. I think the more the better! Here’s what’s on the 7 layer Mexican dip.

Refried beans – Vegetarian, fat-free, or original will all work fine. You can even use your favorite bean dip if you like. Mix it with salsa for added flavor. Use your favorite brand of tomato salsa, or try something with a twist, like chipotle salsa.
Sour Cream – I always use light sour cream for this, and you’re going to season it with a packet of taco seasoning. You can also use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Cheddar cheese – I suggest you buy a block and grate it yourself. Packaged shredded cheese has a coating on it that I find less than desirable for this appetizer recipe.
Diced tomatoes – Vine ripened or Roma tomatoes are my favorites to use here. But you can use whichever is at your store and convenient.
Black olives – Grab a small can of diced black olives and make sure you drain the liquid. You won’t need the whole can so you can save the rest for another use.
Onions – You can use diced yellow onions or green onions here. I love onions so I use both!
Avocado – Cut one avocado into small cubes and sprinkle on top just before serving.

PARTY TIP: The grocery store sells packs of fresh pico de gallo in the produce department. It has the chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro so you can use that instead of the individual toppings in order to save time on chopping.

Bonus Ingredients to try

Although this taco dip is pretty perfect as is, you can always add these toppings to take it up a notch.

Sprinkle on some chopped fresh cilantro to take this to the next level.
Add a light drizzle of taco sauce over the top of the dip for extra flavor.
Add diced jalapeno or use a jar of pickled jalapeno.
You can try a layer of guacamole instead of diced avocado. Add it between the bean layer and sour cream layer.

How to make the Best Mexican Dip

This dip tastes best when it’s prepared in a large, low profile platter. That way each layer is thin enough so you get a balanced scoop of dip.

Trust me, you don’t want an overly thick layer of refried beans or it will overpower everything else.

Mix refried beans and salsa together, and spread as the base for the dip. Try to keep it to 1/4-inch thickness or less.
Make the creamy layer by combining sour cream with the taco seasoning mix. You can even make this mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to layer everything.
Add fresh toppings on top.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with tortilla chips.

PARTY TIP: If you don’t have a platter large enough, you can split the ingredients in half and prepare two smaller sizes. Or, simply use what you can and save the remaining beans and sour cream for taco Tuesday dinner!

More Tex-Mex Recipes

If you want to host a Mexican themed party, here are some more recipes to try.

This sparkling peach margarita hits the spot.
These chicken tostados & creamy poblano sauce are fantastic as a meal or an appetizer.
Serve Mexican pizza with a twist using flatbread as the crust.
Homemade churros are a great party dessert for a themed party.