Confession: I am a bean dip junkie. I am addicted to bean and cheese combinations and have been since I was young. My dad said the first thing I ever ordered on my own at a restaurant was a bean and cheese burrito and I was 2. I admit to hovering around the appetizer table, sort of guarding the bean dip. I take more than my allotted portion. When no one is looking, I lick my plate. Clearly I have a problem. But it is a glorious problem that I have no intention of fixing. In fact, I even admit to making this 7 layer bean dip for dinner some nights! And if you try this recipe, you’ll know why!
I first start with a 16 oz container of reduced fat sour cream and a package of taco seasoning. I simply mix the two together. Often times I use my recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning rather than a packet. The homemade version has significantly less salt and no preservatives so I think it tastes better. I usually use about 2 tablespoons worth.
The 7 Layer Bean Dip
Now I layer all the yummy Mexican ingredients into a 13×9 glass casserole dish:
- 2 14.5 oz cans of refried beans
- The sour cream taco seasoning mixture
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of guacamole. I use my recipe for Chunky Restaurant Style Guacamole.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top
It’s as simple as that! In fact, it is so easy that my six year old can make it! Nevaeh likes to help me in the kitchen and this is an easy dish for her to be apart of. Like I admitted earlier, we sometimes make this for dinner. I set the bean dip in the middle of the table with a bag of chips and I hear nothing but crunching for about 20 minutes.
Of course, this 7 layer bean dip is not limited to 7 layers! You can add nearly anything you want! I often add Homemade Cilantro Lime Salsa, green onions, cilantro, and olives. All you have to do is pop it into a 350 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes and wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is soooooo irresistible!
If you have any holiday parties coming up, this is always a popular choice. When I bring it to a potluck, it is always the first thing to go! Two other tried and true appetizers I use around the holidays are Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip and Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Both are major crowd pleasers and really easy to make.
What is your favorite appetizer to serve? What is your go-to potluck dish? Drop me a line in the comment section below and please share this recipe with your friends! If you need more ideas, please follow my Pinterest boards below or visit my Recipe Index. Happy cooking y’all!
7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 2 14.5 oz cans refried beans
- 16 oz lowfat sour cream
- 1 package taco seasoning or 2 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups prepared guacamole
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Optional: cilantro green onions, olives for topping
Instructions
- Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning together until well incorporated.
- Spread the beans into the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish.
- Spread the sour cream mixture on top.
- Sprinkle 8 oz of cheddar cheese on the sour cream.
- Spread on the guacamole.
- Sprinkle on the tomatoes and onions.
- Finish the bean dip with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Does it have to be put in the oven? Can it be served cold?
Looks really yummy. The only thing I do differently is I would leave the sour cream and guacamole off until everything was heated a bubbly and then spoon some on top I love ice-cold guacamole and sour cream. Other than that, it’s perfect!
That is definitely a good way too! Sometimes we also add ground beef as a layer or jalapenos if we want it spicy. It is a pretty foolproof dish!