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The Recipe · No.265 · Seven Layer Dip

Seven Layer Dip, and where to source it

Seven Layer Dip — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Seven Layer Dip Tex-Mex 5best2buy.com

Every layer has to be seasoned on its own or the dip tastes flat under all that cheese. Spread the refried beans and guac to the edges so each scoop hits all seven. Build it in a clear dish shortly before serving so the avocado stays green.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Makes10 servings
CuisineTex-Mex
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 10 servings
Refried beans
The base layer; warm and loosen them so they spread instead of tearing the layers above.
16 oz
Source it →
Shredded cheese
A melty Mexican blend or cotija-style crumble ties the layers together.
1.5 cups
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Salsa
A chunky salsa or pico adds acid and heat between the rich layers.
1 cup
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Tortilla chips
Sturdy chips for scooping; thin ones snap in the thick dip.
1 bag
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Avocado
Mashed with lime and salt into a quick guac; the fresh green layer everyone digs for.
3 avocados
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Roma tomato
Diced and drained so the top layer doesn't weep water down into the dip.
2 tomatoes
Local / market
Sour cream
A smooth cool layer that mellows the spice.
1 cup
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. BaseSpread the warmed refried beans in an even layer across the bottom of a clear dish.
  2. Guac layerMash avocados with lime and salt, then spread over the beans to the edges.
  3. Creamy layerSpread sour cream over the guac, then spoon salsa across in an even layer.
  4. Top and chillScatter cheese, then diced drained tomato; chill up to 2 hours and serve with chips.
The Toolkit

Glass dish · Offset spatula · Fine grater · Citrus juicer

Straight Answers
Can you make Seven Layer Dip in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Seven Layer Dip? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Seven Layer Dip ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Seven Layer Dip gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Seven Layer Dip vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.265

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