Layered Taco Dip is a summer party favorite and goes great with tortilla chips. Make this simple crowd pleaser ahead of time for your next gathering.
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Why this Easy Layered Taco Dip Recipe is a Keeper
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for seven-layer taco dip can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Party Pleaser: This cold dip is the perfect easy appetizer to bring to a party or taco bar, as it can be enjoyed by everyone. You can make ahead of time, so you’ll have it ready to go for game day or any other occasion.
- Adaptable: Layered taco dip is one of the most versatile dip recipes, like artichoke dip. Adjust this party appetizer to your tastes or dietary needs, or even add a bean layer to make this recipe even better.
If you love this recipe and are looking for more easy appetizer recipes, try these: Pepperoni Dip, White Queso, and Italian Hoagie Dip.
Where Was 7 Layer Dip Invented?
Taco layer dip is popular across the United States, and often appears in Tex-Mex cuisine. It appears to have been invented in Texas, but has variants across the country.
Ingredient Notes for 7-Layer Taco Dip
- Sour Cream Layer Dip: You can use low fat sour cream if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure to use softened cream cheese.
- Taco Seasoning: For the taco seasoning, try using our recipe for homemade taco seasoning, or use store-bought taco seasoning if you’re short on time. Use about an ounce, the same amount as a packet of taco seasoning. You can also season with chili powder.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for 7-Layer Dip
- Low Fat: If you want, you can use low fat or fat-free cream cheese or sour cream. You can also substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want.
- Low Sodium Taco Seasoning: For a healthier option, you can also use low sodium taco seasoning in this easy taco dip recipe.
- Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings to this 7 layer taco dip, such as adding an avocado layer, refried beans, or Mexican cheese.
- Salsa: Use salsa or pico de gallo in place of tomatoes if desired, or make homemade guacamole with our guacamole recipe. However, if you’re using guacamole, make sure to serve immediately, as the guacamole may start to go bad if it stays out too long. Cover up the guacamole dip in the refrigerator when storing.
Pro Tip to Make this Recipe
Assemble the dip up to 4 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and develop. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving time. If you prefer a cold and refreshing dip, you can assemble it the night before.
How to Make Easy Taco Dip Recipe
These are the basic steps for making taco dip. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Mix the Ingredients
First, chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Then, mix the sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl. You can use a spoon for the sour cream mixture, but I find I get a smoother dip bake when I use a mixer.
2. Assemble the Dip
Fill the bottom of a large dish with the dip mixture, spreading it evenly. For the next layer, top with shredded lettuce, then cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and sliced olives. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve if you want to make the dip ahead of time.
Cold Taco Dip FAQs
Cover the dip and store in the refrigerator, or store in an airtight container. It’s best eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Yes; if you want, you can add ground beef, ground turkey, or bacon bits on top.
This dip is best served with a bag of tortilla chips or crackers, but you can also use pretzel sticks, bread, or even vegetables.
Recipe Tips for Making 7 Layer Taco Dip
- Top: For the final touches, wait until serving time to add chopped tomatoes and sliced black olives. You can also top this layer dip recipe with shredded cheese, bell pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Cilantro: You can add a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions onto the dip as well.
- Creamy Refried Beans and Taco Seasoning: You can add a layer of refried black beans to this classic dip to make 7-layer bean dip. It’s super quick and easy, and the layers of refried beans add to the texture and flavor. Add salsa to the refried beans, as well as the rest of the toppings on top of the beans.
What to Serve with Taco Dip
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Layered Taco Dip
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon or Hand Mixer
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces Sour Cream
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 ounce Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup Lettuce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese
- ½ pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- ½ pint Olives, sliced
Instructions
- Chop the lettuce and tomatoes.
- Mix the sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl. You can use a spoon, but I find I get a smoother dip bake when I use a mixer.
- Fill the bottom of a large dish with the dip mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top with lettuce, then cheese, tomatoes, and olives.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Top: For the final touches, wait until serving time to add chopped tomatoes and sliced black olives. You can also top this layer dip recipe with shredded cheese, bell pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Cilantro: You can add a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions onto the dip as well.
- Creamy Refried Beans and Taco Seasoning: You can add a layer of refried black beans to this classic dip to make 7-layer bean dip. It’s super quick and easy, and the layers of refried beans add to the texture and flavor. Add salsa to the refried beans, as well as the rest of the toppings on top of the beans.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.