Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip – Easy Holiday Crowd Pleaser Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple, tasty dish to bring to your next party or game day, 7-layer dip is a great choice. This festive and colorful dip combines creamy, fresh, and spicy layers that everyone loves. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the refried beans with taco seasoning and spread evenly in the bottom of a serving dish.
2. Step 2: Spread sour cream evenly over the beans layer.
3. Step 3: Add a smooth layer of guacamole on top of the sour cream.
4. Step 4: Spoon salsa or pico de gallo over the guacamole layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the salsa.
6. Step 6: Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
7. Step 7: Garnish with optional chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or shredded lettuce if desired.
8. Step 8: Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
9. Step 9: Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use shallow dishes to keep layers distinct and easy to scoop.
• Spread each layer gently with a spoon or spatula to keep the dip neat and visually appealing.
• Add diced jalapeños or extra chopped tomatoes on top for additional texture and flavor.
• For a vegetarian or vegan version, use black beans without lard, vegan sour cream, and shredded vegan cheese.
• Try flavor swaps like spicy black bean spread instead of refried beans or mango salsa instead of regular salsa.
• Mix sour cream with lime juice or taco seasoning to add a mild kick.

Storage

Cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To keep layers fresh when making ahead, prepare each layer separately and chill in airtight containers, then assemble just before serving. If reheating is desired, serve chilled or at room temperature—avoid microwaving to maintain the fresh texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers separately and refrigerate them to keep the ingredients fresh. Assemble the layers just before serving to prevent ingredients like guacamole from browning.

What can I serve with 7-layer dip?

Tortilla chips or sturdy corn chips work best for scooping. Fresh cut vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers are also great healthy options for dipping.

Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip – Easy Holiday Crowd Pleaser Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip is a colorful, festive, and easy-to-prepare Tex-Mex appetizer perfect for holiday parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Featuring layers of refried beans seasoned with taco mix, creamy sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, black olives, and green onions, it offers a balanced blend of creamy, fresh, and spicy flavors that pair wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. The dip can be customized with optional garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, or lettuce and is ideal for making ahead to simplify your holiday entertaining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bean Layer

• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix

Creamy Layers

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)

Salsa Layer

• 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo

Cheese Layer

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)

Fresh Toppings

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup chopped green onions

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Bean Layer: In a bowl, mix the refried beans with the taco seasoning packet until well combined. Spread this seasoned bean mixture evenly across the bottom of your serving dish to form the base layer of the dip.
2. Add Sour Cream Layer: Using a spoon or spatula, gently spread the sour cream evenly over the refried bean layer, creating a smooth and creamy second layer without mixing the layers.
3. Spread Guacamole: Layer the guacamole over the sour cream, carefully smoothing it out to cover the entire surface for a consistent third layer.
4. Top with Salsa: Spoon the salsa or pico de gallo evenly over the guacamole, forming the fourth layer that adds freshness and a bit of zing.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) evenly across the salsa layer to create a melty, cheesy fifth layer.
6. Arrange Fresh Toppings: Distribute the chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions evenly over the cheese layer, adding vibrant color and texture as the sixth layer.
7. Garnish and Chill: Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or shredded lettuce to enhance color and flavor. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld without mixing.
8. Serve: Present the dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers arranged around the dish for easy dipping at parties or gatherings.

Notes

• Use a shallow serving dish to keep the layers distinct and make scooping easier.
• Spread each layer gently and evenly to maintain a neat, attractive appearance.
• Do not mix the layers together to preserve the texture and look of the dip.
• Chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor blending and prevents drying out.
• Make the dip a day ahead by preparing layers separately in airtight containers and assembling just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
• Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; gently stir before serving again.
• For vegetarian or vegan versions, use plant-based refried beans, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheese substitutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: 7-layer dip, holiday dip, make-ahead dip, Christmas appetizer, Tex-Mex dip, party dip, layered dip, festive dip