The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip
User Reviews
4.4
The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip
Description
This seven-layer dip begins with a tomato layer of seeded, finely chopped tomatoes mixed with jalapeño, cilantro, green onions, lime, and salt, left to soften and drained of excess liquid. The guacamole layer incorporates mashed avocado blended with jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and green onions, enhanced with fresh cilantro and salt for balance. A black bean layer made by pulsing black beans with garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and salt creates a flavorful, chunky paste spread evenly as a base.
The sour cream layer is mixed with shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses to provide creaminess and mild sharpness. Additional layers of shredded cheeses add a melty, rich topping when served. Typically presented in a clear dish for visual appeal, the dip pairs with tortilla chips and suits casual gatherings. Preparation includes resting toppings at room temperature to develop flavor before assembly.
This dip can be prepared for larger groups by doubling ingredient quantities and using a bigger glass baking dish. The layering visually separates the components and helps create a varied mouthfeel with each bite.
Ingredients
Tomato Layer:
- 4 large tomato cored, seeded, and chopped fine
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- 2 green onions finely minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice from about 2 limes
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Guacamole Layer:
- 2 green onions sliced thin, green and white parts separated
- 1 jalapeno chile seeded and finely minced
- 1 small garlic minced, clove
- 2 tablespoons lime juice from about 2 limes
- 3 avocado pitted, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons cilantro chopped, fresh
- salt to taste
Black Bean Layer:
- 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can black beans drained but not rinsed
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 teaspoons lime juice from about 1 lime, fresh
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sour Cream Layer:
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Extras:
- tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- For the tomato layer, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, minced green onions, and lime juice. Stir in salt and let stand until tomatoes begin to soften, about 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer or colander and discard the liquid. Set aside.
- For the guacamole, in a small bowl, combine the white parts of the green onions, jalapeno, garlic and lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes. Add two-thirds of the avocado to the bowl with the jalapeno mixture and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gently fold remaining avocado into mashed avocado mixture. Gently stir in the green parts of the green onions and the cilantro. Season with salt. Set aside.
- Pulse black beans, garlic, remaining lime juice, chili powder, and remaining salt in a food processor until mixture resembles a chunky paste. Transfer to a glass 8X8 or 9X9-inch dish or similar sized bowl, spreading into an even layer. Quickly rinse and wipe out the food processor and pulse the sour cream, 1 cup pepper jack cheese cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. Dollop the sour cream mixture on top of the black bean layer, smoothing to the edges in an even layer.
- Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Spread guacamole over cheese and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips. The dip can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Notes
- Allow the tomato and guacamole layers to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before assembling to enhance flavors.
- Serve the dip in a clear glass dish so the distinct layers are visible and appealing.
- For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and use a 13x9-inch glass baking dish for easier serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10-12 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 390kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 388mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.