Everyone will gobble up this 7 Layer Taco Dip with cream cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more! It’s a must-have for any party.
7 Layer Taco Dip is a classic from my mom’s recipe collection, originally clipped from a box of Philadelphia cream cheese. It is exactly the kind of crowd pleasing recipe that belongs at a party.
It has taco seasoned cream cheese, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, green onions, and black olives, all layered in a pie dish (an 8×8-inch dish works great, too). I like this recipe because there’s no cooking required—just assemble, refrigerate, and serve.
The taco flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike. Best of all, you can make it ahead, making it an ideal party dish, so you can enjoy the party too!
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Top tips for making 7 Layer taco dip
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it easy to combine with the taco seasoning.
- If your jarred salsa is particularly watery, drain it for a minute in a colander before adding it to the dip.
- This recipe is easy because of the shortcuts it uses: jarred salsa, prepared guacamole, pre-shredded cheese, pre-sliced olives. The only thing you need to chop is the green onions!
Ingredients
- The first layer is a mixture of cream cheese and taco seasoning.
- Guacamole and salsa come next. You can use store-bought to keep this easy! Or you could make a homemade version, like this Rotel Guacamole.
- Then shredded lettuce (I buy it pre-shredded but you can chop it instead), followed by shredded cheese. I used Colby Jack but use your favorite! Pepper Jack would be good here for a little spice.
- Sliced green onions and sliced black olives (from a can) complete the dip.
How to make 7 Layer Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Place softened cream cheese and taco seasoning in a medium bowl. Mix with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Spread it into a glass pie dish, then top with a layer of guacamole, and a layer of salsa.
If your salsa is particularly watery, drain it for a minute in a mesh colander.
Sprinkle the shredded lettuce over the salsa, followed by the shredded cheese, the green onions, and the black olives.
If you don’t love olives, you can substitute chopped tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, chopped cilantro, or chopped avocado instead. If you choose chopped avocado, toss the cubes with lime juice to prevent browning.
Cover and refrigerate the taco dip for at least one hour (or up to 8 hours) before serving.
Can I make 7 Layer Taco Dip ahead of time?
This taco dip was designed to be made ahead! It should be refrigerated for at least one hour, or up to eight hours, before serving. Gently cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating it.
Variations
Here are a few ideas for changing it up!
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes on top
- Use shredded cheddar, shredded pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend in place of the colby jack.
- Replace the cream cheese with sour cream.
- Swap one of the bottom layers for refried beans.
- Add chopped cilantro to the top.
- Swap the olives for chopped bell peppers (red or orange peppers would be a nice pop of color!)
- Add chopped avocado, tossed with lime juice, to the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
The freezing/thawing process will negatively affect the texture of the lettuce and green onions, so I don’t recommend freezing taco dip.
Taco dip can sit out at room temperature for up to 4 hours. After that, it should be stored in the refrigerator. It will last 2–3 days before the contents may get watery or brown.
Swap the olives for chopped tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, chopped avocado (toss with lime juice first to prevent browning), or chopped cilantro.
More easy dip recipes
I LOVE a quick and easy dip for a party! Here are a few more ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Dip (serve with graham crackers and apple slices)
- Cold Black Eyed Pea Dip (packed with veggies!)
- Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip (3 ingredients)
- Easy Fruit Dip
- Dill Dip with Sour Cream (great with veggies)
- Beef Chip Dip (for potato chips and veggies)
- Velveeta Nacho Cheese Dip
📖 Recipe
7 Layer Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions (about 1 bunch)
- 1 (2 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
- To serve: tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning together until smooth. Spread into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Top the cream cheese with 1 cup guacamole, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese, ½ cup chopped green onions, and 1 (2 oz) can sliced black olives, drained.
- Gently cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to eight hours. Serve with tortilla chips.
Wow! I had leftover cocoa powder and this was amazing! I would’ve never guessed that this would’ve turned out after I poured all of that coffee on it. Not only did it make my house smell like I’m Betty Crocker but I can’t wait to dive in with some vanilla ice cream! 85/10 rating. Thank you!!!!
Hi Denise! Your review got posted on the Taco Dip recipe. I wonder if it’s for the Hot Fudge Pudding Cake? But anyway, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to write such a kind review.
I made this for the Super Bowl last year and it was a hit! Looking forward to making it for football season again this year!
Happy to hear it! Thanks for commenting!