Super Bowl Seven Layer Taco

The year I hosted my first Super Bowl party, I completely forgot to plan an appetizer until twenty minutes before guests arrived. My neighbor Sarah rescued me with a tub of seven layer dip from the store, and honestly, people hovered around that bowl more than the actual main dish. Now I make my own version, but I'll never forget how something so simple saved the day.

Last year my brother accidentally put the cheese layer on before the guacamole and refused to fix it. Surprisingly, nobody cared and some people actually preferred the melty cheese against the cool beans. Now I make layers in whatever order feels right that day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups refried beans: The hearty foundation that holds everything together, mix with taco seasoning to wake up the flavor
• 1½ cups sour cream: Creates that dreamy middle layer, blend with softened cream cheese for extra richness
• 2 large ripe avocados: Choose ones that yield slightly to pressure, mash with lime juice to keep that gorgeous green color
• 1 cup chunky salsa: Pick your heat level, chunky gives better texture than smooth
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar: Sharp cheddar cuts through all the creamy layers, Mexican blend works beautifully too
• 1 cup shredded lettuce: Iceberg adds perfect crunch and keeps the dip from feeling too heavy
• ¾ cup diced tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes balance out all the rich dairy elements
• ¼ cup sliced black olives: That briny punch that makes people ask whats in this
• ¼ cup sliced green onions: Pop of color and mild onion flavor without overwhelming

Instructions

Prep your flavor canvas:

Spread the seasoned refried beans evenly across your dish like youre painting a canvas

Add the clouds:

Gently spread the sour cream mixture over beans, moving slowly so layers dont blur together

Spread the green gold:

Mash avocados with lime and salt until chunky smooth, then carefully layer over cream

Bring the heat:

Spoon salsa over guacamole and spread to edges, watch those beautiful colors stack up

Shower with cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously until salsa layer is completely covered

Pile on the crunch:

Layer lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and green onions until it looks like a party in a pan

Patience pays off:

Refrigerate at least one hour so all those flavors can become best friends

Game time:

Set out with mountains of chips and watch it vanish during commercials

Save

My friend Jen once made this for a potluck and someone literally scraped the bottom of the dish with a chip to get every last layer. She took it as the highest compliment imaginable, and honestly, Ive never seen a dish bring people together quite like this one.

Make It Your Own

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if youre watching calories, the tang actually works beautifully. Sometimes I add a layer of seasoned ground beef between beans and cream for hearty version. diced jalapeños bring serious heat if your crew likes things fiery.

Party Prep Wisdom

I once tried transporting this already assembled and learned my lesson about car rides and layered dips. Now I prep all ingredients separately and layer it at the destination. If you must travel, wrap the dish tightly and keep it level on a flat surface.

The Chip Strategy

Thick sturdy chips are non negotiable here, flimsy ones will snap and leave your guests disappointed. Restaurant style or scoop shaped chips work best for getting all seven layers in one bite. Put out multiple bowls so nobody has to reach across the table.

• Warm your chips slightly in the oven for restaurant style crunch
• Offer both regular and lime chips for variety
• Keep backup chips hidden in the kitchen because they will disappear

Save

Every Super Sunday, this dip appears on my counter and every year, its the first thing gone. Some traditions stick around for good reason.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the dip spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños or choose a hot salsa variant to boost the heat throughout the layers.

→ Are there vegetarian-friendly options?

Absolutely, this layered dish is naturally vegetarian with dairy elements; you can also swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

→ How long should the dip chill before serving?

Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend and the layers to set nicely.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain texture and prevent watery layers.

→ What can I use for serving this layered dish?

Crunchy tortilla chips pair perfectly, offering a crisp contrast to the creamy and fresh layers.

→ Is there a way to include meat in this layered dish?

For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked and seasoned ground beef or turkey between the bean and creamy layers.