The iconic seven-layer dip is one of those dishes that may look stunning when first presented, but always falls apart by the end of the night. The eye-popping layers of taco toppings not only stand up to party guests constantly dipping and scooping, but even at its ugly-delicious level, people will still be coming back for more. With football season in full swing and fall looming, it’s essential to have a solid seven-layer dip recipe in your entertaining arsenal. Here are the basics and a few unique twists to make it your own.
What is the seven-layer dip?
The name of this crowd-pleasing appetizer isn’t cute or funny—it’s quite literal. A classic seven-layer dip consists of seven layers of ingredients, most traditionally inspired by what you would do with a taco. The standard dip consists of perfectly defined layers of refried beans flavored with taco seasoning, guacamole, sour cream, salsa or diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, black olives and fresh cilantro. The thick dish is usually served with tortilla chips. In theory, it’s the perfect combination. In practice, it’s a bit of a mess, but still a hit at the party. Like nachos, a seven-layer dip is a gamble—you’ll inevitably get more of one ingredient and probably none of the other (you’ll have to dig deep for those beans!), but that’s part of the fun. And while two of the seven are dairy-based, you can easily swap out the dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a plant-based version. Keep reading to learn how to master the Seven-Layer Dip and delight all your party guests with a delicious new variation.
Namely killed
1 Mexican 7-layer dip
If you’ve never done a seven-layer dip before, start here. This is a classic recipe that is exceptionally simple and practically foolproof. Choose to assemble your dip with all store-bought items or cook a little more by making the beans called for in the recipe. You can add chunks of plant-based chorizo ​​or taco-seasoned beef for a heartier appetizer.
Deeper Tips: Lime-flavored tortilla chips, carrot sticks
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The minimalist baker
2 Vegan 7-Layer Dip
Not a sour cream fan? We know, it’s an acquired taste. This recipe nixes this somewhat controversial condiment and replaces it with melted vegan queso or homemade cashew cheese sauce. We highly recommend serving this hot.
Deeper Tips: Hot flour tortillas, jicama sticks
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Abbott’s Butcher
3 Seven-level Mediterranean dive
Who doesn’t love a smorgasbord of Mediterranean dips served with fluffy, warm pita bread or lavash? This recipe saves you a few meals by combining all your favorite flavors in one giant casserole dish. It starts with a thick base of hummus followed by dairy-free tzatziki, herby tabbouleh, plant-based ground beef, crispy cucumber, vegan feta and briny Kalamata olives. Really, it’s a meal in itself.
Deeper Tips: Warm pita pockets, toasted pita chips, lavash
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Vegan Richa
4 Thai Layered Dip
Just when you thought peanut sauce couldn’t get any better, it does. This sweet, nutty, and spicy appetizer begins with a thick layer of crunchy shredded carrots buried in Sriracha-laced peanut sauce, sambal olek-infused salsa, fresh cilantro and mint, crispy mung bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, peanuts, and a dash of lime juice. . Although it takes a little longer, this version is best when making peanut sauce and salsa from scratch.
Deeper Tips: Cucumber, carrot sticks, toasted pita chips
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Food Facts Fitness
5 Indian seven-layer dip
This is a dip of our own invention, inspired by a non-vegan recipe we came across online. It starts with a creamy, chilled cucumber raita topped with tamarind chutney. Vegetable filling (roasted eggplant dip), roasted chickpeas, Brooklyn Delhi roasted garlic pickles, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro or fried curry leaves if you want to go extra. It’s a labor of love, because it’s not just an assembly recipe, but try it once and you’ll crave it forever.
Deeper Tips: Hot roti, pita chips, lentils
First mess
6 Vegan Seven-Layer Dip with Buffalo Refried Beans
This recipe isn’t so much a departure from the classic dip—the secret is in the beans. A few glugs of vegan buffalo-style hot sauce give this otherwise tame dish a spicy kick and unexpected flavor. Your guests won’t be able to put their finger on it, but everyone will be asking for the recipe. To make this an eight- or nine-layer dip, top the delicious monstrosity with browned vegan chicken and a heavy drizzle of Frank’s Red Hot and/or Vegan Ranch Dressing.
Deeper Tips: Celery sticks, tortilla chips, vegan chicken tenders
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Darn good veggies
7 Desert Seven-Layer Deep
While seven-layer dips are delicious on the fat side, the concept lends itself very well to the sweet side of party food. A seven-layer dessert dip is the ultimate trifle. The trick is to not let your sweet tooth go wild and try to balance things out because these foods can easily become too sweet. This recipe combines a date-sweetened, dark chocolate mousse, toasted chopped almonds, chopped dates, salted caramel, lightly-sweetened coconut cream, toasted coconut, and sliced ​​strawberries (bananas and raspberries work well, too). . The variety of textures between rich and decadent mousse, light and silky whip, sticky salted caramel, chewy dates and crunchy nuts will keep everyone coming back for more.
Deeper Tips: Vegan graham crackers, vegan shortbread cookies
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Tanya Flink is a digital editor for VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.