Seven Layer Dip

I was invited to a cookie exchange Thursday night, and in addition to cookies, we were supposed to bring a snack food. Since I knew I was going to be baking cookies all day, I wanted something easy to make so I chose the trusty Seven Layer Dip. This is one of my favorite party foods and it is always a big hit. Just remember to bring a very large bag of chips!!

The secret to my seven layer dip is homemade guacamole.  Is there any other kind?

Choosing avocados is just something you have to learn...not too soft, not too hard.  I try to purchase them under ripe a few days ahead and let them ripen at home.

How do I make my guacamole?  This may seem like I'm explaining the process to a kindergartener, but I try to keep in mind that not everyone is at the same level in the kitchen, so if I make it as simple as possible, everyone is covered.  I use 4 avocados to make the guacamole.

Starting at the top of the avocado, cut into the avocado until you hit the seed, then basically follow the seed all the way around with your sharp knife.  If the avocado doesn't fall right apart, twist gently to separate the halves.  Repeat for all 4 avocados.

The way I remove the seed (there are other ways) is to hold the avocado firmly, stab it with the point of a sharp knife where the seed and the fruit meet (turn the blade away from your hand), then sort of gently twist the knife until the seed pops out.  You may have to jiggle the knife a little until it loosens.

Holding the avocado half firmly on the bottom, scoop out the fruit (yes, it is a fruit) and place it on a dinner plate.

If an avocado is ripe enough, it comes out of the skin a little mushier.  Unfortunately, I purchased mine way under ripe, so I had to do a little extra work.

This isn't even mashed yet.  My avocados were so stiff, I had to really work it over with a sharp knife before I could even take a masher to it.

I usually mash my avocado with a dinner fork, but I had to use a potato masher on these.  Now they're ready to add the other ingredients....garlic salt, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.

Sprinkle about a teaspoon of garlic salt on the avocado.

Drizzle the avocado with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.  Start with less...too much mayo takes away from the flavor of the avocado.  You can always add more.

This is the final product.  Yum!


Let's build the Seven Layer Dip...I want to start out by saying that this dip really only works loaded with full-fat products...none of the light or fat free stuff!

I usually make this in a 13x9-inch pan, but I was trying to be fancy, so I made it in a large plastic bowl.  First, spread a 30-ounce can of Rosarita refried beans on the bottom of the pan.  I use Rosarita refried beans, because I like their flavor the best and they spread easily.

Spread the homemade guacamole over the top of the beans.  If you don't use homemade, I don't even know where to purchase it already made, so you're on your own there.  :)  If you do find it, you probably need about 16 ounces.

Spread 16 ounces of sour cream over the guacamole.

Pour a 16-ounce jar of salsa over the sour cream.

Top with 16 ounces of Cheddar cheese, 1 small can of sliced black olives, and about a 1/4 cup chopped green onion.   Hope you enjoy!!

Print Seven Layer Dip Recipe

Happy Snacking!!
Collette :)