5 glass bowls of different types of dip on a white surface Credit: Charlotte and Johnny Autry
Seven-layer dip is always the first thing to go at a potluck, and for good reason. Aside from being delicious, the dip is easy to make ahead and it travels well. With this easy formula, you can put your own flavor twists on the classics. But be prepared: everyone is going to ask for the recipe. 1. Use Beans for the Base Mashing canned or cooked beans creates a thick, dippable base for seven-layer dip. You can start with any bean or even lentils. Transfer 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the bean can (or the bean-cooking liquid if you’re using dried beans you’ve cooked yourself) to a large bowl. Rinse the beans, add them to the bowl and mash until smooth. Beans (Canned or Cooked) Black beansCannellini beansLentilsChickpeasGreat northern beansNavy beansButter beans 2. Sprinkle in Some Seasoning Add a little flair to those beans and set the tone for the flavor profile of the whole dip by adding some seasonings to the beans. Stir in 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. seasoning of your choice, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie pan and spread into an even layer. Seasonings Salt-free everything bagel seasoningCurry pasteItalian seasoningSalt-free za’atarSalt-free taco seasoning 3. Create a Creamy Layer Adding a layer of cream cheese combined with another creamy dairy product creates richness, but if you want something plant-based, nondairy cream cheese combines with vegan yogurt or silken tofu to create the same effect. Just mix 1/2 cup softened reduced-fat cream cheese with 1/4 cup creamy ingredient of your choice, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread that mixture on top of the bean mixture. Creamy Ingredients Plain Greek yogurtSour creamLabnehSilken tofuCrème fraicheRicotta cheese 4. Add Color with a Variety of Veggies Here’s where the fun comes in: Mix and match a variety of vegetables to add texture and color to your dip. Sprinkle 1 cup of sliced, shredded or chopped vegetables over the top of the creamy layer. Vegetables Sliced snow or snap peasShredded carrotsChopped artichoke heartsChopped tomatoesChopped fresh spinachChopped red onionChopped cucumber 5. Sprinkle on Some Cheese A layer of cheese provides salty, tangy flavor. Dairy-free or vegan? Just swap in a plant-based version. Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup crumbled and shredded cheese over the top of the vegetables. Cheese Crumbled cotijaCrumbled fetaGrated Pecorino RomanoGrated Parmesan Shredded Cheddar 6. Top It Off with Something Fresh Fresh herbs add bright and—you guessed it—fresh flavor to these rich layers. Scatter 1 Tbsp. to 1/4 cup chopped, torn or sliced fresh herbs over the top of the cheese. Fresh Herbs Chopped cilantroTorn basilSliced mintChopped dillChopped oregano 7. Add a Finishing Touch The final layer creates the first impression in terms of looks, but it’s also the last chance to add flavor, so reach for high-impact ingredients like pickled vegetables, hot sauce and cured meats. You can even mix and match multiple garnishes for maximum impact. Garnishes Pickled jalapeñosHot sauceFlaked smoked salmonCapersSliced olivesSliced salamiSliced pepperonciniCitrus zestSliced chile peppersChopped unsalted nutsDrizzle of oil Recipes to Try taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry Taco Dip View Recipe Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités. Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip View Recipe Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow’s-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping. Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip View Recipe Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping. thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Thai Chile-Curry Dip View Recipe Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor. Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Antipasti Layered Dip View Recipe A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
5 glass bowls of different types of dip on a white surface Credit: Charlotte and Johnny Autry
5 glass bowls of different types of dip on a white surface Credit: Charlotte and Johnny Autry
5 glass bowls of different types of dip on a white surface
Credit: Charlotte and Johnny Autry
Seven-layer dip is always the first thing to go at a potluck, and for good reason. Aside from being delicious, the dip is easy to make ahead and it travels well. With this easy formula, you can put your own flavor twists on the classics. But be prepared: everyone is going to ask for the recipe.
1. Use Beans for the Base
Mashing canned or cooked beans creates a thick, dippable base for seven-layer dip. You can start with any bean or even lentils. Transfer 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the bean can (or the bean-cooking liquid if you’re using dried beans you’ve cooked yourself) to a large bowl. Rinse the beans, add them to the bowl and mash until smooth.
Beans (Canned or Cooked)
Black beansCannellini beansLentilsChickpeasGreat northern beansNavy beansButter beans
2. Sprinkle in Some Seasoning
Add a little flair to those beans and set the tone for the flavor profile of the whole dip by adding some seasonings to the beans. Stir in 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. seasoning of your choice, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie pan and spread into an even layer.
Seasonings
Salt-free everything bagel seasoningCurry pasteItalian seasoningSalt-free za’atarSalt-free taco seasoning
3. Create a Creamy Layer
Adding a layer of cream cheese combined with another creamy dairy product creates richness, but if you want something plant-based, nondairy cream cheese combines with vegan yogurt or silken tofu to create the same effect. Just mix 1/2 cup softened reduced-fat cream cheese with 1/4 cup creamy ingredient of your choice, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread that mixture on top of the bean mixture.
Creamy Ingredients
Plain Greek yogurtSour creamLabnehSilken tofuCrème fraicheRicotta cheese
4. Add Color with a Variety of Veggies
Here’s where the fun comes in: Mix and match a variety of vegetables to add texture and color to your dip. Sprinkle 1 cup of sliced, shredded or chopped vegetables over the top of the creamy layer.
Vegetables
Sliced snow or snap peasShredded carrotsChopped artichoke heartsChopped tomatoesChopped fresh spinachChopped red onionChopped cucumber
5. Sprinkle on Some Cheese
A layer of cheese provides salty, tangy flavor. Dairy-free or vegan? Just swap in a plant-based version. Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup crumbled and shredded cheese over the top of the vegetables.
Cheese
Crumbled cotijaCrumbled fetaGrated Pecorino RomanoGrated Parmesan Shredded Cheddar
6. Top It Off with Something Fresh
Fresh herbs add bright and—you guessed it—fresh flavor to these rich layers. Scatter 1 Tbsp. to 1/4 cup chopped, torn or sliced fresh herbs over the top of the cheese.
Fresh Herbs
Chopped cilantroTorn basilSliced mintChopped dillChopped oregano
7. Add a Finishing Touch
The final layer creates the first impression in terms of looks, but it’s also the last chance to add flavor, so reach for high-impact ingredients like pickled vegetables, hot sauce and cured meats. You can even mix and match multiple garnishes for maximum impact.
Garnishes
Pickled jalapeñosHot sauceFlaked smoked salmonCapersSliced olivesSliced salamiSliced pepperonciniCitrus zestSliced chile peppersChopped unsalted nutsDrizzle of oil
Recipes to Try
taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry Taco Dip View Recipe Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités. Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip View Recipe Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow's-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping. Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip View Recipe Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping. thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Thai Chile-Curry Dip View Recipe Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor. Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Antipasti Layered Dip View Recipe A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry Taco Dip View Recipe Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités.
Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip View Recipe Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow's-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip View Recipe Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Thai Chile-Curry Dip View Recipe Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Antipasti Layered Dip View Recipe A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry Taco Dip View Recipe Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités.
taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry
Taco Dip
Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités.
taco dip Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry
taco dip
Credit: Johnny and Charlotte Autry
taco dip
Taco Dip
Here we lighten up classic 7-layer dip by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips and/or crudités.
Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip View Recipe Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow's-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree
Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip
Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow’s-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
Za'atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip Credit: Greg Dupree
Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip
Credit: Greg Dupree
Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip
Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip
Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow’s-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip View Recipe Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Thai Chile-Curry Dip View Recipe Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Thai Chile-Curry Dip
Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
thai curry dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
thai curry dip
thai curry dip
Thai Chile-Curry Dip
Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry Antipasti Layered Dip View Recipe A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Antipasti Layered Dip
A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
Antipasti Layered Dip Credit: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Antipasti Layered Dip
Antipasti Layered Dip
Antipasti Layered Dip
A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
