Mexican 7 Layer Dip is an easy appetizer to make for parties. Layers Tex-Mex flavors come together in to make a simple cold dip to serve with tortilla chips.
7 Layer Bean Dip may be one of my favorite dip recipes. It has refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and sour cream. It’s the best mix of Mexican flavors.
There’s no hard part to making this classic dip recipe. You can make it ahead of time, put it in the fridge, and serve it cold or at room temperature at game day parties or summer potlucks.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Thank you!.
Bean dip is a beloved appetizer for game days, parties, and potlucks. This protein-packed snack comes in endless flavor varieties. But when it comes to serving, one key question arises – can you eat bean dip cold or should it be served warm?
The short answer is you can happily eat bean dip either cold or hot But the ideal serving temperature depends on factors like the specific recipe, mix-ins, and personal preference. Read on for a complete guide to getting the best bean dip experience regardless of chill factor.
An Overview of Bean Dip’s Flexible Serving Temperatures
Unlike more temperamental dishes, bean dip is versatile enough to be delicious either cold or hot. There are benefits to both serving methods:
Chilled bean dip highlights fresh, bright ingredients like lemon juice, herbs, and salsa. The cooling temperature preserves the texture after dip sits out for a party. And you can make cold bean dip ahead since there’s no need to heat it up.
Warm bean dip brings out deeper flavors from spices, cheese, and seasonings. Heating the beans softens them into a luxuriously smooth and creamy dip. Hot bean dip just feels cozier for chilly weather and game days.
So the ideal serving temperature depends on the specific recipe, your tastes, and the flavors you want to highlight. With the right handling, bean dip delivers maximum flavor and enjoyment whether you like it frosty or steaming.
Perfect Serving Temperatures for Common Bean Dip Recipes
Certain bean dip recipes lend themselves better to either a chilled or heated serving style. Here’s a breakdown of optimum temperatures for popular bean dips:
Cold Bean Dips
Traditional Bean Dip – Made from pureed pinto beans with garlic, lemon, and spices, this dip is best chilled to preserve the zesty southwest flavors.
Black Bean Dip – Creamy black bean dip gets tang from lime juice and cilantro. Letting it chill allows those flavors to pop.
White Bean Herb Dip – White beans whirled with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary taste freshest when cold.
Broccoli Cheddar Dip – Mixing beans with broccoli and cheddar makes a hearty cold dip. Chilling helps the cheese thicken and set.
Layered Bean Dip – With distinct layers of refried beans and guacamole, this dip must be assembled cold to maintain the separation of flavors.
Hot Bean Dips
Artichoke Bean Dip – Blending marinated artichoke hearts into a hot bean dip base amps up the creamy richness.
Spinach Bean Dip – Sautéed spinach and cream cheese get swirled into hot white beans for a warm, cheesy dip.
Queso Bean Dip – Cheese lovers rejoice! Beans and gooey melted cheese combine for the ultimate hot and hearty bean dip.
Sausage Bean Dip – Cooked crumbled sausage and spices simmered into bean dip make a satisfying heated appetizer.
Jalapeño Bacon Bean Dip – For spicy bean dip lovers, crispy bacon and sliced jalapeños bake into the beans for maximum heat and flavor when warm.
Handling Tips for Serving Bean Dip Hot or Cold
To get the best possible eating experience, use these handy tips for prepping and serving bean dip at the perfect temperature:
-
Make cheesy bean dips ahead, then gently reheat to get the creamiest, smoothest texture.
-
Transfer cold bean dips to a serving bowl early so they chill thoroughly.
-
For hearty hot dips, use a slow cooker or oven to keep the dip at an ideal warm temperature.
-
If cold dip seems too thick, stir in a little milk, water or olive oil to thin it out.
-
Garnish cold dips just before serving so toppings stay fresh and crisp.
-
Take the chill off cold bean dip by microwaving briefly for 20-30 seconds.
-
For potlucks, transport hot dip in a thermos and cold dip in an insulated cooler bag.
-
Set out both hot and cold options and let guests decide which temperature they prefer!
One of the great advantages of bean dip is its incredible versatility – including when it comes to serving temperature. Both cold and hot bean dip have their merits and devoted fans. The optimum way to eat any particular recipe comes down to the specific ingredients as well as personal preference. Luckily bean dip has a wide flavor and texture range, so it can be customized to enjoy perfectly chilled or steaming hot. Whip up a batch and experiment with heating and cooling to find your favorite bean dip temperature.
k
What are the Seven Layers in 7 Layer Dip?
- Refried beans
- Meat seasoning (I like to make my own meat seasoning)
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Roma tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Green onions
If you want to make this, there is no right or wrong way to do it. That’s one of the things I love most about it. The way my mom makes hers is different from how I do mine. She puts shredded lettuce and salsa on top of hers. You could even land somewhere in between and make a fresh pico de gallo for your tomato layer.
The refried beans are mixed with taco seasoning in this recipe. I have also made it with sour cream and taco seasoning. You can also make it with taco meat (ground beef and taco seasoning) if you like!.
Any way you make it will be delicious, and I promise it will disappear quickly at parties. Add and take away things from this dip to make it your own based on what you like best.
How to Make 7 Layer Bean Dip:
Step 1 – Season beans. In a small bowl stir together the refried beans and taco seasoning. This gives the dip a boost of Mexican flavor. Just so you know, if you want to make this recipe bigger, I would add the usual amount of taco seasoning to the refried beans and then keep adding taco seasoning until you get the taste you want.
Step 2 – Layer 1. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 13” x 9 “ casserole dish.
Step 3 – Layer 2. Top with a layer of guacamole. If you’re making it yourself, add a little more lime juice, salt, and pepper to make it taste even better.
Step 4 – Layer 3. Spread a layer of sour cream over the guacamole.
Step 5 – Layer 4. Add a layer of shredded cheese over the sour cream.
Step 6 – Layer 5. Next a layer of fresh tomatoes. You can also use a pico de gallo or chunky salsa if you prefer. Just make sure you drain the excess juice off before adding to the dip.
Step 7 – Layers 6 and 7. Top with black olives and green onions.
Step 8 – Store. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
If you like this simple dip, you should also try our 5 Layer Greek Dip, which has layers of hummus, tzatziki, and chopped vegetables. It’s another great dip for parties!.
Aside from being delicious, this dip is great because it can be served cold or at room temperature. You don’t have to cook anything! Just take refried beans out of the can and mix them with taco seasoning. Your bean layer is ready!
You can make this dip a day ahead of time and cover it with plastics wrap, or better yet, make it in a pyrex dish with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator. 7 Layer Taco Dip is served cold, so when it’s party time you pull it out of the fridge. Open up a bag of chips, and you’re ready to party!
This delicious make-ahead party dip can be made up to 2 days in advance. The only bad thing about making it this early is that the guacamole might start to turn a little brown. This should happen more slowly because of the sour cream on top, but any air that gets to the guacamole will change its color. Even though it doesn’t look as good, it’s still safe to eat. For the best results, make yours the night before.
If stored properly using an airtight lid, this dip can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you leave avocados out in the air for a while, they will start to turn brown, but they are still safe to eat after that.
Super Easy Bean Dip
FAQ
Are you supposed to heat up bean dip?
Can you eat bean cold?
Do you put bean dip in the fridge?
Do you eat 5 layer dip hot or cold?
Can you make refried beans dip hot or cold?
Add the Monterey Jack and Spicy Pepper Cheese Dip, sour cream and refried beans to a large bowl and mix until well combined. You can serve your dip hot or cold – its delicious either way. To serve hot, simply microwave then stir until warmed through. What Can I Add to Bean Dip? You can customize your easy Bean Dip by adding any of the following:
Are refried beans healthy to eat?
Refried beans may support your heart, digestion, and blood sugar levels. Beans are high in fiber, magnesium, and potassium — a powerful combination that may promote heart health. They are low on the glycemic index(GI), which measures how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels. It contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may protect your body from free radical damage and help prevent age-related disease and death.
Can you freeze bean dip?
If you do end up wanting to keep it longer, mix it together so all the ingredients are well combined, and freeze it that way to make a burrito filling, rather than the multiple-layer dip. It can freeze in that form for 3 to 4 months. How long does Bean Dip last?
Can You reheat bean dip?
Reheating: To reheat this dip, you can put it in the oven or the microwave. We recommend the oven. 450 for 5-10 minutes should warm it up perfectly. 1-2 minutes in the microwave should also work! Freezing bean dip: I haven’t tried freezing this bean dip, but I think it would work.