This Southwestern Seven Layer Dip is full of so many layers of flavor from the creamy, slightly spicy base to the kicked up tomatoes to the black beans and corn. Everyone loves this hearty 7 layer dip!
It’s not a party without a delicious 7 layer dip! This southwestern version fits right in with some of our other favorite apps, like Creamy Cheesy Southwest Dip and Shredded Beef and Black Bean Nachos.
Southwestern 7 Layer Dip
Dips are just kinda my thing. I love them and they love me, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Seven Layer dips are definitely a favorite of mine, because they are completely customizable. Don’t like the olives? Leave them out. Prefer pinto beans over black beans? Make a swap! Use your favorite cheeses or whatever you have on hand. This 7 layer dip is all about making you happy so go with what you love. You may end up with 8 layers, or 6, but that’s totally ok!
Layer dips are a great way to combine a bunch of flavors that you love into a dippable treat that has something everyone loves. Customize them for different flavor profiles, like Mexican, Italian or even a layered dessert dip!
What we love about this Southwestern 7 Layer Dip
- It’s easy to make with just 7 ingredients!
- There’s minimal prep work so this dip is ready in minutes.
- You can customize this dip with your favorite flavors or ingredients.
How to Make Southwestern Seven Layer Dip
As the name says, this dip has seven layers of complete awesomeness. It’s a spin on my popular Skinny Taco Dip, another layered dip recipe.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream base with a healthy dose of taco seasoning.
- Cheese – lots and lots of cheddar-jack cheese.
- Tomatoes with green chiles
- Black beans
- Corn
- Olives
- Green onions
Assembling the 7 layer dip
- The first step for this Southwestern Seven Layer Dip is to make the base. Start with some softened cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning. You could use a southwest seasoning if you have that on hand, or make your own blend as well. I just always have some taco seasoning on hand and the flavor profile is the same.
- Once you’ve got a smooth base layer, spread it in a clear glass dish – a 7″x11″ works great, or a 9″ round or square dish. I prefer to use clear because it helps everyone to see the layers. Just be sure to use something with low sides because this isn’t a tall dip.
- Now it’s time to layer! Take those ingredients I listed above and layer then all on top of your creamy base.
A few tips for this Southwestern Seven Layer Dip
- To soften the cream cheese and make it super smooth, use a hand mixer on medium-high speed. This will whip the cream cheese into shape, literally. Once it’s nice and smooth, add the sour cream and taco seasoning and stir it all together.
- Cheese – I used a blend of jack and cheddar cheese. You can use all jack, all cheddar, or any blend you like. Amp it up with some spicy pepper jack!
- Tomatoes – I used a can of 14.5 ounce of Muir Glen fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (aff). I love the flavor of the roasted tomatoes, but you could also swap out for 2 cans of Rotel, just be sure to drain them really well. If the tomatoes are too big (which sometimes they can be with the Rotel) use kitchen shears to cut them smaller right in the can.
- Serve this 7 layer dip with your choice of dippers. I prefer tortilla chips because they just make sense with those delicious southwestern flavors. Crackers or toasted bread would be a great option as well.
Want some more layer dips to try out? Here are some of our favorites:
- Cheesy Hot 7 Layer Bean Dip
- The BEST Skinny Taco Dip Recipe
- Cobb Salad Dip
- Nine Layer Mexican Dip
- Hawaiian Pizza Dip
- Wedge Salad Dip
Southwestern 7 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning or 1 packet
- 1 cup Cheddar jack cheese freshly grated (more to taste)
- 1 cup canned fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 ounces Sliced olives drained
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish, optional
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with sour cream and taco seasoning. *For best results, beat cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until fluffy and smooth (no lumps), then stir in sour cream and taco seasoning.
- Pour cream cheese mixture into an 11x7-inch baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Layer ingredients as desired: cheese, black beans, tomatoes/green chiles, corn, olives. Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Chill until ready to serve, and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
- Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Amounts of toppings listed are general. Feel free to use more or less to your liking.
- If your store doesn't carry the Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes with green chiles, 2 cans of Rotel, or a combo of 1 can diced tomatoes and 1/2 of a can of green chiles, all drained well, will suffice.
Nutrition
Made this for a potluck. After mixing the cream cheese, taco seasoning and 1 cup sour cream, I felt it a bit too strongly flavored and added the add’l 1 cup of sour cream. Also added chopped green peppers to the layers. Served with tortilla chips – it was a huge hit – thanks so much for the recipe.
You are so welcome Peggy! thank you so much for taking the time to leave some positive feedback.
We made this several times now, and really like it! But, I baked it and it was a HUGE hit! Thanks for the recipe…. it’s a keeper
You are so welcome Gina, thank you so much for taking the time to leave some positive feedback