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Mexican 5 Layer Dip

Mexican 5 layer dip filled with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and diced tomatoes. Super easy, tasty and ready in just 15 minutes. This crowd favorite appetizer is loaded with flavor! 

Easy appetizer dip recipes are perfect for game day and potlucks! We also love this taco dip recipe, chili queso dip and 7 layer dip cups.

5 layer dip in a glass dish.
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Easy Mexican 5 Layer Dip

This is one of my absolute favorite Mexican appetizers. Each of the 5 layers pack of punch of flavor and blend together perfectly. It’s like a taste explosion in your mouth! We love serving this dip with Fritos or homemade tortilla chips. So yummy.

This 5 layer bean dip is similar to my favorite 7 layer dip but with a few less ingredients it’s great for smaller gatherings. All you need for this super easy appetizer is 15 minutes and a 9″ dish. This recipe is always a hit with it’s delicious layers of different colors and flavors!

5 Layer Bean Dip Recipe Ingredients

Below are the 5 main layers for the dip. Once you’ve assembled them, feel free to add on extra toppings like sliced olives, green onions or cilantro.

5 layer dip ingredients on board.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Beans: Mexican refried beans get mixed with softened cream cheese and taco seasoning to create a creamy and flavorful first layer.
  • Guacamole: I love making homemade guacamole, but you can definitely buy it premade to save time and dishes.
  • Sour cream: All you need is plain sour cream for the third layer.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is then sprinkled over the sour cream layer. You could also use a Mexican blend of cheese.
  • Tomatoes: The diced roma tomatoes are added on last. It’s important to drain them of any juices before sprinkling them on.

How to Make 5 Layer Dip

Showing how to make 5 layer dip in a 4 step collage.
  1. 1st layer: Mix together the refried beans, softened cream cheese and taco seasoning until combined. The cream cheese is optional, but I love the extra creamy texture it adds. It helps to microwave the cream cheese for a few seconds before mixing it in. Then spread the bean mixture onto the bottom of your dish.
  2. 2nd layer: Spread the guacamole evenly on top of the beans.
  3. 3rd layer: Next spread the sour cream over the layer of guacamole.
  4. 4th layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
  5. 5th layer: Lastly, add the diced Roma tomatoes on top of the cheese. Make sure to drain the juices from the tomatoes before adding them on so that the sour cream stays thick and the cheese doesn’t get soggy. At this point, feel free to add on any extra toppings that you’d like.

Tips + Variations

  • Doubling. This recipe is great for a smaller gathering. If serving a large crowd, you can double the recipe and serve in a 9×13″ pan or in a trifle dish.
  • Seasonings. For more flavor, you can add a Tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix into the sour cream layer. You can also keep the refried beans plain and then mix the cream cheese and taco seasoning in with the sour cream instead.
  • Extra layers. Feel free to add in extra layers if preferred. Sometimes I’ll add a layer of chunky salsa on top of the guacamole or even some taco meat in between the layers of refried beans and guacamole.
  • Serving. This dip can be served in a 9-inch pie dish, 9×9-inch baking dish or in mini cups for individual servings.
5 layer dip with tortilla chips on counter.

Recipe FAQs

How long can you leave this 7 layer dip on the counter?

I would keep this chilled until ready to serve, and only leave it out up to 2 hours.

Can I use homemade refried beans for this dip?

Absolutely! You can make your own easy refried beans if you’d prefer.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

This is one of those dips that definitely tastes best if made the day of. You can assemble the bean and sour cream layers in advance and then refrigerate. Then right before serving, add the remaining layers.

Is 5 layer dip supposed to heat up?

No you do not need to heat up the 5 layer dip before serving. It is best served cold. You may like this warm bean dip instead, though!

5 layer dip in a glass dish with toppings.

Other easy dips we love include this spinach artichoke dip, french onion dip, and pizza dip.

More Easy Appetizers

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5 layer dip with tortilla chips on counter.

5 Layer Dip

5 from 14 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Mexican 5 layer dip filled with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and diced tomatoes. Super easy, tasty and ready in just 15 minutes. This crowd favorite appetizer is loaded with flavor! 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
  • 4 ounces cream cheese , softened, optional
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons (1 packet) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Roma tomatoes , diced and drained of juices

Optional topping: Sliced black olives, Chopped cilantro, Sliced green onions, Avocado, Salt, Pepper

    For serving: Tortilla chips or Fritos

      Instructions

      • In a small bowl, mix beans, cream cheese, if using, and taco seasoning.
      • In a 9×9-inch pan, a pie dish, or in individual cups, create even layer of bean mixture, then guacamole, and finally sour cream.
      • Sprinkle the cheese and diced tomatoes over the top. Finish with sliced olives, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, if using.
      • Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The dip is best eaten the day it is made. Serve with fresh tortilla chips or Fritos. Enjoy! 

      Notes

      Substitutions: Alternatively you can mix the cream cheese and taco seasoning in with the sour cream. You could also add in 1 Tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream if you prefer.
      Make-ahead: If you are wanting to make ahead of time, I would do the bean and sour cream layer and refrigerate. Then add the guacamole and toppings right before serving so it stays fresh. 
      Storage: This dip is best eaten on the first day, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 729IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 1mg

      Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

      Course: Appetizer
      Cuisine: Mexican

      Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

      7 layer dip in cups.

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