7 Layer Dip is an American dip, typically served with tortilla chips or potato chips. 7 layer dip consists of 7 different Mexican inspired ingredients and a great addition to a Mexican fiesta or Super Bowl party. The dip looks impressive due to its many colorful layers, but in fact it can be relatively simple to prepare. There is no cooking required if you decide to use all store-bought ingredients. Should you choose to cook some if the layers in your own kitchen (such as the refried beans, guacamole or salsa), the dish becomes somewhat more complex. However, cooking one or more of these ingredients from scratch will give your 7 layer dip a more home made taste.

While 7 layer dip is not considered an authentic Mexican food, its roots are Latin in origin and the dish incorporates ingredients that one might typically find in a Mexican kitchen. frijoles refritos (or "refried beans, translated into English) are commonly used in Mexican cooking, as are guacamole, salsa (which literally means "sauce" in Spanish), tomatoes and cheese. If you want to go the more authentic route, you may opt to use queso fresco or queso ranchero instead of the shredded cheddar or Jack cheeses that you find in most American kitchens. Homemade salsa will also go a long way in adding authenticity, as will adding fresh, chopped jalapenos.

1. Refried Beans
2. Guacamole
3. Sour Cream
4. Salsa such as Pico de Gallo
5. Tomatoes, chopped
6. Cheddar Cheese, grated
7. Black Olives

• Ground Beef
• Shredded Beef
• Lettuce
• Jalapeno Chiles

1. Refried beans
2. Sour cream
3. Guacamole
4. Salsa
5. Cheese
6. Olives
7. Tomatoes

Serve with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas.