this adorable spooky 7 layer dip is the perfect Halloween appetizer! filled with refried beans, vegan cheese, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, olives, and vegan sour cream or yogurt, it is the perfect dip.
the inspiration
I always love making Halloween recipes. They are fun and it really allows me to be creative. I definitely didn’t invent the idea of the spider web 7 layer dip but it is so cute I wanted to make my own version.
This is just a classic 7 layer dip with a little spooky twist! The little edible spiders made out of olives are truly the perfect combination of cute and creepy. I also love how easy this is to make, trust me it is much easier to make the spider web than you think!
what is 7 layer dip?
In case you have never heard of 7 layer dip let me tell you about it !7 layer dip is a classic party appetizer that layers bold flavors and colorful ingredients into one irresistible dish.
It typically starts with refried beans, followed by seasoned guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives. Each layer adds a different texture and taste, from creamy to tangy to crunchy. Served with tortilla chips, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip!
The dip is very easy to make in a vegan version and something that is not hard to make at all. So, if you don’t love cooking but need to bring something for a party make this.
the ingredients
- Vegan Refried Beans: the base of our recipe is some refried beans! You do need to check the ingredients because sometimes there will be lard in refried beans. However, there are a lot of great vegan options out there.
- Black Olives: a classic layer in 7 layer dip but also so important for making our adorable little spiders!
- Avocado: we will use this to make a quick and easy guacamole layer! You can also use store-bought guacamole if you would rather not make it homemade.
- Lime: we will use this in the guacamole layer.
- Vegan Yogurt or Vegan Sour Cream: this is what makes our spider web! You can use any vegan sour cream you like or I like to use Forager’s Greek-Style yogurt.
- Tomatoes: we will use some on top to add another beautiful element to our dip.
- Vegan Cheese: I decided to use 2 different vegan cheeses. I use Daiya jalapeno havarti and Violife Mexican-style shreds. You can of course only use type of vegan cheese but the two types of course add in different flavors.
- Salsa: we will need a nice layer of salsa this adds in tons of flavor. You can use mild, medium, spicy, or any type you like.
- Seasonings: we will need some seasonings in the guacamole layer. You may also need them in the refried beans layer depending on which ones you get. Some already come pre-seasoned. I like to use chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Chips: finally, we need something to dip with of course! If you can get some cute Halloween chips that is fun but even just blue corn tortilla chips give a spooky feel.
how to make the spooky 7 layer dip
Making this dip is seriously so easy! It comes together in just a few minutes and it is easy to customize. There is really no wrong way to layer the dip either. I just thought it looked best with the guacamole layer underneath the spider web.
- Spread the refried beans into the bottom of your serving dish. I like to use a pie dish.
- Add vegan cheese. Place in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to warm everything.
- Add salsa on top of the beans and vegan cheese after it comes out of the oven.
- Mash up the avocado with lime juice, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. To make a very quick and simplified guacamole.
- Add the guacamole layer over top.
- Slice the tomatoes and black olives. Keep about 5 to 6 olives aside. Cut them in half to make the body of the spider, set aside 3 to 4 halves. Then, take the other halves and cut them into thin slices to make the spider legs.
- You can either use a very thin piping tip or cut the tip off of Ziploc bag. Use it to pipe a spider web and then use whatever is left to make a border on the outside.
- Finally, finish decorating by making the little spiders and adding tomatoes and olives to the outside border.
Spooky Tip
If you do not feel like making the olive spiders you can just use plastic ones! Just be sure to let people know so they do not eat them.
tips for making the 7 layer dip ahead of time
This dip is really something that is best made within an hour of wanting to serve it. The lime juice will help to keep the avocado from turning brown right away but if you make it too ahead of time it will become greenish-brown.
So, if you wanted to prep this partly in the morning for an evening party I would do this: spread the refried beans into the bottom of the plate, and then top with the cheese. Cover and place in the refrigerator. Slice up your tomatoes and olives, and making the olive shapes necessary for the little spiders. Place your vegan sour cream or yogurt in the piping bag.
Then, right before you want to serve: pop the dip in the oven. Add the salsa, make the guacamole, spread that on top, and then decorate. This way the dip didn’t sit out for too long.
why you’ll love this recipe
If you have never had 7 layer dip you are in for a treat! The flavors are so delicious. It is a classic dip for a reason. You will love how easy this is to make and it is so fun to get your kids involved in as well.
I feel that the end result is the perfect combination of cute and spooky. Making it perfect for Halloween parties and get togethers. Also, it is actually a decently healthy dish with tons of veggies and legumes: beans, avocados, tomatoes, olives. Also, using the dairy free substitutes makes it much lower in fat and cholesterol. So, you can feel good while you eat this dip!
spooky 7 layer dip faq
The dip does not contain any soy, nuts, or gluten! If you are serving for people who are gluten free just be sure to use gluten free chips.
You can store the leftovers in the fridge. After 1-2 days it will start to turn so it does not last very long. This truly is a best when enjoyed fresh dish. However, I did warm up some of the leftover 7-layer dip in the microwave the following day and it was delicious.
While I stuck with a classic way of making the 7 layer dip you can play around and add other things! I think some chopped jalapeños or green onions would be great on top. You can also swap the chopped tomatoes for pico de gallo. Garnish with fresh cilantro. There are so many ways to customize and play with this recipe.
I personally think it is a mix of both. I like having the warm refried beans and vegan cheese while enjoy the cold elements of the salsa, guacamole, tomatoes, vegan sour cream, and olives. However, you can always enjoy everything at room temperature and you do not need to warm the beans and vegan in the oven.
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Spooky 7 Layer Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 ounces) vegan refried beans
- 1 can (drain weight 6 ounces) black olives large or extra large, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegan cheese
- ⅔ cup vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 large avocado around 150g without skin
- 1 lime juiced
- 20 grape tomatoes sliced see note*
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread refried beans evenly in the bottom of a pie dish or shallow serving dish. Top with vegan cheese.
- Bake 15 minutes until heated through. If your refried beans do not have spices like mind did feel free to add in 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Remove from the oven and spread salsa evenly over the warm beans and cheese.
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Taste and adjust any seasonings. Spread over the salsa layer.
- Create the spider web. Fill a piping bag with a thin tip (or Ziploc bag with a corner cut) with vegan sour cream or vegan yogurt. Pipe a spider web design across the top, then use any extra to outline the dish’s edge.
- Slice most of the olives leaving about 6 aside for the spiders. Cut the 6 olives in half. Keep 3 halves to make little spider bodies. Then, thinly slice remaining halves to make legs. Place them on the web. Add sliced tomatoes and extra olive slices around the border.
- Pair with tortilla chips and enjoy. If you can find a Halloween chip that is even more fun.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card.
- You can also use a large chopped Roma or beefsteak tomato.
Nutrition
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hey there!
Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
Made this for a Halloween party we attended. It turned out great! Ended up swapping some premade fresh guacamole from the grocery store and used vegan sour cream. It was yummy!
Hi Karen! yay I am so glad you enjoyed! thank you for trying it and taking the time to leave a comment/review!!
Amazing taste & look
Thank you so much, Sonja!!
I made this last night for a Halloween get together and it was a huge hit. I’m definitely be making this again!!!
Yay!!! I love that makes me so happy to hear. Thank you for trying it. Happy Halloween!!