7-Layer Cobb Salad Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Looking for a party dip that’s colorful, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress? The 7-Layer Cobb Salad Dip takes the classic flavors of a Cobb salad—bacon, eggs, avocado, blue cheese, and more—and layers them into a creamy, irresistible dip perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s fresh, satisfying, and easy to assemble.
This recipe serves 8-10 people as an appetizer and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Base Layer:
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1 package (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cobb Salad Layers:
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4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
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6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta for a milder taste)
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1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional but recommended)
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1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For Garnish:
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Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
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Paprika for color
For Serving:
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Tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers)
Equipment:
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Medium mixing bowl
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9×9-inch serving dish or shallow glass dish
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Spoon or spatula
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Knife and chopping board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Spread this mixture evenly at the bottom of your serving dish. This creamy layer acts as the “glue” that holds all the layers together.
2. Add the Egg Layer
Chop the hard-boiled eggs and sprinkle them evenly over the cream cheese base. This layer adds protein and the classic Cobb salad flavor.
3. Layer the Bacon
Crumble cooked bacon over the eggs. The bacon provides a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Tip: For even coverage, chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Add the Avocado
Dice the ripe avocado and spread it evenly over the bacon layer. To prevent browning, gently toss the avocado with a teaspoon of lime juice before layering.
5. Add Tomatoes and Chicken
Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a layer over the avocado. If using diced cooked chicken, sprinkle it evenly over the tomatoes. This adds extra protein and mimics the hearty flavor of a traditional Cobb salad.
6. Add Cheese and Green Onions
Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the tomato and chicken layer. Then scatter sliced green onions on top for freshness and a pop of color.
If you’re using black olives, sprinkle them evenly as well. These add a subtle briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.
7. Garnish and Chill
Finish the dip with a light sprinkling of paprika and fresh chopped parsley or chives. This gives the dip a beautiful presentation and a touch of flavor.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes the dip easier to scoop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 7-Layer Cobb Salad Dip with a variety of dippers:
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Tortilla chips or pita chips
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Crackers or breadsticks
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Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumber
This dip is also excellent spread on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful twist.
Tips for the Perfect Cobb Salad Dip
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Layer carefully: Try to spread each ingredient evenly to create a visually appealing, colorful dip.
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Keep avocado fresh: Toss with lime juice to prevent browning. Add avocado just before serving if possible.
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Make ahead: The dip can be assembled a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Avoid adding avocado until closer to serving time for the best texture.
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Adjust ingredients: Customize your layers based on personal preference—extra bacon, more cheese, or different vegetables work perfectly.
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Use room-temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese spreads more easily and blends better with sour cream.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Kick: Add a layer of diced jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes over the avocado layer.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and chicken, and add roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
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Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for a melty variation.
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Mini Dips: Layer in individual cups or jars for personal servings at parties.
Storing and Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid adding avocado too far in advance to prevent browning.
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Freezing: This dip is best served fresh; freezing can affect the texture of some ingredients, especially avocado and eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
The 7-Layer Cobb Salad Dip is the ultimate party appetizer: visually stunning, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Every scoop delivers a mix of creamy, crunchy, and tangy bites reminiscent of a classic Cobb salad, but in a fun, shareable format. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.