Score a Touchdown at Any Game-Day Party With Mama Kelce’s Famous 7-Layer Tex-Mex Dip

When you’ve got two sons in the NFL, you know a thing or two about throwing an epic game-day party. The NFL sweetheart Donna Kelce, better known as Mama Kelce, has perfected the art of tailgate snacks over the years. But when the big game rolls around, there’s one dish that always earns a spot on her appetizer table: her famous 7-layer Tex-Mex dip. Packed with bold, spicy flavors (including a secret ingredient) and easy to whip up, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any football watch party. Here’s how to make it for your hungry crowd.

Mama (Kelce) knows best

Donna Kelce’s philosophy for hosting is as simple as her recipe: Keep it low-stress. “When you’re entertaining, people want to spend time with their friends and watch the game. It’s all about having easy, no-fuss snacks that everyone can enjoy,” she says.

Dips are her go-to solution because they’re portable, easy to snack on and keep the game-day vibes casual. Forget fancy serving dishes—Donna is all about practicality, suggesting you set dips out in their original containers with a variety of chips, crackers and other dippables. “Making dips easy to carry, easy to handle, and easy to go back to, is just better than sitting at a table because nobody’s going to want to do that,” she says.

Her 7-layer Tex-Mex dip, though, is the MVP of the spread every time. It’s so good, she’s been bringing it to tailgating parties for years.

The secret to Mama Kelce’s 7-layer Tex-Mex dip

The real star of Donna’s recipe? Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar Dip. Unlike traditional 7-layer dips that call for mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese, this dip packs all the creamy goodness with none of the extra effort. Plus, it delivers the spicy kick Mama Kelce swears by.

Here’s how it comes together:

• Base layer: Refried beans set the stage with a hearty, savory start.
• Cheese, please: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar ups the Tex-Mex vibes.
• Fresh flavors: Sliced avocado and pico de gallo bring in bright, fresh elements.
• Optional extras: Toss in some sliced olives or jalapeños for an added punch.
• The secret weapon: That creamy Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar Dip ties it all together in one easy step—no mixing bowls required.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a time-saver. The whole dish comes together in just 15 minutes and can be prepped ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge until game time, and you’re good to go!

And while Travis Kelce might despise mayonnaise (his nickname for it is “egg whip”), you won’t miss it in this recipe thanks to the bold, creamy flavor of the Jalapeño Cheddar Dip.

Quick tip: If you can’t find Heluva Good! or any jalapeño cheddar dip at your local store, don’t worry—you can easily make your own! Simply mix softened cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar, a splash of milk or sour cream for creaminess and finely chopped pickled jalapeños to add that signature kick. Season with a pinch of garlic powder and a little salt, then stir until smooth. It’s a quick and easy substitute that ensures your dip stays delicious.

A 7-Layer Tex-Mex dip recipe built for the end zone

“[This dip is] a crowd-pleaser and perfect for the big game,” Donna says. With her tried-and-true recipe, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time cheering on your favorite team—or, in her case, both of them.  Here’s Donna’s official recipe she developed in partnership with Heluva Good!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
• 1 (12 oz.) package Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar Dip, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 ripe avocados, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 ½ cups Pico de Gallo salsa, drained
• ¼ cup jalapeño slices
• ¼ cup sliced black olives

Directions:

• Total Time: 15 minutes (if using store-bought dip)
• Yield: 7-8 servings

1. In a medium bowl, add the diced avocados and lime juice. Season with a couple pinches of salt. Reserve until you are ready to assemble your layer dip.
2. Start by adding your refried beans to the bottom of your serving dish and spread in an even layer.
3. Next, add Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar dip on top of the refried beans. Reserve three tablespoons of dip and spoon into a small plastic zip-top bag.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar dip layer.
5. Add your diced avocados on top and then add the drained pico de gallo salsa.
6. Using the reserved Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar dip, cut the tip of the plastic bag, then drizzle on top of the Pico de Gallo.
7. Top with sliced jalapeños and black olives.
8. To serve, put out bowls of classic tortilla chips, sturdy corn chips or even crunchy veggies like celery and bell peppers.

Storage notes: Since this dip doesn’t have too many dairy elements, it will keep in the fridge for up to five days.