Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups (Mini Appetizers!)

These individual seven layer dip cups are the perfect mini appetizer for your next party, no double dipping necessary. This creamy seven layer bean dip will be a hit with your family and friends for baby showers, potlucks, tailgating parties and more!

 

Why We Love Seven Layer Dip Cups

• Fun Appetizer – This appetizer gets people talking, everyone usually wants to grab a cup! It’s perfect for parties, baby showers, game day tailgating, birthday party, a Christmas party and more!
• No Double Dippers – Everyone gets their own individual portions and can taste every layer with these dip cups. No double dipping happening here when everyone has their own container.

Ingredients For Seven Layer Dip Cups

• 8 ounces cream cheese divided, softened to room temperature, one block
• 1/2 medium lime about a tablespoon
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning divided, like old el paso or your favorite taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream –  plain greek yogurt can also be used here
• 16 ounces refried beans canned, about 2 cups.
• 1 ½ cups guacamole  store bought or homemade fresh guacamole
• 1 cup salsa use your favorite salsa. It can be chunky salsa, mild salsa or hot salsa.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, or a mexican blend of cheese also works
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes diced, for garnish, optional
• 1 green onion thinly sliced, for garnish, optional
• ⅓ cup black olives sliced, for garnish, optional

How To Make Seven Layer Dip Cups

1. In a large bowl add refried beans, four ounces of softened cream cheese, lime juice and one tablespoon of taco seasoning. Blend with an electric hand mixer until creamy and smooth, then set to the side. Clean the beaters on the mixer.

2. In a second separate bowl, add four ounces of cream cheese and beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Add the sour cream and one tablespoons of taco seasoning, then blend with the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth for the sour cream layer.

3. Place all of the plastic cups on the counter. Divide the bean mixture evenly between the cups to make the first layer. Layer the guacamole evenly into each cup for the second layer, followed by the cream cheese mixture for layer three in the plastic glass.
4. Add about two tablespoons of salsa to each cup, then top each cup with shredded cheese.
5. Place chopped tomatoes, green onions and olives on top as desired, then serve immediately with tortilla chips. You can also chill the dip cups in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then enjoy! I recommend having some kind of small spoons for these cups as they can get messy at times, your guests will thank you.

Variation Ideas

• Try Green Chiles – Ever since moving to Arizona, we add mild or spicy green chilis to our food all the time. If using canned make sure to drain the chilies well. Tomatoes with green chilies are also a great addition.
• Add Jalapenos– Diced or sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos can be delicious and add a little kick to this dip.
• Swap In Refried Black Beans– You can easily swap refried black beans for regular refried beans cup for cup.
• Try Shredded Lettuce– Often people add a finely diced romaine or iceberg lettuce to a taco dip which can be delicious. Dry the lettuce well so it doesn’t make the dip soggy. I only add lettuce on it if you are eating it immediately as it can make the dip soggier.
• Add Onion– Finely diced onion can be really delicious on top of these cups instead of green onion. I recommend using a purple onion, or even a sweet onion.
• Try Salsa Variations– Regular tomato salsa works great, but you can mix things up with a black bean and corn salsa or even a pineapple salsa.
• Top With Fresh Cilantro – Swap the green onions for fresh cilantro, or let everyone add it if they choose to their individual servings. 

How Long Will Seven Layer Dip Cups Last?

Expect these seven layer dip cups will taste best if eaten with 24 hours. If you are making it ahead of time I recommend adding the extra half of a lime juice to the guacamole to help keep it green. Cover the cups with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator if you are making these ahead of time.

The whole seven layer dip will last about 2-3 days if stores in an airtight container, but for best results eat within 24 hours.