4.80 from 5 votes

Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups (Mini Appetizers!)

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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!

Seven layer dip cup from the side to see the layers through a clear glass with a chip on top and more in the background.


 

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.

You can make this recipe in one large pan instead of individual cups, simply spread the layers in a small casserole dish. Or for another twist try the beefy version of seven layer dip which is made in one pan or can be made in clear cups for the perfect party appetizer. For another fun twist for a group or party, try the walking tacos recipe!

Ingredients For Seven Layer Dip Cups

Ingredients for seven layer dip cups on a counter in bowls from overhead with text labels.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions below in the recipe card.

  • cream cheese divided, softened to room temperature
  • lime
  • taco seasoning divided, like Old El Paso or your favorite taco seasoning mix
  • sour cream plain Greek yogurt can also be used here
  • refried beans canned
  • guacamole  store bought or homemade fresh guacamole
  • salsa use your favorite salsa. It can be chunky salsa, mild salsa or hot salsa.
  • cheddar cheese shredded, or a Mexican blend of cheese also works
  • cherry tomatoes diced, for garnish, optional
  • green onion thinly sliced, for garnish, optional
  • black olives sliced, for garnish, optional

Wait, aren’t there eight layers here? Yes technically I couldn’t help myself and had to add the toppings, but this recipe is traditionally called seven-layer dip. If you really want only seven layers, pick either the olive, green onion or tomato garnish to leave off, but I bet you’ll love it with eight layers too!

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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. Add about two tablespoons of salsa to each cup, then top each cup with shredded cheese.
  3. 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.
Six seven layer dip cups from overhead on a counter with more toppings, chips and lime slices nearby on the counter.

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.

Square up close view of seven layer dip cups focused in one one cup to see the layers topped with a chip with more cups in the background.
Recipe

Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups


Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 Servings
These individual seven layer dip cups are the perfect mini appetizer, no double dipping necessary. This creamy taco dip will be a party hit!

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese divided, softened to room temperature, one block
  • 1/2 medium lime about a tablespoon
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning divided
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 16 ounces refried beans canned, about 2 cups.
  • 1 ½ cups guacamole store bought or homemade
  • 1 cup salsa use your favorite
  • 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
  • cup black olives sliced, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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..
  • Add about two tablespoons of salsa to each cup, then top each cup with shredded cheese.
  • 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!

Notes

If you aren’t serving the cups right away or they will be sitting out for a while, squeeze the other half of the lime (about a tablespoon of juice) into the guacamole. This will help keep the guacamole from becoming brown.
You can use a smaller cup and have more potions of this seven layer dip. The tricky part if having a cup where a chip will fit inside. Keep in mind the chips you pick should be able to fit inside the cup to dip.
Nutrition information is an estimate and does not include chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 872mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1116IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 196mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword dip, party food, tacos

Did You Make This?

I would love to see it! Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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