Individual Taco Dip Cups (Easy 7 Layer Dip Cups)

These individual taco dip cups are what I make when I want a party appetizer that disappears fast. Everyone gets their own little cup, no double dipping, and you still get all those creamy, cheesy taco dip layers in every bite. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day, and easy to serve for a crowd.

 

Why We Love These Individual Taco Dip Cups

• Fun Appetizer For A Party – These individual taco dip cups are easy to grab and always one of the first things to go.
• No Double Dippers – Everyone gets their own portion and can taste every layer with these dip cups. No double dipping happening here when everyone has their own container.
• Less Messy To Serve – These taco dip cups are basically a layered taco dip made in individual portions, which makes them easier to serve and less messy for parties.

Ingredients For Taco Dip Cups

You can easily change the layers in these individual taco dip cups based on what your group likes.

• cream cheese softened to room temperature
• lime
• taco seasoning – like Old El Paso or your favorite taco seasoning mix
• sour cream –  plain Greek yogurt can also be used here
• refried beans – canned or pouches work great
• guacamole – store-bought or homemade guacamole
• salsa – use your favorite salsa, mild, medium, or hot, or make a homemade blender 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

How To Make Individual 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 tablespoon 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. Each cup is layered just like a classic taco dip, starting with beans and building up from there. Divide the bean mixture evenly between the cups to make the first layer. Add a layer of guacamole, then the cream cheese mixture on top.
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 setting out small spoons since these can get a little messy.

Individual Dip Cup Variations

• 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 and eat any lettuce right away so it doesn’t make the dip soggy.
• 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– Resturant-style salsa or pico de gallo 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?

These taco dip cups taste best within 24 hours. These are best served fresh, especially for parties or gatherings.

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.

To make this dip last longer, you can make the bean and sour cream layers up to 48 hours ahead of time, and chop any ingredients storing in individual containers. Then right before the party, layer the ingredients and everything will taste fresh.