Individual 7 layer dip cups are cute little single portions of the classic party dip that still has all of the flavor explosion of the original! Layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and more, means there is a bit of everything in every scoop!
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Individual Seven-Layer Dips
7 layer dip cups are a fun and adorable take on everyone’s favorite 7 layer dip. Set up in individual portions, these snack-sized appetizer cups are great for grabbing, mingling, and make for super easy serving!
If you’re looking for a Mexican appetizer to go along with tortilla chips and guacamole for a Mexican-themed party or just something a little different to bring to a potluck, 7 layer bean dip in individual cups is your easy and delicious answer!
This recipe will help guide you to building the perfect 7 layers, but it is totally flexible! Build each cup and leave the toppings out for everyone to pick and choose their own. Serve with a side of crispy nachos and with each scoop, you’ll get a little bit of everything. Unless you’re being dainty, in which case, you’ll probably work your way through each layer.
What is 7 Layer Dip?
Well, it’s 5-layer dip with a couple of extra bonus ingredients! It’s got refried beans which are made creamy and flavorful thanks to a blend of cream cheese and taco seasoning, then it has layers of guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Finally, you can top it with any additional toppings such as black olives, salsa, green onions, or some chopped cilantro.
Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Refried beans: This is going to be the bottom layer because it’s the thickest and sturdiest. That way, it won’t buckle under all of the other layers. It will be mixed with cream cheese and taco seasoning similar to my cream cheese bean dip to give it a deliciously creamy texture and added flavor. Use premade or make homemade refried beans for a more authentic flavor.
- Guacamole: The pop of green from this layer is eye-catching. It’s also guacamole and who doesn’t love guac! It’s creamy, silky, and delicious! Store-bought guacamole works in a pinch, but homemade guacamole just takes it to another level.
- Sour cream: A cool, rich, and creamy layer that just works in almost any dip!
- Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar works best here. You can also use a blend of Mexican cheese. Try and avoid prepackaged shredded cheese as it won’t taste the same!
- Tomato: Fresh diced tomatoes, add an acidic component that offsets the richness of the other layers. It works so well!
- Optional add-ons for added layers: Black olives, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, are all ways to keep the layers going. This dip is totally customizable.
Make-Ahead Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups
Since there are many layers to this dip, it’s best to prepare them ahead of time, but layer them just before serving. You can make the bean layer dip as well as make the guacamole, and keep everything stored in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, if you wanted to start layering each portion, you could start with the bean layer and the sour cream layer, but switch up the order and leave the guacamole layer until just before serving.
How to Make 7 Layer Dip Cups
- Stir. Combine refried beans, softened cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer. Start by spreading beans on the bottom of a 9-ounce plastic tumbler. Next, add the guacamole and then the sour cream.
- Sprinkle. Top with shredded cheese and tomatoes. Finish with sliced olives, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve. Enjoy with tortilla chips or Fritos for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Add an entire layer of salsa and omit the diced tomatoes on top. Or do both!
- A layer of taco meat would be nice too. Brown the ground beef and use the taco seasoning to give it flavor.
- For a little extra flavor in the sour cream, you can mix a little ranch seasoning in there.
- A slight variation would be adding sour cream and taco seasoning to the sour cream layer instead of the bean layer.
- For cleaner layers, use a piping bag for the sour cream and salsa and squeeze out the layers in a circular motion.
- Make sure to serve in clear cups that way your guests can see all the layers at once.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips, crackers, veggies, and whatever else you love to dip.
- As adorable as individual 7 layer dip is, you can easily revert back to making a single portion using a baking dish or pie dish like I do with this taco dip. Double the recipe to make even more.
Recipe FAQs
Of course! Simply double the recipe and add the layers to a baking dish or pie dish.
This dip is a great starter at any party, especially when you serve it with my homemade tortilla chips, a veggie platter, or an array of your favorite crackers.
Storing
This dip is best eaten on the first day, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
More Mexican Appetizers
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Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups
Equipment
- 8 9-ounce plastic tumblers
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 4 ounces cream cheese , softened, optional
- 1 ½ Tablespoons taco seasoning ,1 packet
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Roma tomatoes , diced and drained of juices
Optional (for topping): Salsa, Sliced olives, Chopped cilantro, Sliced green onions, Salt, Pepper
For serving: Tortilla chips or Fritos
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir beans, cream cheese, if using, and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Create equal layers in 8 (9-ounce) plastic tumblers by spreading 2 Tablespoons beans, 2 Tablespoons guacamole, and 2 Tablespoons sour cream in each cup.
- Sprinkle the cheese and diced tomatoes over the top of each. Finish with sliced olives, green onions, and cilantro, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, if using.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The dip is best eaten the day it is made. Serve with fresh tortilla chips or Fritos. Enjoy!
Notes
- Alternatively you can mix the cream cheese and taco seasoning in with the sour cream.
- You could also add in 1 Tablespoon ranch seasoning mix to the sour cream, if you prefer.
- You can substitute salsa for the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Appetizers, Cinco De Mayo, Dips, Mexican, Mini appetizers, Nut-Free, Super Bowl, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Would this be the equivalent of a 9×9 pan if not separated into individual cups?
Hi Shannon! Yes, you can double the recipe and add it to a baking dish or pie dish.
Such a brilliant idea! These were so easy to make and my kids loved having their own dip!
Yay, I’m so glad your kids loved them! :)
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
Made this for a party app and I will be adding to my regular rotation! So tasty!
What size cups?
8 (9-ounce) plastic tumblers :)
This is seriously a great idea! My kids loved it and enjoyed our movie night!
Delicious dip and what a great idea to make individual cups! I find it so difficult to share a giant bowl with some many people at parties. This way no one is feeling the pressure! haha
These are so cute! Everyone loved the individual little cups! Also, this bean dip recipe is so good!