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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. An easy crowd-pleasing party appetizer!

7 layer dip in plastic cups with tortilla chips.
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Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups

7 layer dip cups are a fun and adorable take on everyone’s favorite 7 layer dip. Set up in individual servings, 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 Superbowl party, 7 layer bean dip in individual cups is your easy and delicious answer!

The Seven Layers

Use either homemade or premade ingredients depending on the your time! You can make it a 5 layer dip or keep it going with the layers, the choice is yours.

7 layer dip ingredients.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  1. Refried beans: This is going to be the bottom layer because it’s the thickest and sturdiest. It’s mixed with cream cheese and taco seasoning similar to my cream cheese bean dip to give it a deliciously creamy texture and added flavor.
  2. Guacamole: The pop of green from this layer is eye-catching. Store-bought guacamole works in a pinch, but homemade guacamole just takes it to another level.
  3. Sour cream: A cool, rich, and creamy layer that just works in almost any dip!
  4. 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!
  5. Tomato: Fresh diced tomatoes, add an acidic component that offsets the richness of the other layers. It works so well!
  6. Black olives: It’s easier to buy a can of sliced olives.
  7. Sliced green onion: Or fresh cilantro to add a nice pop of color!

How to Make 7 Layer Dip Cups

The process of making 7 layer dip in a four step photo collage.
  • 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.
7 layer dip in plastic cups.

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 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 cups are, you can easily revert back to making a large single portion using a baking dish or pie dish like I do with this taco dip.

Make Ahead and Storing

  • Make ahead: Since there are many layers, you can prepare them ahead of time, but layer them just before serving. Make the bean layer dip as well as make the guacamole, and store separately in the fridge. 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 add the guacamole layer until just before serving.
  • Store: This dip is best eaten on the first day, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
7 layer dip in cups.

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7 layer dip in cups

Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups

5 from 11 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
7 layer dip cups are cute little single portions of a classic party dip but with 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! 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

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

Substitutions:
  • 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. 
Make-ahead: If you are wanting to make ahead of time, I would do the bean and sour cream layer and refrigerate. Then add the guacamole and toppings right before serving, so it stays fresh. 
Storage: This dip is best eaten on the first day, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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