7 Layer Dip Cups


Seven layer dip in clear plastic cups with chips on a cup.

These 7 layer dip cups are the perfect way to make sure that everyone gets their own serving of their favorite party and potluck dip in a cup!

SMALLER VERSIONS OF YOUR FAVORITE DIP

Tired of the same old party dip recipes? Liven up your next Cinco de Mayo get together with these delicious and easy 7 Layer Dip Cups! Filled with layers of guacamole, refried beans, salsa, sour cream and cheese – this will be a favorite of even the pickiest of eaters! All it takes is 15 minutes of prep work and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that will be gobbled up at lightning speed. Plus, the bonus of these is everyone has their own serving so there won’t be any double dipping scares!

A plastic cup with a layered dip and chips around it on a plate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are the 7 layers of 7 layer dip?

7 layer dip consists of seven layers of delicious ingredients: refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives and tomatoes. Refried beans form the base layer and provide a creamy texture. The next layer is guacamole which adds a creamy texture and an avocado flavor. Sour cream is then added to the mix providing a smooth creamy taste. Salsa is then layered on top adding a little bit of kick and texture. Then comes the cheese which provides a bit of salty flavor. Olives are added for a salty texture, as well as tomatoes for a fresh crunchy flavor. Enjoy this classic dip with some tortilla chips or veggies!

Where did 7 layer dip come from?

Derived from Mexican cuisine, 7 layer dip is a party favorite that has been around since the 1970s. The traditional version includes refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and tomatoes. Some variations add olives or jalapeños as well. The exact origins of 7 layer dip are unknown, but it’s believed to have been created by Ruth Lyons in Cincinnati during the 1970s when she presented the recipe on her morning talk show “50-50 Club”. The dish was an instant hit and spread throughout the United States quickly. Today, 7 layer dip is a staple of potluck dinners and tailgating parties across America. It’s easy to make in advance too!

Can I make my own guacamole?

Absolutely! If you need a good guacamole recipe, try out this incredible authentic guacamole recipe. If needed, you can use storebought, but this homemade one is incredible!

Can I make my own refried beans?

Sure thing! You can use canned or storebought, or you can make this delicious homemade, authentic refried beans recipe.

What salsa should I use?

You can use store bought (Herdes salsa is my favorite!) or you can make your own! Here’s my favorite homemade salsa recipe for you to try.

What taco seasoning should I use?

I recommend using a mild taco seasoning. You can use the stuff in the packet or you can make your own. You can make this recipe as easy or as homemade as you like!

What cups did you use?

I used these plastic, clear, see through, 9 ounce cups so everyone can see all the layers.

Do I have to use refried beans?

If you want to trade it up a bit, you certainly can. Instead of the refried beans, you can use a bean dip that I use in my other 7 layer dip recipe.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this up to a day ahead of time. Just be careful to cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve it.
Also, be sure that the guacamole is pressed well in between the layers above and below it so no air can get to it. Otherwise, it may start to turn brown or change in color.

How much should I use for each layer?

You can change this up per cup or change it up to match your tastes. If you have guests who love guacamole but not as much refried beans, you can add more guac and less beans. Super simple to make your layers exactly how you want them.

Can I add the taco seasoning to the sour cream?

If you are okay with your sour cream having a color other than bright white, you can certainly add your seasoning mix to the sour cream. It helps tie all the flavors together.

Can I make more cups?

Yes, you can either increase the amounts of everything to make more cups if needed. This recipe, as it is written, makes 6 (9 ounce) full cups of dip. You can make the layers smaller and stretch it to 8 cups if needed.

How to store leftovers?

This dip is best served within about a day of making it. If you have leftovers, try to cover them and store in the fridge for about a day if you didn’t make them in advance.
I would not recommend freezing these dip cups as textures can change when freezing and thawing.

Close up looking at a layered cup with mexican dip.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • refried beans 
  • mild taco seasoning
  • guacamole (store bought or your favorite recipe)
  • sour cream
  • salsa
  • shredded colby jack cheese
  • diced tomatoes
  • green onions
  • sliced olives, optional
  • tortilla chips, for serving
refried beans, taco seasoning, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, Colby Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions and sliced olives.

HOW TO MAKE 7 LAYER DIP CUPS:

In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans with the taco seasoning. Note: if the refried beans are too stiff to stir, pop them into the microwave (making sure your bowl is microwave safe) for a few seconds just until they begin to soften.

Refried beans and taco seasoning in a mixing bowl.

Set out all 6 cups. Evenly distribute the refried bean mixture amongst all 6 cups. 

Next, evenly layer the guacamole in all of the cups, followed by a layer of sour cream then salsa.

A cup with refried beans and guacamole.

Finally, top each cup with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions and sliced black olives

Small plastic cup with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Set out all the cups along with tortilla chips, to serve.

Looking down on the top few layers of the 7 layer dip in a cup.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

Two cups of 7 layer dip with chips on a serving plate.
Seven layer dip in clear plastic cups with chips on a cup.
Print

7 Layer Dip Cups

These 7 layer dip cups are the perfect way to make sure that everyone gets their own serving of their favorite party dip in a cup!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword 7 Layer Dip Cups
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 318kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounce can refried beans
  • 1 ounce packet mild taco seasoning
  • 1 cup guacamole (store bought or your favorite recipe)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • cup green onions, sliced
  • cup sliced olives (optional)
  • your favorite tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounce can refried beans with 1 ounce packet mild taco seasoning. Note: if the refried beans are too stiff to stir, pop them into the microwave (making sure your bowl is microwave safe) for a few seconds just until they begin to soften.
  • Set out all 6 cups. Evenly distribute the refried bean mixture amongst all 6 cups.
  • Next, evenly layer 1 cup guacamole in all of the cups, followed by a layer of 1 cup sour cream then 1 cup salsa.
  • Finally, top 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese amongst all the cups followed by 1 cup tomatoes, diced, ⅓ cup green onions, sliced and ⅓ cup sliced olives.
  • Set out all the cups along with your favorite tortilla chips, to serve.

Notes

  • You can make your own refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and taco seasoning if you want. I shared some easy homemade versions of these recipes in the FAQ section. 
  • You can make this up to a day in advance. Cover them all with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge. Note: guacamole will turn brown if it is not properly covered so make sure that layer is fully sealed in by the sour cream layer on top.
  • Feel free to trade out the refried beans for bean dip like I do in my classic 7 layer dip. 
  • Instead of adding the taco seasoning in the refried bean layer, you can use it in the sour cream layer. 
  • You can make smaller layers and stretch this recipe to make 8 cups if needed. 
  • I don’t recommend trying to freeze these. 

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 1367mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1524IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 2mg

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