These colorful 7 Layer Dip Cups are portable little appetizer stations layered up just like everybody’s favorite Tex-Mex bean dip ~ so you can mingle and chow down at the same time ~ genius!
*Today I’m proud to partner with LA VICTORIAยฎ Brand, they’re celebrating 100 years of providing authentic, flavorful salsas, taco sauces, enchilada sauces and chiles here in the U.S. They created the very first jarred salsas in the US, too ~ so when you dip your chips into LA VICTORIA salsa you’re not only getting a delicious bite, you’re getting a little bit of history, too.
This idea just makes SENSE. Everyone gets their own little layered dip to carry around with them ~ we can eat AND socialize, what a thought!
I’ve always been a believer in the individual appetizer. They’re cute, they’re fun, and they do away with the communal dip bowl that turns totally unappetizing after a few hungry guests have had their way with it. You’ve seen them before if you’re a fan of the blog, my GREEN GODDESS VEGGIE DIP CUPS are a riff on this same idea. Ditto my INDIVIDUAL SALAD CUPS WITH RHUBARB VINAIGRETTE.
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion about how to layer a 7 layer dip. The whole idea sprang up in the 70s or 80s, and since then everybody, including your co-worker, your mother-in-law, and Costco, has their own version. A couple of things are certain ~ it’s layered, it’s Tex-Mex, and it’s delicious. It almost always contains refried beans, usually from a can, sour cream, guacamole, black olives, cheese, and salsa. The 7th ingredient can vary quite a bit, it might be ground beef, lettuce, green onions, jalapenos, or corn. And some people sneak in an 8th layer, but don’t acknowledge it (who, me??) It’s the Wild West out there when it comes to 7 layer dips!
TIP: I came up with an 8th ingredient that I love ~ it’s a layer of finely diced pineapple dusted with chili powder, a treat that comes straight from Mexican street vendors. The sweetness of the juicy fruit and the kick of the spice is fabulous.
A 7 layer dip is made with convenience foods for obvious reasons. The fun is in combination of all the layers, and in the presentation ~ there’s no need to make anything from scratch. Choose a great bottled salsa and you’re off to a good start. LA VICTORIA salsas are always made with real, simple ingredients, and all of their tomatoes are sourced from the California central valley, we’re practically neighbors. I love both red and green salsas, and so I alternate them in my dip cups. If I know my crowd is into spicy foods, I’ll use the Mango Habanero Salsa, or maybe the Green Salsa Jalapeรฑa.
There’s a handy thermometer heat scale on every jar, so you’ll know in advance what you’re getting into. Surprisingly, the Mango Habanero comes in at medium, which is nice to know if habanero peppers have always freaked you out.
I constructed my individual 7 layer dip cups in lots of different ways, keeping flavor and color in mind. Sometimes I used shredded red cabbage, and sometimes minced red onion. Other times I substituted a green olive tapenade for the guac. Mexican La Crema and crumbled cotija cheese can stand in for the sour cream and shredded cheese if you want to go for a more authentic combination.
TIP: I recommend starting with the re-fried beans, they make a good base and will absorb any excess juices from the upper layers. After that the order of the layers is up to you.
I like to use 9 ounce clear plastic cups for these Mexican 7 layer dip cups, they hold just the right amount and are easy to handle and fill. You can find them in most grocery stores.
TIP: Sometimes I’ll mix some minced fresh tomatoes and a squeeze of lime juice into my jarred salsas. If you like you can throw in some cilantro, too. It’s an easy way to boost their fresh flavor and texture.
Happy Birthday LA VICTORIA!
In celebration of their 100th anniversary, LA VICTORIA brand is inviting 100 fans and VIPs to experience a cultural celebration featuring art, music and dishes made with LA VICTORIA products ~ this exclusive dinner is going to be at the Santa Monica Pier and Carousel on Thursday, June 1. The award-winning local chef Eduardo Ruiz (Corazon y Miel) will be serving up a multi-course menu featuring LA VICTORIA salsas, sauces and chiles., and the popular Los Angeles-based World/Soul band Cuicani will perform their Afro-Caribbean and Soul music all night.
In support of the local arts community, the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand hosted an art contest offering Los Angeles artists a chance to submit original works of art.
At the dinner, five finalists will showcase an original piece of visual art that showcases โModern, West Coast Lifestyleโ while giving a nod to the LA VICTORIA brand, for a chance to win a $7,500 grand prize, while the second- and third-place winners will take home $1,500 and $1,000.
7 Layer Dip Appetizer Cups
Ingredients
- 16 ounce jar LA VICTORIA SALSA any variety
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1/4 pineapple finely minced (substitute fresh yellow corn)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or more to taste!
- 10 ounces of prepared guacamole
- 10 ounces of sour cream
- 6 ounce can black olives drained and finely minced
- 1 small red onion peeled and finely minced
- 8 ounce bag of finely shredded Mexican blend cheese or any cheese you like
garnish
- sliced olives
- cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Put the refried beans in a bowl and stir well. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the beans into the bottoms of 10 9-ounce clear plastic cups. Flatten the layers out.
- Toss the minced pineapple with the chile powder and spoon a layer into each cup. Flatten out.
- Follow in the same manner with the guacamole, sour cream, olives, red onion, and salsa.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of all the cups, and garnish with sliced olives and a cilantro leaf.
- Serve with sturdy tortilla chips.
Notes:
- You can assemble these 7 layer dip cups ahead of time, if necessary, up to 24 hours in advance. I would spoon on the top layer and garnish just before serving, though, for best presentation.
- Sturdy tortilla chips work best for this appetizer, thin chips won’t be able to scoop through the layers without breaking.
41 Comments
Kathy
June 26, 2019 at 1:16 pmI made these today for an event at our office. They were well received, convenient and delicious. A colorful addition to a buffet table.
Sue
June 26, 2019 at 2:02 pmThanks Kathy!
Susan
June 1, 2017 at 3:03 pmWhat a genius idea, Sue! Some people are absolutely clueless about double-dipping and this solves that problem perfectly ๐
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
May 30, 2017 at 6:22 amSue, I’m with you – no big ugly mangled mooshed-up community dips for me! Anything in the dip department gets individual dishes at my house. And these are so pretty!
Sue
May 31, 2017 at 8:25 amOh gosh, just thinking about dip bowl gives me the shivers…
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
May 29, 2017 at 12:04 pmMy family LOVES La Victoria salsa!! And these are too cute!!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
May 26, 2017 at 8:29 pmThis is so party perfect! Love the layers (and as another person that doesn’t like to share, the individual portions are so smart!).
Alyssa
May 26, 2017 at 2:05 pmThese are so perfect for parties and keeping everyone from double dipping!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
May 25, 2017 at 11:10 amThis is such a perfect party idea – for so many reasons! I love that you’re not stuck at the food table and that you don’t have to worry about double dippers ๐ Fantastic recipe and gorgeous photos Sue!
Vicki Bensinger
May 25, 2017 at 11:02 amI love this layered dip and so perfect for the upcoming holiday weekend. What a fun idea. Love this!!!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
May 25, 2017 at 8:07 amI am a big fan of individual appetizers and meals, because I absolutely hate sharing delicious food. I mean, I just want it ALL to myself! ๐ These individual cups are genius, Sue! I’m going to need at least 10 of these all to myself. ๐ Cheers, friend!
Liz
May 25, 2017 at 3:36 amA PERFECT party appetizer!!! Who needs dinner when you have these gorgeous layered dip cups???
Sue
May 25, 2017 at 6:56 amGreat point, and you can make these with taco meat, too!
2 sisters recipes
May 25, 2017 at 2:37 amThis is genius Sue! Super cute and love the vibrant colors ! What a great way to serve a fun popular appetizer at parties. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
May 24, 2017 at 1:10 pmJust give me a spoon! Don’t even need chips for these beauties. Fantastic idea and so pretty too.
Milena | Craft Beering
May 24, 2017 at 12:20 pmI am self-declared triple dipper. These are perfect for me, haha.
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 12:30 pmOh no Milena, them’s fightin’ words!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
May 24, 2017 at 11:35 amI absolutely LOVE layered dips like this one Sue! But you’ve made it even better because now I don’t have to share! PERFECT!
Carol Hyland
May 24, 2017 at 9:16 amGreat idea, Sue… I’m going to apply the “layered clear cup” concept to my English Triffle dessert next time. So pretty and another way to subtly have portion control… I never really know how many chips and dip I’ve actually consumed – but there’s no doubt that its usually more than I need.
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 9:28 amThat’s a wonderful idea Carol, I’ve made individual tiramisu desserts in this post: (https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/its-hot-out-there-icebox-tiramisu/) and you’re so right about portion control, it really helps with chips AND dessert! I may steal your idea for the individual trifles ๐
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
May 24, 2017 at 9:13 amWhat a great idea! These are so cute and a great idea for Memorial Day!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 9:32 amI definitely had Memorial Day in mind when I made these Karen, I think they’re perfect for an outdoor evening…
John/Kitchen Riffs
May 24, 2017 at 9:11 amLayered dips like this are fun! Haven’t made one in ages, and they’re so good. Yours is top-of-the-class, though — that pineapple touch is genius!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 9:33 amThanks John, no one else has mentioned that, and I was so proud of it ๐
Lindsay Cotter
May 24, 2017 at 9:06 amLove everything about these individual 7-layer dip cups! These are the perfect appetizer for summer BBQs and pool parties! So fun and delicious!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 9:35 amThanks Lindsay <3
Nicole
May 24, 2017 at 9:01 amMy favorite summertime party snack! I love that this way you don’t have to worry about those double-dippers!!!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 9:34 amDouble Dippers are EVIL.
Kim @ Three Olives Branch
May 24, 2017 at 8:19 amHow cute! They are so pretty, love the idea. Perfect for when you want to wander around at a party!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 8:56 amSo true, I’m usually the one glued to the appetizers, so this helps me socialize ๐
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
May 24, 2017 at 8:16 amI love the idea of having my own cup of layered dip. Now I know that I won’t have to fight for the dip! Awesome recipe and great idea!
Luci's Morsels
May 24, 2017 at 8:06 amThis is genius! I love that everyone can have their own little cup and get each part of the dip. It seems like someone always scoops up the top two layers, right? Thanks for sharing!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 8:08 amhaha, you’re so right, I just hate the look of a half eaten bowl of dip, yuck ๐
Edyta
May 24, 2017 at 7:53 amThese look absolutely beautiful! What a great idea!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 8:08 amThanks Edyta ๐
Michele
May 24, 2017 at 7:39 amThere are so many great things about this dip! The portable single size c ontainers are not only adorable, but the layers make such a great presentation people can actually see. The added bonus that clean-up is just tossing them away is icing on the cake. La Victoria is the go to salsa at our house… especially since they have a couple of flavors to satisfy the various picky eaters in our house!
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 7:49 amThe clear plastic is key, but I suppose you could also use little glass jars if you aren’t afraid of breakage. And yes, La Victoria has a really great range of flavors, I love them all ๐
Chris Scheuer
May 24, 2017 at 5:39 amWhat delicious, beautiful and fun idea! I love it!
[email protected]'s Recipes
May 24, 2017 at 5:35 amSo refreshing and delicious!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
May 24, 2017 at 4:44 amSo pretty and such a great idea and I always love my own individual dip! I don’t like to share ๐
Sue
May 24, 2017 at 7:00 amI don’t like to share either ๐