Mexican 7 Layer Dip Cups

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 VICTORIA® 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 Jalapeña. 

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 this, 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 “Modern, West Coast Lifestyle” 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.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and interested in attending, you can sign up here, spots are limited!

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.

Don’t forget to pin these super cute 7 layer dip cups!