Easy Taco Dip Cups (Print Version)

Layered cups featuring classic taco flavors with beans, cheese, and fresh toppings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 can (16 oz) refried beans

→ Creamy Layer

02 - 1 cup sour cream
03 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

→ Fresh Layer

05 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
07 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives

→ Cheese & Toppings

08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
10 - 1/4 cup salsa, optional

→ For Serving

11 - Tortilla chips

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
02 - Set out 8 small clear cups, each with an 8 oz capacity.
03 - Distribute 2 tablespoons of refried beans into the bottom of each cup, spreading evenly to form the foundation.
04 - Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each cup, smoothing the surface.
05 - Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes and black olives to each cup.
06 - Crown each cup with shredded cheddar cheese and a small amount of chopped green onions.
07 - Add a small spoonful of salsa to the top of each cup if desired.
08 - Present cups with tortilla chips alongside for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're basically a deconstructed taco you can eat with your hands, no mess, no judgment.
  • Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can throw them together while your guests are still pulling into the driveway.
  • The layering trick makes them feel fancy even though you're literally just stacking ingredients that live in your pantry.
02 -
  • If you add the fresh lettuce more than an hour ahead, it'll wilt and turn the whole cup into a soggy situation—wait until the last moment to add those crispy toppings.
  • Softened cream cheese is essential; if it's cold and firm, you'll spend five minutes fighting with it and create lumps that make the texture uneven.
03 -
  • Chill your cups in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling if your kitchen is warm—a cold cup keeps the layers from collapsing into each other.
  • Dice your tomatoes and drain them on paper towels to remove excess liquid; otherwise you'll end up with a watery mess at the bottom of the cup halfway through the party.
Go Back