Looking for a fun, easy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, picnics, and game day? This mason jar taco dip is a crowd-pleaser you can make ahead and serve in individual portions; no double-dipping required!
It’s layered with seasoned refried beans, creamy sour cream and cream cheese, Mexican blend cheese, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and salsa.
This is just another Mason Jar Idea that's simple to assemble, easy to transport, and always a hit!
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Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Tips for Serving Appetizers in Mason Jars
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Recipe FAQ's
- Prep Ahead Tips
- Storing Tips
- More Tex-Mex Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 🗒️Shopping List
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Layer, Pack, and Serve — Fun Single-Serve Appetizers & Treats
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 30 min | Cook/Bake: 0 min | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 6
Main Ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, refried beans, salsa, shredded cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: Layers together quickly with simple ingredients for a fresh, flavorful dip that’s easy to serve and share.
Best For: Parties, potlucks, game day, or easy make-ahead appetizers
Looking for more Mason Jar Recipes? Try my Mason Jar Salad with chickpeas, Patriotic Salad in a Mason Jar, and even my Strawberry Shortcake Mason Jar. Yum!
Tips for Serving Appetizers in Mason Jars
Choose the Right Jar Size: Use 8 oz (half-pint) or 4 oz (mini) mason jars for individual servings. They’re perfectly portioned and easy to transport.
Layer Strategically: Place thicker ingredients (refried beans, sour cream, guacamole) at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Keep fresher ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes, green onions) near the top to stay crisp.
Keep It Chill: If serving at a party, store jars in the fridge until just before serving. For outdoor events or picnics, place them in a cooler to keep ingredients fresh.
Serve With Dippers: Pair the jars with individual bags or bowls of tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or pita chips for easy scooping.
Label & Decorate: For parties, add fun labels, twine, or mini spoons tied to each jar to make them festive and functional.
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Swap: Add a layer of seasoned ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken for extra heartiness.
Homemade Salsa: Swap jarred salsa for your favorite homemade version to amp up the flavor.
Guacamole Tip: Add a spoonful of guacamole or diced avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
Cheese Options: Use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack instead of Mexican blend.
Fresh Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or sweet corn for extra color and flavor.
Looking for a heartier option? Try my Walking Taco recipe using similar taco-inspired ingredients.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together.
Step 2: In the bottom of a half-pint jar, add a layer of refried beans.
Step 3: Then layer in the cream cheese mixture. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 4: Spoon in a thin layer of salsa.
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Step 5: Add the green onions on top of the salsa. Love that pop of green!
Step 6: Then sprinkle in the shredded cheese. Remember, you can use your favorite shredded cheese.
Step 7: Fill each jar with shredded lettuce. Don’t pack down the lettuce — keeping it loose helps it stay crisp.
Step 8: Top each with cherry tomatoes. Serve and enjoy!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO soften the cream cheese completely before mixing so the layers stay smooth and easy to spread.
❌ DO NOT add watery salsa or skip draining ingredients, or the dip can become runny and lose its texture.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Taco dip can get watery if fresh ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, or salsa release moisture as they sit. To prevent this, drain salsa well before layering, pat lettuce dry, and add juicy toppings (like tomatoes or guacamole) just before serving. Also, avoid packing down layers too tightly — keeping them light helps reduce moisture buildup.
8-ounce (half-pint) mason jars are the perfect size for individual servings of this taco dip — they hold just the right amount for one person and allow the layers to show off beautifully. You can also use 4-ounce jars for mini portions.
Prep Ahead Tips
- You can assemble the jars up to 1 day in advance and store them covered in the fridge.
- For best results, add lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
- If you’re making these for a party or picnic, prep all your ingredients ahead of time so layering is quick and easy.
Storing Tips
- Most mason jars are not freezer-friendly. Also the fresh ingredients won’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
- Store assembled jars in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Keep the jars tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from softening the layers.
- If storing with guacamole or lettuce, note that those layers are best enjoyed within the first day.
More Tex-Mex Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Homemade Queso Dip. Or you might like this recipe for Easy Layered Taco Dip.
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🗒️Shopping List
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📖 Recipe Card
Mason Jar Taco Dip
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Equipment
Method
- Stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.
- Spoon the refried beans into a piping bag and pipe an equal amount in the bottom of each jar.
- Use the piping bag with the cream cheese mixture to top the refried beans.
- Add a thin layer of salsa, then top with the green onions, shredded cheese, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Prep Ahead Tips
- You can assemble the jars up to 1 day in advance and store them covered in the fridge.
- For best results, add lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
- If you’re making these for a party or picnic, prep all your ingredients ahead of time so layering is quick and easy.
Storing Tips
- Most mason jars are not freezer-friendly. Also the fresh ingredients won’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
- Store assembled jars in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Keep the jars tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from softening the layers.
- If storing with guacamole or lettuce, note that those layers are best enjoyed within the first day.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Layer, Pack, and Serve — Fun Single-Serve Appetizers & Treats
Love mason jar recipes? This eBook is packed with easy, fun ideas for meals, desserts, and gifts — perfect for any occasion!
Food Safety Tips:
- Use separate utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination when handling raw ingredients.
- Wash hands thoroughly after working with raw ingredients like eggs or dough.
- Avoid leaving no-bake treats or raw components at room temperature for extended periods.
- Ensure all utensils, bowls, and surfaces are clean before starting.
- Store no-bake recipes, such as pudding pies and candy, in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe.
- Provide good ventilation when using a gas stove for melting or heating chocolate, butter or other ingredients.
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