17 Dips to Serve at Your Next Party or Gathering

A dip is a creamy, chunky, or saucy mixture of complementary ingredients into which you can dip finger foods like chips and crackers. Dips have various consistencies, from fresh, chunky options like salsa to creamy textures like guacamole, artichoke dip, or seven-layer dip.

Dips are similar to spreads, though the latter are usually denser and made for spreading on top of foods rather than dipping.

There are an array of different ingredients you can use to craft the perfect dip for any occasion. Here are some tasty dip recipes you can whip up at home:

1. 1. Artichoke dip: Artichoke dip is a savory dish that mixes chopped artichoke hearts with mayonnaise and dairy products, including cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sour cream, or yogurt. Hot artichoke dip is the most common preparation, but chilled versions are for easier transport and serving. Serve this classic appetizer in a casserole dish or hollowed-out bread bowl alongside chips, veggies, or pretzel bites.
2. 2. Bagna càuda: Endemic to Italy’s Piedmont region, bagna càuda (Italian for “hot bath”) is a hot, fondue-like dipping sauce consisting of anchovy fillets, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and plenty of garlic. Residents of Alba, Italy, make their classic version of bagna càuda with truffles. Serve this easy party dip recipe with bread or fresh, raw vegetables.
3. 3. Black bean hummus: Black bean “hummus” is a smooth, spicy bean dip in the style of traditional hummus. Black bean hummus typically contains garlic, jalapeño peppers, tahini, lemon juice, spices, and black beans (instead of garbanzo beans like classic Middle Eastern hummus). Black bean hummus is a gluten-free appetizer often served with crudités, pita chips, bread, or tortilla chips—perfect foods to dip into black bean hummus.
4. 4. Crab artichoke dip: Crab artichoke dip is an appetizer consisting of finely-chopped artichoke hearts, cooked crabmeat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and various spices. Artichoke and crab dip may also feature roasted red peppers, hot sauce, capers, and green onion. Cooks typically serve crab artichoke dip warm or chilled alongside tortilla chips, crudités platters, or crusty chunks of bread.
5. 5. Dipping chocolate: Dipping chocolate is a form of melted chocolate similar to fondue that diners can dip a variety of foods into. Bakers melt white, milk, or dark chocolate to a velvety smooth consistency by tempering it over low heat, which yields viscous dipping chocolate perfect for dipping fruit, cookies, or wafers.
6. 6. French onion dip: French onion dip consists of a base of sour cream mixed with minced onion, onion powder, and garlic powder. Chefs and home cooks usually serve this dip with potato chips, crudités, or crackers. To elevate your French onion dip, try caramelizing the onions before adding to the mixture.
7. 7. Guacamole: Guacamole is a Mexican dip made out of mashed avocados. Some cooks make a simple version of guacamole by mashing avocados with lime or lemon juice and a bit of sea salt. Others add spices like cumin and vegetables like diced tomatoes and white onion. However you decide to spice up your guac, it makes a great dip for tortilla chips, bell pepper slices, celery, and tomatoes.
8. 8. Hummus: Hummus is a classic dip consisting of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) blended into a smooth purée with tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Hummus originated in the Middle East, where diners traditionally enjoy it as a dip or a spread. To make flavored hummus, mix in other ingredients like harissa (a Tunisian red pepper paste), jalapeño, or fresh herbs. Hummus pairs best with fresh veggies, pitas, or pretzel chips.
9. 9. Mast-o khiar: Mast-o khiar is a Persian mint-flavored cucumber-yogurt dip. Home cooks often add toasted nuts, like walnuts or almonds, and dried fruit, like raisins or dried cranberries to this dip. Pair mast-o khiar with soft pita strips or fresh bread.
10. 10. Muhammara: Muhammara is a spicy red pepper dip that originated in Aleppo, Syria. Muhammara dip is made from hot Aleppo peppers and earthy walnuts. Home cooks and chefs in places like Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey serve this dip with bread, vegetables, and meat.
11. 11. Pea dip: Pea dip (also known as pea spread or pea mezze) is an appetizer or side dish made out of blended green peas and a variety of herbs and spices. In your food processor, pulse together fresh or frozen peas with herbs and spices to make a slightly chunky, flavorful pea dip. Pair this dip with marinated feta, crackers, or pita.
12. 12. Pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a raw, fresh salsa, also known as salsa fresca (fresh sauce) and salsa cruda (raw sauce). The best pico de gallo balances the cool sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the combined acidic heat from raw onion, citrus juice, and chile peppers. Fresh cilantro leaves add an herbaceous note. Combine pico de gallo and guacamole to make a flavorful dip for tortilla chips. The light spice and acidity of the pico de gallo make the perfect foil for creamy avocado.
13. 13. Pimento cheese dip: Pimento cheese (or pimiento cheese) is a mixture of cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers (also known as cherry peppers). Pimento peppers are sweet, mild peppers similar to red bell peppers. Enjoy pimento cheese dip with veggies, crackers, or pretzels.
14. 14. Salsa verde: Salsa verde—which translates to “green sauce” in Spanish—is tomatillo salsa that home cooks serve alongside tacos and countless other Mexican dishes for a hit of tangy sweetness. While the ingredients in salsa verde differ from place to place, most green salsa recipes call for cilantro, jalapeños (or other peppers), and garlic. Salsa verde is a perfect dip to serve with a warm tortilla or pita chips.
15. 15. Spinach and artichoke dip: Spinach-artichoke dip is an easy crowd-pleaser. Frozen spinach (or fresh spinach sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil) lends the dish a vibrant green color, with mayonnaise and cheese thickening the mixture. Spinach-artichoke dip is delicious hot or cold, and it pairs well with corn chips, tortilla chips, and crackers.
16. 16. Tzatziki: Tzatziki is a creamy dip consisting of Greek yogurt, chopped or grated cucumber, and garlic. Greek tzatziki incorporates fresh mint, while Turkish tzatziki uses fresh dill. Common add-ins include red wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity and black pepper, sumac, and coriander for spice. Tzatziki pairs well with many foods, such as pita chips, vegetables, or cooked meat pieces.
17. 17. Whipped ricotta: Whipped ricotta is a whipped form of Italian ricotta, a fresh, soft, white cheese made from cow’s milk. Fresh ricotta has a mild taste, and you can mix it with a variety of fresh herbs and extra-virgin olive oil to create a savory snack. Transform it into a sweet topping with the addition of honey, lemon zest, or a little sugar. Serve whipped ricotta as a dip topped with a drizzle of olive oil alongside cut veggies for an easy appetizer.

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