Photo: Victor Protasio Whether you're hosting a potluck, throwing a party, or cheering on your team at home, there's a good chance a dip will be on the menu. Dips are not only a great way to start the party, but they're also simple to make and perfect for keeping guests satisfied while waiting for the main course. And with so many variations out there, the possibilities are endless.
Classic dips like guacamole and onion dip are beloved for a reason, while other creative options like vegan bean dip or charred poblano, avocado, and pepita dip offer a unique twist for those seeking something different to pair with chips and fresh veggies. From refreshing summer dips to ones that hit the spot in fall, winter, and spring, this selection of easy dip recipes will be sure to please a crowd!
1. Grilled Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallThis vibrant and zesty dip is inspired by ajvar, a traditional condiment from the Balkan region. To prepare this flavorful treat, grill a whole eggplant and a couple of red bell peppers until tender and charred. After removing the skins from the peppers, blend the eggplant and peppers in a food processor with oil, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic, and nuts. All that’s left is to decide what you’ll dip into this savory creation.
2. Tonnato Dip
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessPacked with protein and healthy fats, this tonnato dip is perfect for tuna salad lovers. (Tonnato is the Italian word for tuna.) Blended tuna, anchovies, and olive oil are combined with flavorful ingredients like lemon juice, capers, parsley, mustard, pepper, and garlic. Pair it with fresh veggies, crusty bread, or your favorite chips for a satisfying treat.
3. Herby Yogurt Dip
Victor ProtasioThe secret to this simple dip lies in a tangy oil infused with dried herbs like parsley, oregano, basil, and mint. This flavorful blend is mixed into creamy Greek yogurt, along with garlic, scallions, and lemon zest, creating a rich dip that's perfect for pairing with crunchy veggies, pita chips, crusty bread, or even potato chips. Whatever you dip, it’s sure to be delicious!
4. Homemade Guacamole
Greg DuPreeIf you’re tired of not quite getting your guac recipe just right, follow this one! We’ve done the hard work of finding the perfect proportions, so every bite strikes the ideal balance of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and spicy jalapeño. This 10-minute dip is a crowd favorite for a reason!
5. Easy Homemade Mild Salsa
Cara CormackNo collection of dips is complete without salsa. While jarred versions are convenient (no judgment here), nothing beats the taste of freshly made salsa. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Not a fan of heat? Feel free to skip the minced jalapeño pepper.
6. Charred Poblano, Avocado, and Pepita Dip
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallThis dip may look like guacamole, but it’s even more flavorful and indulgent. The secret? Charred green poblano peppers that lend a smoky depth, combined with creamy avocado, charred scallions, pepitas, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. A generous splash of olive oil brings everything together to the perfect consistency. Pair with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies and enjoy!
7. Chimichurri Yogurt Dip
Victor ProtasioChimichurri is a traditional Argentinian herb-and-oil sauce typically served with grilled meats. In this recipe, the bold, zesty sauce is mixed into smooth Greek yogurt, creating a vibrant and flavorful dip. Serve with crisp sliced vegetables, fresh lettuce, and bitter chicories to balance the creamy texture and rich flavor.
8. Roasted Garlic Hummus with Jammy Tomatoes
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallNo disrespect to store-bought hummus, but this homemade version is on a whole new level. After roasting whole heads of garlic and cherry tomatoes with lemon peel and fresh oregano, you’ll be just minutes away from dip heaven. The creamy hummus base, made from chickpeas and tahini, gets topped with the jammy tomatoes and garlic for a flavorful finish.
9. Easy Guacamole
Dana GallagherOnce you try this fresh guacamole that takes only 15 minutes to make, you’ll never buy it from the store again. For an extra kick, keep the jalapeño seeds in the mix to spice things up.
10. Baked BLT Dip
Skyler BurtIf you're a fan of the classic BLT sandwich, this dip is sure to be a hit. It’s loaded with bacon (of course), baked with juicy tomatoes, cream cheese, Cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic. Once it’s out of the oven, top with shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve with crostini or toast points for that authentic BLT experience.
11. Fava Bean Dip
Bobbi LinBean dip is versatile and works with almost any bean, but we especially love fava beans for their nutty, buttery, and creamy texture, plus their vibrant green color. This vegan dip pairs perfectly with fresh veggies or flatbread for a completely plant-based snack.
12. Tahini-Tofu Dip with Chili Crunch
Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Prop Styling by Christina Daley / Food Styling by Emily Nabors HallThis silky, velvety dip from Top Chef champion Stephanie Izard is a crowd-pleaser. The tahini and tofu base is delicious on its own, but when you introduce tamari, lemon juice, and chili crunch, the flavor transforms from tasty to extraordinary. Pair with fresh veggies and pita chips for the perfect dipping experience.
13. Spinach-And-Vidalia Dip
GREG DUPREE STYLING: CAROLINE M. CUNNINGHAMSpinach and onion dip is a timeless favorite, and this version adds a delightful twist with sweet Vidalia onions. It comes together in a flash, and once chilled, it’s the perfect dip for pairing with potato chips, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, and more.
14. Three-Cheese Artichoke-and-Sun-Dried-Tomato Dip
Lennart WeibullThis indulgent cheese dip combines cream cheese, Colby Jack, and Parmigiano for a seriously rich and flavorful base. Chopped marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes are stirred in, and the whole dish is baked to perfection in the oven, adding texture and depth of flavor. The result is a cozy, irresistible dip that you’ll want to recreate time and time again.
15. Caramelized Five-Onion Dip
Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Claire SpollenThis onion dip is unlike the one your mom might have made, thanks to a combination of five different alliums—shallots, scallions, and a mix of sweet, yellow, and red onions—that are slowly caramelized to bring out their deep, rich flavors. Pair this hearty, earthy dip with chips, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables for the best experience.
16. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay ClarkeImagine your favorite game day snack turned into a dip! This recipe combines shredded chicken with a creamy blend of blue cheese, spicy Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, sharp white Cheddar, and cream cheese. And the best part? It all comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
17. Hearts of Palm Dip
Ren FullerThis dip combines creaminess with crunch and happens to be a healthier option thanks to its base of hearts of palm. Chives, cilantro, and lime zest bring the flavor, while olive oil ensures it reaches that perfect thick, dip-able consistency.
18. Smoked Salmon Dip
Photo by Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Lydia PursellThough fish dip might not be your first choice, this one will change your mind. It features smoked salmon in two forms: chopped for texture and pureed with mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese to create a smooth base. Finished with a touch of dill and lemon juice, it's perfect when served with bagel chips for that authentic brunch experience.
