13 Dip Recipes That Will Win Over Any Crowd

If you have a party or potluck coming up, turn to one of these 13 dips, from classics like buffalo chicken and hot artichoke dip to newer takes like a Reuben or French onion dip!

Oct 18, 2024 - 04:00

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13 Dip Recipes That Will Win Over Any Crowd

Frito pie dip in a cast iron skillet at a table setting with a bag of fritos lays, a single serving of dip on a plate, a small bowl of diced tomatoes, and a beer — Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Hosting your gang's football party this weekend? Holiday cocktail party coming up? Got invited to Aunt Gertrude's bookclub this Saturday and don't want to show up empty-handed?

No matter what kind of party or potluck you've got on the calendar, Simply Recipes has a dip for you.

Stock Your Pantry for Easy Dips

The real beauty of dips is how truly fast and easy they are to make -- that is, as long as you have all the ingredients. Luckily, most of the ingredients most commonly used for dips are either common pantry staples or can be stocked well in advance for any of your last-minute party needs.

Here's a checklist of some ingredients to have on hand:

Cream cheese
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Shredded cheese
Canned artichokes
Canned crab or frozen lump crab meat
Canned pimentos
Frozen spinach
Frozen shrimp
Beer brats (keep a few in the freezer!)

You'll also need snacks for serving with the dip, of course! Don't forget to grab some crackers, pretzels, or chips for the pantry. If you're at the store, pick up some fresh baguette or a veggie tray.

Bake Until Bubbly...

Most hot dips just need to be baked until bubbly, so feel free to toss them in the oven alongside anything else you might have cooking. As long as the oven is within 50°F or so of the temperature recommended in the recipe, you'll be fine.

Keep an eye on the edges of the dip and pull it out when you see bubbles.

...Or Chill Until Needed

Other dips can be served room temperature or chilled, and often do well if made a little bit in advance. This gives them a chance to firm up a little and for flavors to meld.

Pull them out of the fridge 15 minutes or so before guests arrive to take the chill off.

1. Frito Pie Dip

Test Kitchen Assistant Catherine Jessee says, "You can buy one 9 1/2-ounce bag of Fritos Scoops, crush the ones that’ll go on the dip itself, and then use the rest for serving with the dip."

2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

buffalo chicken dip warm out of the oven — Megan Keno

This is THE ultimate Game Day dip, guaranteed to please all sports fans. I love that it's ready in 30 minutes!

3. Million Dollar Dip

Neiman Marcus with Ritz Crackers — Simply Recipes / Ariel Knutson

Editorial Director Ariel Knutson says, "If your cream cheese isn't soft, it's going to be really hard to mix with the mayonnaise. If you're really in a pinch, I recommend giving the cold cream cheese a whirl in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment to warm it up."

4. Quick and Easy Artichoke Dip

Artichoke hearts, mayo, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simple and oh-so-very satisfying.

5. Queso Dip

Get ready for game day with a bowl of ceamy queso dip topped with pico de gallo and surrounded by tortilla chips — Marta Rivera

Contributor Marta Rivera says, "Pay close attention to the temperature of the sauce after the cheese has been added. This is crucial in achieving a smooth queso. Maintaining a low temperature and a wee bit of patience will set you up for success. No bubbles should break the surface of the dip once you’ve added the cheese."

6. Shrimp Dip

This dip can go from shmancy dinner party to birthday party snack table without missing a beat. Keep some frozen shrimp in your freezer so you can make this whenever you need a super-fast snack for hungry guests.

7. Caramelized Onion Dip

Skip the packet of dried onion soup mix and make this dip yourself! Caramelizing onions is easy and worth the time—just put the onions on the back burner to caramelize slowly while you finish your other party prep.

8. 7 Layer Bean Dip

Founder Elise Bauer says, "This is a fairly thick and heavy dip, so make sure to buy thick, sturdy chips, not the super-thin kind."

9. Hot Reuben Dip

Serve this Reuben Dip with triangles of toasted rye bread and you could practically make it into a meal! All the flavors of your favorite sandwich are right here, but in the perfect party package.

10. Hot Crab Dip

Hot Crab Dip with Cream Cheese and Mayo — Elise Bauer

Piping hot, quick, and easy—hot crab dip is a staple for holiday gatherings. Plan on making two batches because one bowl definitely won't be enough.

11. Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon

Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip with Bacon in a white casserole dish — Aaron Hutcherson

I love making this one for game nights with friends—the "nerdy board game" kind of game night, not the football kind. (Though, of course, it would be good for that, too!)

12. Baba Ganoush (Eggplant Dip)

Babaganoush recipe (eggplant dip) overhead shot in a shallow bowl with bread alongside and garnished with chives. — Elise Bauer

Want something not quite so... cheesy and calorie-filled? Baba ganoush is what you want. If it's not too cold out, try grilling the eggplant for extra smoky flavor!

13. Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese in bowl surrounded by crackers — Elise Bauer

Is there anything Pimento Cheese can't do? Serve it with Ritz crackers, stuff it inside celery sticks, or smear it on top of sliders. You can't go wrong!