Easy dip recipes
Hot, cold and sweet dips for game day, parties, holidays and movie nights, every one ready in 20 minutes or less. You'll find the classics, like queso, Rotel dip, buffalo chicken dip, spinach artichoke dip, guacamole and French onion dip, plus fun ones like dill pickle dip, hot honey whipped feta and cannoli dip.
31 dips: 12 hot, 13 cold, 6 sweet.
Hot dips
Bubbling, cheesy and best straight from the pan.
16 minBuffalo chicken dip
17 minStovetop spinach artichoke dip
12 minSkillet queso dip
15 minHot bean dip
15 minRotel dip (sausage queso)
12 minStovetop nacho cheese sauce
15 minHot crab dip
17 minMexican street corn dip
18 minJalapeño popper dip
18 minBeer cheese dip with pretzel bites
17 minHot pizza dip
20 minBacon cheeseburger dip
Cold dips
Stir together, chill if you have time, and set out with chips and veggies.
10 minClassic guacamole
8 minRestaurant-style salsa
15 minBacon ranch dip
15 minSeven-layer dip
18 minCowboy caviar
18 minFrench onion dip
5 minFive-minute hummus
10 minDill pickle dip
13 minWhipped feta dip with hot honey and chili
15 minPimento cheese dip
16 minTzatziki with crispy pita chips
12 minSpiderweb taco dip
12 minQuick muhammara
Sweet dips
Dessert dips for fruit, cookies and graham crackers.
For an easy party spread, pick one hot dip, one cold dip and one sweet one. Hot dips are best straight from the skillet. Cold dips can be made a few hours ahead and actually taste better after a rest in the fridge. Set out plenty of dippers: tortilla chips, ridged potato chips, pretzels, crackers, toasted baguette and cut vegetables.
Common questions
What are the best dips for a party?
A mix works best. Pair a hot, cheesy dip like queso or buffalo chicken dip with a cold one like French onion or seven-layer dip, then add something fresh like guacamole or salsa. A sweet dip like s'mores or cannoli dip is an easy dessert.
Which dips can I make ahead?
Most cold dips can be made up to a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge, and many taste better after a few hours. Hot dips are best made fresh, but you can mix them ahead and heat them just before serving.
How do you keep queso smooth and not grainy?
Melt the cheese gently over low heat and add it gradually, stirring constantly. American cheese contains emulsifiers that help keep queso smooth. Shred other cheeses from a block, since the anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can make it gritty.
How do you keep guacamole from turning brown?
Mix in plenty of lime juice, then press plastic wrap directly onto the surface so no air is trapped. Refrigerate and eat within a day.
How long can dips sit out at a party?
Food safety guidance is no more than two hours at room temperature for dairy-based dips and guacamole, or one hour above 90°F. Set out smaller bowls and refill from the fridge, nestle cold dips in a bowl of ice, and keep hot dips warm in a small slow cooker.