13 Dip Recipes That Will Win Over Any Crowd

Is it really a party without dip? Nope. So here are some of our very best dip recipes that will make any party one to remember.

By
Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen headshot
Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen is the General Manager for Simply Recipes, the author of three books on home brewing and a graduate from The Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. 
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published January 31, 2026
Emma Christensen headshot
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 book club this Saturday and don't want to show up empty-handed? No matter what kind of gathering 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 fast and easy they are to make—that is, as long as you have everything you need to make them. Luckily, many of the ingredients most commonly used for dips are either common kitchen staples or can be stocked well in advance for any last-minute party needs.

Here's a checklist of some ingredients to keep 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 to serve 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 a veggie tray or fresh baguette.

Bake Until Bubbly...

Most hot dips just need to be baked until they're 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 taste better when made in advance. This gives the dip a chance to firm up a little and allows the flavors to meld. Pull these dips out of the fridge 15 minutes or so before guests arrive to take the chill off.

  • Frito Pie Dip

    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

    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."

  • 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!

  • 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."

  • Quick and Easy Artichoke Dip

    Quick and Easy Artichoke Dip
    Elise Bauer

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

    Continue to 5 of 13 below

  • 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."

  • Shrimp Dip

    Shrimp Dip
    Elise Bauer

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

  • Caramelized Onion Dip

    Caramelized Onion Dip
    Elise Bauer

    Skip the 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.

  • 7 Layer Bean Dip

    7 Layer Bean Dip
    Elise Bauer

    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."

    Continue to 9 of 13 below

  • Hot Reuben Dip

    Hot Reuben Dip
    Summer Miller

    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 in the perfect party package.

  • 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.

  • 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!)

  • 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 heavy? Baba ganoush is what you need. If it's not too cold out, try grilling the eggplant for extra-smoky flavor!

    Continue to 13 of 13 below

  • 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!

Explore More: