When it comes to party food, dips always win on an effort-to-satisfaction ratio: just pair with some crunchy vegetables and your favorite chips (tortilla, pita, or crostini), and you have a hit on your hands. These dips all have extra-special elements that make them feel particularly festive.
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RecipeBeet Puree with Toasted Chickpeas, Yogurt, and Cumin
Roasting chickpeas is a great way to add texture and flavor to a dish. After a quick sauté or roast in the oven, they become addictive pops of crunch that bring textural contrast to all types of dishes, but they work especially well against the silky beet puree and yogurt. -
RecipeSeafood Guacamole
Overflowing with chunks of crab and shrimp or lobster, this riff on classic guacamole can easily stand alone as an appetizer. The sweet seafood and orange juice balance an extra kick of heat from additional chile and chipotle.
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RecipeCaramelized Onion and Mushroom Dip
The combination of deeply caramelized onions and mushrooms is a one-two punch of savory flavor. If you don’t have any sherry on hand, use cider, white wine, or red wine vinegar instead. -
RecipeFava-Za'atar Hummus
This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.
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RecipeCheese Fondue with Whole-Grain Mustard and Tarragon
If fondue seems like a project, you might be surprised at just how easily it comes together. In fact, it's a perfect dish for casual entertaining, even on a busy weeknight. Just grab a fondue pot, set out a few dippers, and invite friends over to dig (or rather, dip) in.
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RecipeCreamy Crab and Artichoke Dip
Splurge on fresh jumbo lump crabmeat for this tasty dip or, for a less expensive option, use pasteurized “special” crabmeat from the canned seafood aisle (Boss or Chicken of the Sea are good brands). Serve with toast points or water crackers.
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RecipeCreamy Roquefort Dip
A beautiful basket of crunchy vegetables with a creamy blue-cheese dip are the perfect start to a party, ensuring your guests have something to nibble on while you put the finishing touches on the rest of the meal. -
RecipeRicotta Con Latte Three-Cheese Dip
Garlicky fontina and Parmigiano, in a base of creamy ricotta, make this Italian-inspired cheese dip a heavenly partner for crostini. -
RecipePimento Cheese
This is the party cheese, y’all. You’ve gotta have some if you’re throwing one. And if you do have some, anyone who comes over will think you’re having a party. There’s nothing easier than pimento cheese, but I like to make mine in a mixer. It smashes the cheese into the creamy base, softening it into the spread while leaving something to chew on. -
RecipeSmoked Fish Dip
If you have a smoker, this recipe is a great excuse to put it to use, but if not, you could easily substitute purchased smoked fish.
