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43 Party Perfect Holiday Dips To Make This Season

You're gonna flip for these dips.

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whipped ricotta with olives and roasted red peppers
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Of course, we always look forward to presents under the tree come Christmastime. But when it comes to the snack table, the gift that keeps on giving are all the party dips that'll tide you and your guests over until the main holiday dinner. Let's just say, these easy-to-make dip recipes will ensure you have enough dip-spiration to last you through your holiday season and beyond. Whether you're looking for something cheesy, meaty, biscuit-ringed, or even sweet, we've got plenty of options for you to bring the Christmas cheer to your holiday gathering.

If you're looking for extra-festive apps, we've got you covered. Our Christmas queso and cheesy spinach dip Christmas tree are not only delicious additions to your spread, but double as creative decorations for your table. These dips also let winter flavors shine, like in our cranberry whipped feta dip, pecan pie brie, and cranberry brie biscuit dip. Don't worry—we didn't forget any of the classics. Our homemade hummus, Buffalo chicken dip, and pretzel ring beer cheese dip belong in the party dip hall of fame, and a celebration wouldn't be the same without them.

While we love our warming, baked dips (see our hot crab dip and sausage dip for proof), we also can't get enough of easy, quick dips that only require a bit of mixing together. Our easy dill dip, Greek feta dip, and favorite veggie dip whip up in no time, but level up any veggie tray exponentially. Not into savory? No sweat—we've got plenty of sweet dips to celebrate the season too! Carrot cake dip, Funfetti dip, and caramel-apple cheesecake dip are all begging to break up your savory celebratory spread.

Looking for more ways to spruce up your meal? Check out our favorite holiday appetizers, slow-cooker dips, and holiday cocktails guaranteed to up the cheer factor.

1

Bacon Spinach Dip

bacon spinach dip
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

We love baked spinach dip more than we like to admit, and this is one of our faves. The smoky bacon bits make it feel extra fancy, but feel free to skip for vegetarians. It's got enough going on with the three types of cheese.

Get the Bacon Spinach Dip recipe.

2

Cannoli Chips & Dip

cannoli dip cookie chips
ANDREW BUI

This Italian dessert-inspired app takes cannoli to a whole new, easily shareable level. The best part? The shells will never get soggy!

Get the Cannoli Chips & Dip recipe.

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3

Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers

whipped ricotta with olives and roasted red peppers
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Whipped ricotta is beyond easy to make, even though it sounds so delicate and fancy. Topping with marinated olives and roasted red peppers gives the dip a briny flavor, and the red and green makes it extra festive.

Get the Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers recipe.

4

Muhammara Dip With Crudités

muhammara dip garnished with herbs and pomegranates with crudites
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Looking for a last-minute app? Add this sweet and tangy roasted red pepper dip to your next dinner party menu. Muhammara comes together in 30 minutes using jarred roasted red peppers, bread crumbs, walnuts, a few special ingredients, and a food processor. Trust us—once you've tried it, it'll become a staple on your appetizer roster.

Get the Muhammara Dip With Crudités recipe.

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5

Smoked Trout Spread

smoked trout spread with chives and dill
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

This easy-to-make appetizer is a guaranteed hit at any holiday party. Creamy, smoky, and bright, it's delicious piled onto toasted bread, crackers, or crisp endive leaves.

Get the Smoked Trout Spread recipe.

6

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip

whipped garlic and herb feta, topped with fresh cranberry sauce, pistachios, and honey
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS

Ever wonder how you can get all of the flavors of a holiday cheese board with a fraction of the effort? Wonder no more. This cranberry-topped whipped feta dip is here to save your holiday appetizer planning.

Get the Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip recipe.

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7

Funfetti Dip

funfetti dip
PHOTO; ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLIST; MAKINZE GORE

If you love it as much as we do, it’s time to switch it up and try a quicker, simpler version of funfetti in dip form—because why not! Think of it like a vanilla buttercream frosting you can dip into, and it's packed with all the nostalgic flavor from imitation vanilla extract and the crunch from confetti sprinkles.

Get the Funfetti Dip recipe.

8

Pimento Cheese

pimento cheese
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

If you love party dips like Buffalo chicken or spinach artichoke, you’ll LOVE pimento cheese. This soft, creamy spread loaded with shredded cheddar cheese and spiked with diced pimento peppers and hot sauce can be served hot or cold (so make it ahead of time!).

Get the Pimento Cheese recipe.

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9

Homemade Hummus

hummus
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Hummus is one of our favorite dips, made even better by how simple it is to make. Made from blending chickpeas, tahini, and a few other simple ingredients in a food processor, it’s the easiest last-minute appetizer or satisfying snack to throw together.

Get the Homemade Hummus recipe.

10

Whipped Mozzarella Dip With Burst Cherry Tomatoes

whipped mozzarella with burst cherry tomatoes
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

This crowd-pleasing dip comes together in 30 minutes, and is guaranteed to be the first thing gone at the party. The dip is not just mozzarella—ricotta and heavy cream join in to make an epic base for the juicy cherry tomatoes and dollops of pesto.

Get the Whipped Mozzarella Dip With Burst Cherry Tomatoes recipe.

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11

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

nashville hot chicken dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Need a flavor-packed dip to really amp up your Super Bowl party? This Nashville hot chicken-inspired dip brings the heat and MORE. Beware—this is for major spice fans only.

Get the Nashville Hot Chicken Dip recipe.

12

Homemade Salsa

homemade salsa with tortilla chips
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

While you may be tempted to grab a jar from the store, trust us—making it homemade is not only worthwhile in the flavor department, but also couldn’t be easier to create and customize to your tastes. No matter what salsa camp you fall into—chunky vs. smooth, spicy vs. mild—we’ve got all the top tips here to make simple, fresh salsa right at home, just how you like it.

Get the Homemade Salsa recipe.

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13

Skillet Beer Cheese

skillet beer cheese with a piece of toasted bread
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

No matter the occasion, this dip is sure to get the party started. All you need are cheese, beer, a few staple spices and a skillet, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer on your hands that will be the star of any campfire feast or game day spread.

Get the Skillet Beer Cheese recipe.

14

Best Guacamole

guacamole with diced red onion, cilantro, and with chips
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

We can all agree: it's not a party without Mexico’s most famous dip. We're obviously huge fans of a mix-in moment, but for this recipe, we prefer to keep it simple to really let the star of the show—avocados—shine.

Get the Best Guacamole recipe.

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15

Caramelized Onion Dip

caramelized onion dip
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: Taylor Ann SPENCER

With this recipe, we take the classic onion dip one step further by incorporating deeply caramelized onions into the mix. It takes a little longer than you might think (we’re talking at least one hour), but we promise it’s worth it.

Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.

16

Cranberry Brie Biscuit Dip

brie dip in a cast iron skillet swirled with cranberry sauce and surrounded by herby biscuits
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Not only is this dip perfect for holiday parties, it's the best way to use up those homemade cranberry sauce leftovers! If you don't have any of those, canned works too. Just make sure you use whole berry—not jellied—canned cranberry sauce.

Get the Cranberry Brie Biscuit Dip recipe.

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17

Buffalo Chicken Dip

buffalo chicken dip in a skillet beside carrots, celery, and tortilla chips
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This instant classic remains a favorite of dip lovers everywhere. It's so quick and easy to make. (This recipe only takes 10 minutes to throw together, though if you want to make it even EASIER, you can choose to make it in your slow cooker.)

Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

18

Smoked Salmon Dip

smoked salmon dip with crostini
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Lox lovers—this smoked salmon dip is about to be your new go-to party dip. Smoked salmon, spicy horseradish, bright lemon, and finely chopped dill all get mixed into a cream cheese and Greek yogurt base for the creamiest savory dip imaginable.

Get the Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.

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19

Hot Crab Dip

hot crab dip
Emily Hlavac Green

Okay we'll say it: Hot crab dip belongs in the party dip hall of fame. Packed with melty cheese and sweet, tender crab meat, this rich dip is the perfect opener to your holiday celebration. While it may seem extra fancy, it's too easy to whip up.

Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.

20

Cheesy Mini Meatball Skillet Dip

cheesy mini meatball skillet dip
ANDREW BUI

Part cheese dip, part meatballs, this warming skillet dip is not only delicious, but a fun activity for the whole family. To keep it cute and easy to eat, mini-meatballs are the way to go. Gather up your little helpers, wash those hands clean, and get to shaping!

Get the Cheesy Mini Meatball Skillet Dip recipe.

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