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  5. Make-Ahead Dips You Can't Resist Dunking Into

Make-Ahead Dips You Can't Resist Dunking Into

Karla Walsh Headshot
By Karla Walsh Updated March 17, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
Credit: Andy Lyons
Never stress about what to bring to a party again! These irresistible and easy make-ahead dip recipes will be the star of any snack table. Best of all, these easy appetizer dips can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for at least 4 hours before serving.
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Easy Pimiento Cheese Dip

Easy Pimiento Cheese Dip
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Get the saltine crackers ready! They’re the quintessential partner for this oh-so-Southern appetizer dip and spread. Featuring shredded cheddar, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, and pimientos (naturally), this dip just gets better as it sets. Let it hang in the fridge for 4 to 24 hours before spiking it with a little extra hot sauce and dishing up a generous spoonful.

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Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion Dip
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Don’t be intimidated by making caramelized onions. We’ll walk you through how to make this versatile flavor booster in just 20 minutes to infuse so much sweet, jammy goodness into every ounce of this easy make-ahead dip. Much tastier than store-bought, this sour cream and onion dip is best served with fresh vegetable chips. Sauté and stir it together up to 24 hours in advance.

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Artichoke-Bean Dip

Artichoke Bean Dip
Credit: Scott Little
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Packed with artichoke hearts and cannellini beans, this easy appetizer dip is one of our favorite Mediterranean diet-friendly snacks. Of course, that means pita chips on the side are pretty much a must! Ready in just 20 minutes, this dip can chill out in the fridge up to 24 hours before serving.

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Tangy Sour Cream and Onion Dip

Tangy Sour Cream and Onion Dip
Credit: Carson Downing
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No one will ever guess you lightened up this sour cream and mayo cold dip recipe for a crowd with Greek yogurt. Garlic and onion amp up the flavor, while crispy bacon on top adds a salty, savory, and decadent element that will fake out any guests who don’t crave “healthy food.” Mix it up as early as 24 hours ahead, then chill until party time ... if you can wait that long!

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Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip

Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
Credit: Andy Lyons
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We suggest building a big batch of this easy make-ahead dip. Based on our experience sharing this cast-iron skillet recipe, it’s sure to disappear fast! That’s because the dish combines everything you love about fresh-from-the-oven, buttery dinner rolls with cheesy spinach-artichoke dip. To make ahead, assemble it early and store in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking.

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Macadamia Nut Hummus

Macadamia Nut Hummus
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Not a fan of chickpeas (or craving a break from them)? Get a just-like-hummus fix that’s completely bean-free via this macadamia-based easy appetizer dip. Best of all, you can whip it up in advance and scoop some up over the course of 3 days.

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Hot Greens Dip

Hot Greens Dip
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Go green and follow our Hot Collard Dip variation. It calls for combining a trio of melty cheese with sautéed collard greens, spinach, and artichokes. That dynamic combo means this easy make-ahead dip is a sneaky way to inspire picky eaters to get an extra dose of antioxidants! To make ahead, assemble up to 4 hours early, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and scoop.

Buy It: Artisanal Kitchen Supply Cast Iron Skillet ($15, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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Mexican Seven-Layer Dip

Mexican Seven-Layer Dip
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Warning: This cold dip recipe for a crowd might just have everyone battling over the last bite! Refried beans (try making them from scratch in your Instant Pot!), salsa, and guacamole form the base of this dunkable dip, while cheese, olives, and green onions rest on top. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving with tortilla chips.

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Roasted Green Onion Dip

crudites on wooden board
Credit: Melanie Acevedo
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With a hat tip to French onion soup, and a fit-for-spring makeover, this easy appetizer dip is destined to become an instant classic in your repertoire. Not only can it be made up to 3 days early and put on ice until you’re ready to dig in (or polish off after snagging bites throughout the week), the entire recipe also calls for fewer than five ingredients. Four, in fact, if you count oil and salt as freebies.

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Shrimp and Olive Dip

Shrimp and Olive Dip
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Guacamole, salsa, and queso aren’t the only south of the border dips you can DIY ahead of time! This Mexican-inspired creamy appetizer dip and spread is sure to liven up your party. It's perfect for dunking chips, cucumber, or baguette slices, and features briny olives and spicy peppers to balance out the silky sour cream and cream cheese base. Stir it together and allow the flavors to meld in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.

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Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard Dip

Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard
Credit: James Carriere
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Please low-carb and keto dieters—and fans of tasty noshes—with this dunkable duo. Crisp up your own salami chips and pair them with the easy four-ingredient make-ahead dip. Both the chips and the mustard sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Roasted Corn and Crab Dip

Roasted Corn and Crab Dip
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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The perfect mix of elevated and common, this hot and creamy dip is full of luscious crab meat (cook your own or get a head start with canned) and uber-affordable mayo, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. Red bell peppers, corn, and green onions perk things up, so even all of those rich-tasting elements taste well-balanced and not too heavy. Store the easy make-ahead dip in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake for 20 minutes before serving.

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Spinach-Dill Dip

Spinach-Dill Dip
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Spiff up your typical spinach dip with a handful of chopped fresh dill and green onions. This cold dip recipe for a crowd makes a cool counterpoint to warm and cheesy appetizers on the menu, especially if you pair this with crudités, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot sticks. Make it the day before and chill overnight for a fast-fix snack.

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Smoky Pineapple Guacamole

Smoky Pineapple Guacamole
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Take your taste buds on a trip to the tropics via grilled pineapple guacamole. So what makes this fit the “smoky” moniker? A spoonful of diced canned chipotle in adobo in the mix. Chill for up to 8 hours, then offer up the easy make-ahead dip with tortilla chips or sliced bell peppers.

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White Bean Spread

White Bean Spread
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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For one of the easiest appetizers ever, combine the six ingredients for this dip in your slow cooker. After just 15 minutes of prep, set it and forget it, and the make-ahead dip and spread will be ready in just a few hours. To store it for later, chill in an airtight container up to 24 hours, bring to room temp come snack time, then devour with veggies, chips, or pita wedges.

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Classic Salsa Verde

Classic Salsa Verde
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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There's no time-consuming cooking involved in this easy dip. To make the zesty mix, simply chop the tomatillos and combine with fresh cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño peppers. Store the cold dip recipe for a crowd in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving with chips.

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Bonanza Bean Dip

Bonanza Bean Dip
Credit: Colleen Duffley
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You can please everyone with this easy appetizer dip. That’s because half the bottom layer of the dish has refried beans, while the other half has lime guacamole (just in case there are any avocado-averse or bean-hating eaters). Chill for up to 24 hours, then add toppers and dive in.

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    1 of 17 Easy Pimiento Cheese Dip
    2 of 17 Caramelized Onion Dip
    3 of 17 Artichoke-Bean Dip
    4 of 17 Tangy Sour Cream and Onion Dip
    5 of 17 Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
    6 of 17 Macadamia Nut Hummus
    7 of 17 Hot Greens Dip
    8 of 17 Mexican Seven-Layer Dip
    9 of 17 Roasted Green Onion Dip
    10 of 17 Shrimp and Olive Dip
    11 of 17 Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard Dip
    12 of 17 Roasted Corn and Crab Dip
    13 of 17 Spinach-Dill Dip
    14 of 17 Smoky Pineapple Guacamole
    15 of 17 White Bean Spread
    16 of 17 Classic Salsa Verde
    17 of 17 Bonanza Bean Dip

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