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    Home » Appetizers

    The Best Homemade Dips You Can Make from Scratch

    Published: Aug 25, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.

    When you make homemade dips, not only are you saving money, but you’re also controlling the ingredients as well as the flavors. You can make your hummus, homemade pico de gallo, or chip dip exactly the way you like it.

    Follow these tips for making homemade dips so that you can easily keep basic ingredients on hand as well as know the best ways to serve dips and which are the best chips or dippers. A perfect Great Game Day Appetizer Idea or to serve alongside an Easter Veggie Tray.

    dill dip in small round dish on veggie tray. this …
    dipping chip in white bowl of pico de gallo.
    woman's hand dipping blue corn chip into guacamole
    Jump to:
    • Why It Matters
    • Ingredients to Keep on Hand
    • Money Saving Strategies
    • FAQs
    • Recipes
    • Tell us what you think!

    I am a dipper. Totally. Ever since I was a little girl, chip dip alongside bags of Doritos or carrot sticks have always made my eyes light up.

    Dip is awesome. It can be as light or as filling as you like. As nutrient filled or not as the whim takes you. Depending on the dippers, you can even make a meal of homemade dips.

    Why It Matters

    Chips and dip has only been a thing since the 50’s or 60’s but it’s a snack or appetizer worth making often.

    The thing about commercial dips is that they are either expensive or full of junk — or both. And that style called “semi-homemade” where you throw together packaged mixes and cans? Well, that is the same, expensive and junky.

    Making homemade dips, however, can be just as tasty, dare I say more so? They are cheaper and taste so much fresher than their commercial counterparts.

    Follow these tips to make your dip making frugal, fun, and never boring.

    Ingredients to Keep on Hand

    Sometimes you want to be able to entertain spontaneously or to simply serve fun food without a lot of planning. Keeping a few homemade dips ingredients on hand can make it an easy activity.

    Keep these ingredients on hand so that can make homemade dips any day of the week:

    ingredients for buttermilk dressing laid out on tabletop.

    Common Dip Ingredients

    There are plenty of great homemade dips recipes (scroll down for some favorites!) but you can also mix and match a variety of the following common ingredients to create your own homemade dips:

    • cream cheese
    • sour cream
    • mayonnaise
    • shredded cheese, like cheddar or jack
    • crumbled cheese, like feta or bleu
    • spice mixes
    • green onion, onion flakes, or chives
    • frozen spinach
    • canned artichokes
    • canned beans
    • canned black and green olives
    • canned tomatoes
    • fresh herbs like basil or cilantro
    • fresh tomatoes

    Dipper Ideas

    While potato chips are a great dipper, don’t stop there! Consider these other dippers for your homemade dips:

    • potato chips (of course)
    • tortilla chips
    • pretzels
    • pita chips
    • crostini
    • bread sticks
    • a veggie tray
    hand dipping potato chip into sour cream and onion dip.

    Money Saving Strategies

    Watch for sales. Ingredients for homemade dips as well as common dippers like chips often go on sale near holidays, special sports events, and summer vacation. Keep your eye open for sales and stock up at low prices.

    Check the “best-by” dates. When you stock up, be careful not to buy more than you can use before the best by dates. Chips do go stale and when they do, they taste awful.

    FAQs

    How long are homemade dips good for?

    Most homemade dips are good for about 3 to 4 days. If they’ve been stored airtight, you may be able to get a few more days out of them.

    Can you freeze dips?

    Some dips can be frozen but not all. Do not freeze dips containing sour cream, mayonnaise, or fresh liquidy vegetables, like spinach or cucumber. The texture will not be pleasant after thawing.

    However you can freeze dips such as salsas, bean dips, guacamole, and cream-cheese based dips, especially if the later is going to be baked.

    Recipes

    Recipe for Dill Dip
    Make your own Dill Dip with sour cream and a few spice cupboard staples: dried dill, onion flakes, garlic powder, parsley flakes, onion powder, and black pepper.
    Check out this recipe
    dill dip in small round dish on veggie tray.
    Tomato Bruschetta with Herbes de Provence
    Easy tomato bruschetta served on baguette making a perfect appetizer!
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of Bruschetta
    Sour Cream Onion Dip
    This recipe will help you make Sour Cream Onion Dip easy and without any packaged soup mix. It’s perfect for snacking!
    Check out this recipe
    hand dipping a potato chip into bowl of sour cream onion dip near platter of veggie dippers.
    Really Homemade Seven Layer Dip
    This easy seven layer dip recipe is homemade – meaning less processed and more deliciousness! It’s the perfect appetizer for taco night as well as holiday get-togethers.
    Check out this recipe
    brown pie plate holding taco layer dip.
    Spicy Chicken Dip
    This Spicy Chicken Dip is out of this world. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and full of tender chicken pieces, this dip will please kids and adults alike.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of chips and chicken dip on plate
    Jalapeño Artichoke Dip
    Parmesan cheese, artichokes, and diced jalapeños combine in a hot and bubbly Jalapeno Artichoke Dip that is sure to please. Offer toasted baguette for a deliciously easy appetizer.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of jalapeno artichoke dip in white tureen on brown wood board, surrounded with toasts for dipping.
    Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
    This Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is packed with flavor from jalapeno, bell pepper, garlic, and onion, as well as creaminess from cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. It's perfect for dipping!
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of jalapeno cream cheese dip with sliced jalapeños on top and a spoon twirled in the cheese.
    Healthy Spinach Dip
    A healthier spinach dip that is a cinch to throw together!
    Check out this recipe
    healthy spinach dip with veggies and crackers
    Cactus Salsa
    Cactus Salsa isn’t one of the most common party appetizers you’ll find, but it’s super delicious, fresh, and easy to make.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of cactus with salsa ingredients unmixed
    Easy Guacamole Recipe
    With just four ingredients this Easy Guacamole recipe is one that you'll have memorized after your first batch! It's so good for dipping and topping tacos, burritos, and salads.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of guacamole surrounded by blue corn tortillas
    Santa Barbara Cowboy Caviar
    Santa Barbara Caviar is a delicious bean dip that acts like a salsa. It’s perfect with chips, to top tacos or enchiladas, or even to serve simply on rice.
    Check out this recipe
    Santa Barbara Cowboy Caviar in a bowl, with beer
    Spicy Serrano Salsa
    Save money and enjoy a delicious spicy Serrano Salsa with this easy recipe. You'll be the hit of the fiesta this summer.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of chips and salsa
    Strawberry Salsa
    Strawberry Salsa is a fun way to incorporate this summer fruit into your savory dishes. It’s got the same sweet-tart flavor and vivid red hue as traditional tomato, but gives your dishes a fun twist. Dip into it with chips or serve it atop grilled meats.
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of Strawberry Salsa
    Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe
    Pico de gallo is nothing more than a salsa made with fresh tomatoes, onions, herbs, and chiles. It comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often.
    Check out this recipe
    dipping chip in white bowl of pico de gallo.
    Homemade Garlic Lime Hummus
    Making your own hummus dip isn't difficult. In fact, this homemade garlic lime hummus comes together easily and tastes amazing.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of pita chips and hummus
    Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dip
    Enjoy dipping veggies, pizza, or chicken tender into this easy homemade ranch dip. It's delicious and made with all real food ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of ranch dip surrounded by veggie dippers.
    Olive Bruschetta
    This olive bruschetta is utter deliciousness! It’s the perfect summertime snack and a must-make for your next party.
    Check out this recipe
    table set with platters of crackers and bruschetta
    Pesto Bruschetta
    Enjoy all the bright flavors of summer in this easy-to-prep Pesto Bruschetta. An ideal appetizer, it also makes a great light lunch.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of food, with pesto Bruschetta
    Tomato Salad on Toast
    Enjoy the flavors of summer with this juicy Tomato Salad on Toast. It’s the perfect appetizer for summer get-togethers, making use of the produce of the season.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of tomato salad
    Easy Homemade Salsa
    If you’ve been buying salsa in a jar, it may be time to think about making Homemade Salsa. It’s cheaper and tastier than the commercial varieties. And so easy!
    Check out this recipe
    hand holding chip piled with salsa above a marble pestle of salsa.

    This post was originally published on October 12, 2014. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    Tell us what you think!

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    Comments

    1. Julia

      December 03, 2021 at 8:16 am

      I haven’t tried all of your dips, but the ones I have tried have been a hit at my house. Fresh salsa and sour cream onion dip are our go-to’s!!! Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Janet

      October 16, 2014 at 5:24 pm

      When we are having hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, french fries or tots, I serve a “special” sauce comprised of ketchup, yellow mustard and mayonnaise. My kids think it makes these simple items, fancy. My girls also like the pinkish color.

      Reply

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