29 Dips To Distract From The Fact You Forgot To Cook
No one will even blink at the lack of a main course when faced with 29 bowls of creamy, chunky, and spicy distractions. Plates pile up, laughs get louder, and before you know it, they’re praising your “spread.” Little do they know it’s all smoke and mirrors. Mission: Forget You Forgot achieved.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Warm and creamy, this dip combines a rich texture with a bold flavor that makes it hard to resist. Spinach Artichoke Dip feels hearty and indulgent. Pair it with some crunchy bread or tortilla chips to make it even better. It’s the sort of dip you’d reach for when you want something classic but packed with personality.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Rotel Dip

A crowd favorite, Rotel Dip mixes a touch of spice with its creamy base, making it perfect for game nights. It’s versatile enough to go with chips, crackers, or veggies. The kick of flavor keeps things interesting while still being comforting. This one’s quick to whip together when you need something fun and foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip
Marinara Sauce

Simple yet flavorful, Marinara Sauce works as a great dip for fried goodies, breadsticks, or even pizza crusts. It’s smooth with tiny bursts of tanginess that feel just right. You can rely on its no-frills charm to complement just about anything savory. If you’re short on time, this dip can save the day effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Sauce
7 Layer Dip

Layers of creaminess, spice, and crunch come together wonderfully in 7 Layer Dip. Each scoop feels like you’re grabbing a little bit of everything. It’s colorful, filling, and always a hit at casual gatherings. Serve it with tortilla chips and watch everyone happily dig in.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
French Onion Dip

Smooth and loaded with bold onion flavor, French Onion Dip pairs perfectly with crackers or chips. It’s the kind of dip people keep going back to without thinking twice. You don’t need anything fancy for this one—just a solid snack to dip into it. It’s timeless and always works in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Mexican Street Corn Dip

Packed with textures that balance creamy and crunchy, Mexican Street Corn Dip is hard to pass up. It has just enough spice to keep things interesting but doesn’t overpower. This one shines with tortilla chips or crusty bread. Whether it’s a party or a casual lunch, it fits right into an easy spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip
Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries

Creamy and sweet with a tangy kick, Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries complements those fries beautifully. It doesn’t distract from the fries but enhances them instead. You’ll love having something unique to serve when sweet potato fries are on the menu. It’s simple and worth pulling together.
Get the Recipe: Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries
Blue Cheese Dressing

Bold and creamy, Blue Cheese Dressing has a tang that makes it unexpected yet so good. It works with wings, veggie sticks, or even crackers when you want something rich. Though strong, there’s a perfect balance in its flavor profile that keeps it pleasant. For snack emergencies, this dressing never fails.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Dressing
Chick-fil-A Sauce

Sweet with a savory twist, Chick-fil-A Sauce is undeniably versatile and works for so many snacks. It’s smooth and balanced, yet its flavor pops just enough to stand out. This one pairs nicely with chicken or fries and makes them even better. A favorite you’ll be glad you pulled out of the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce
Garlic Aioli

Creamy with a bold garlic flavor, Garlic Aioli is a dip that instantly feels upscale without the fuss. Use it as a dip for fries, veggies, or even grilled snacks. Despite being so simple, its flavor packs enough punch to make everything taste better. If you want to keep things easy but flavorful, it’s perfect.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli
Basil Pesto

Smooth and full of that distinct herb-forward flavor, Basil Pesto makes a statement. It’s great for dipping breadsticks or mixing into a snack board setup. You’ll love how it adds depth without feeling heavy or complicated. A little goes a long way when you want something fresh yet versatile on your table.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Hearty and indulgent, Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is like comfort food in dip form. It’s loaded with creamy richness and some smoky flavors that feel like a treat. You’ll want to grab crackers, veggies, or chips to enjoy this one. If you need something that pleases everyone, this is the one to pick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
Sour Cream and Chives Dip

Cool, smooth, and wonderfully simple, Sour Cream and Chives Dip offers a refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with chips or veggies. Its light profile makes it a go-to when you’re craving something easy and fuss-free. It quickly disappears from the table because it’s just the right balance of creamy and bright.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream and Chives Dip
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Smoky and creamy, Lebanese Baba Ganoush feels fresh with every bite and stands out from most traditional dips. Pair it with warm bread or some crunchy vegetables for the best experience. It isn’t overwhelming, but it has enough flavor to get noticed. If you want variety, this dip couldn’t be a better choice.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
Maple Syrup Ketchup

Sweet with a tangy twist, Maple Syrup Ketchup puts a unique spin on traditional ketchup. It pairs wonderfully with fries, chicken, or whatever needs a dip. Despite its slight sweetness, it doesn’t lose its savoriness and works with almost anything. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try it.
Get the Recipe: Maple Syrup Ketchup
Pizza Sauce

Slightly tangy and full of richness, Pizza Sauce isn’t just for pizza. It’s a great dip for breadsticks, cheese-filled snacks, or anything fried. Its simple, smooth flavor makes it hard to put down once you start dipping into it. Keep it handy when you need a no-bother option that always works well.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce
Chipotle Sauce

Smoky with a hint of spice, Chipotle Sauce stands out as bold yet balanced. It’s perfect for drizzles or dips with fries, chicken, or veggies. The flavor keeps things interesting without being overwhelming. For times when you want something with a little kick, it’s just the thing to reach for.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Sauce
Creamy Avocado Sauce

Smooth and mellow, Creamy Avocado Sauce is a dip that feels natural and easygoing. It pairs well with just about anything—veggies, chips, or sandwiches. Something is refreshing about how it balances creaminess with simple freshness. It’s a go-to option when you want a light addition to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce
Tzatziki

Cool and tangy, Tzatziki really shines when served with veggies, pita bread, or anything grilled. Its creamy texture and subtle bite make it a great addition to snack time. It always feels light while still delivering solid flavor. If you’re hoping to keep things bright and simple, this one won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki
Guacamole

Rich, creamy, and full of texture, Guacamole has a way of being the highlight of any snack setup. It’s perfect with chips, veggies, or even as a topping for wraps. You don’t need much for it to feel like an instant hit at the table. For quick and pleasing snacks, it’s always a great choice to dish out.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Creamy with just the right amount of heat, Spicy Greek Feta Dip is a standout option for breadsticks or veggies. It’s bold enough to grab your attention but smooth enough to feel comforting. This dip works great when you need something different but still approachable. You’ll dig into this one again and again.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet with a light kick of spice, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce makes for an excellent partner to fried snacks or spring rolls. It’s smooth yet flavorful and adds that little extra excitement to each bite. You don’t have to overthink pairing—this sauce works with almost anything. Quick, easy, and never out of place.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Caramelized Onion Hummus

Creamy and loaded with deep flavor, Caramelized Onion Hummus offers a rich, savory twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect with pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. You’ll appreciate how the onion gives it depth without overpowering its smooth simplicity. A dip that balances bold flavors with easy go-tos.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus
BBQ Sauce

Smoky, sweet, and versatile, BBQ Sauce is always a reliable dip for fries, wings, or even sandwiches. It’s bold without being complicated, making it foolproof for most gatherings. You won’t need much to make a snack feel special with this sauce. Keep it nearby when you want a dip with character but no hassle.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce
Sweet and Sour Sauce

Balanced and tangy with a little sweetness, Sweet and Sour Sauce works perfectly with fried snacks or roasted veggies. It feels light but packs just enough flavor in each bite to stand out. You’ll appreciate how it fits seamlessly into any snack setup without much effort. Great when you need something quick and fun.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sriracha with Mayo

Creamy with a spicy edge, Sriracha with Mayo is a dip for those who love a little heat with their snacks. It works beautifully alongside grilled goodies or fried treats for an easy pairing. Even with its kick, the creaminess keeps it enjoyable and approachable. A must-have for casual get-togethers or solo snack times.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha with Mayo
Million Dollar Dip

Rich and packed with flavor, Million Dollar Dip feels indulgent with every bite. It pairs well with just about anything you can dip, from chips to veggies. It’s a crowd favorite, especially for gatherings where you want something bold yet easy to prep. Bring it out when you need a reliable option that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip
Garlic Dip

Smooth and loaded with garlic flavor, Garlic Dip is a favorite for breadsticks, fries, or veggies. Its bold profile feels full-flavored without trying too hard. You’ll reach for this when you want something simple that packs flavor. It’s quick to grab, and honestly, it always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy with a bold punch of buffalo flavor, Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for game days or casual hangouts. Pair it with chips, crackers, or veggies, and everyone’s happy. It’s indulgent without feeling too heavy. A solid choice when you want something a little exciting but classic in its appeal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
