41 Dips People Keep Scooping Between Plays

Great dips keep the energy up when everyone settles in for the big game. That’s why 41 crowd-pleasing recipes fill this list, ready for every pause and play. You’ll find ideas for lively groups or simple afternoons with favorite snacks nearby. I’ve found dips always draw people back for a little more, even after the action resumes.

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whipped Feta Dip

A bowl of creamy dip garnished with chopped black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, rosemary, olive oil, and black pepper.
Whipped Feta Dip. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crowds form fast around a bowl of this Whipped Feta Dip before the game even starts. Every bite turns into a little event as people try it for the first time. The creamy, tangy flavor keeps hands moving back for more. Bringing this to a watch party usually means you get asked for the recipe later.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Dip

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing draws a group together quite like this Pizza Sauce waiting next to a pile of breadsticks. The rich flavor pairs with almost anything and keeps the party going through every quarter. Slices get dunked so fast it’s hard to keep up. You’ll probably see people inventing new ways to use every drop.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Pecan Pie Dip

A close-up of a dessert topped with a glossy layer of pecans and caramel sauce in a white dish, with vanilla wafers on the side.
Pecan Pie Dip. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Guests light up when you bring out a bowl of Pecan Pie Dip for snacking. Warm, sweet notes invite everyone to try a taste, but it disappears before you know it. This dreamy treat turns heads and sparks questions about its secret. Dipping in is a little like dessert before dinner, which always gets smiles.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Dip

Goat Cheese Dip

A bowl of whipped feta cheese topped with mixed olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil.
Goat Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cozy parties need something special, and this Goat Cheese Dip never lets anyone down. The tangy spread sparks laughter and little moments of silence when friends scoop up another chip. I bring this out when people want something just a little different. No one leaves a drop behind when the game is tight.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Dip

Black Bean Hummus

A bowl of bean dip garnished with chopped herbs and olive oil, surrounded by tortilla chips.
Black Bean Hummus. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Every party table gets a boost with a bowl of Black Bean Hummus at the center. Earthy flavors and unexpected smoothness make it a go-to during tense moments. Guests reach for veggies and chips, hoping for the biggest scoops. Bringing hummus is always a safe move when you want empty bowls at the end.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Hummus

Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Lebanese Baba Ganoush. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

People crowd closer to the snacks once this Lebanese Baba Ganoush hits the spread. Creamy, smoky flavor makes even picky eaters come back for another dip. Conversations start about what else you could scoop with it. Small talk always drifts toward how good this one is.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Hot Crab Dip

A spoon lifts a portion of cheesy baked pasta topped with chopped parsley from a casserole dish.
Hot Crab Dip. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sports fans pause between plays just to dig into this Hot Crab Dip. The warm, savory bites create buzz without a word being spoken. I notice that the bowl empties quickly, even when other snacks are around. Bringing out seafood like this always makes the game feel special.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Greek Feta Dip

Spicy Greek feta dip in a bowl with pita bread by the side.
Greek Feta Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A bowl of Greek Feta Dip can be a crowd favorite before the second quarter. The briny, herby burst makes every bite interesting enough to keep people coming back. Even simple crackers suddenly taste more exciting. Parties seem to last a bit longer when everyone’s snacking on this.
Get the Recipe: Greek Feta Dip

Fried Dill Pickle Dip

A close-up of a creamy dip topped with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped pickles, and fresh dill in a white bowl.
Fried Dill Pickle Dip. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Curiosity gets the best of everyone when you show up with this Fried Dill Pickle Dip. Crispy, creamy, and tangy in one spoonful, the dip draws a mix of reactions that end in a race to finish the bowl. Every bite keeps the conversation moving. Serving this side brings out a lot of surprised smiles.
Get the Recipe: Fried Dill Pickle Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Energy in the room jumps with every scoop of this Buffalo Chicken Dip. Spicy, creamy goodness is the classic answer for big games or long nights of trash talk. Chips and veggies become vehicles for getting as much as possible. I always leave with an empty dish after sharing this one.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Queso Dip

Close-up of creamy cheese dip being poured over chopped tomato salsa with diced onions and cilantro.
Queso Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheers echo around the table when someone brings this Queso Dip into the living room. Gooey and cheesy, it welcomes all kinds of snacks to the party. People find new favorites by dunking just about anything in it. You know a dip is a hit when even seasoned fans sneak seconds.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Friends lean in for more every time you serve Million Dollar Dip at a big get-together. There’s a little mystery about why it tastes so rich and creamy. It is known for being the first bowl to run out. Often, you’ll notice people scraping the bottom for just one more bite.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Crack Chicken Dip

Cracker with creamy dip featuring bacon bits and green onions being lifted from a dish.
Crack Chicken Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Appetites grow as soon as someone lifts the lid on this Crack Chicken Dip. Bites come with just the right blend of comfort and punch, keeping everyone glued to the snack table between plays. Football crowds get extra quiet around this bowl. Guests appreciate being able to refill throughout the night.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Dip

Guacamole

Close-up of guacamole on a tortilla chip, showing a textured mixture of avocado, herbs, and spices.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Watch parties come alive the second this Guacamole arrives next to a fresh pile of chips. The bright, creamy dip fits in perfectly whether you are a sports fan or just there for the food. Folks dip again and again until the bowl vanishes. I never bring home leftovers when guac is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Tangy Chick-fil-A Sauce

A bowl of smooth, creamy peanut butter with a hint of Chick-fil-A sauce and a spoon inside.
Tangy Chick-fil-A Sauce. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

People start hovering near the table as soon as they spot this Tangy Chick-fil-A Sauce. The sweet and sharp combo has folks debating what it pairs with best. Every nugget and fry gets at least one dunk before halftime. Replicating this dip often leads to surprised faces and happy guests.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Chick-fil-A Sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Conversations stay lively as fans keep dipping into this Sweet and Sour Sauce all night. That perfect balance of flavor matches fried snacks, grilled foods, and more. Plates get cleaned faster than the clock runs down. This is one dip that always gets noticed, even among lots of other options.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with whole chickpeas, chopped parsley, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Hummus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Serving up a bowl of Hummus can turn any couch into a prime spot for game day. Creamy, smooth texture works with all kinds of dippers—chips, veggies, or even chicken. Some people start with small bites but quickly go back for more. The bowl always empties, no matter the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Hummus

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions.
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Friends pause for a second once they notice the color of this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Sweet, tart, and just a hint of kick make each bite exciting. People start sharing stories about dips they remember from other parties. Unusual combos like this keep snack time memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Taco Dip

Glass bowl with layered dip topped with guacamole, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and tomatoes. A tortilla chip is dipping into the bowl.
Taco Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheering gets more energetic whenever this Taco Dip hits the snack table. The hearty flavors layer by layer make it hard to stop after just one chip. I serve this when the group wants bold and familiar all in one bite. Most people sneak back for seconds, especially during timeouts.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip

Cheesy Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Cheesy Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls of Cheesy Rotel Dip top the list of must-haves for every big game. Melty cheese and a pop of heat pack plenty of comfort into each bite. Friends and family circle up, ready with chips in hand. Nothing sets the mood for kickoff quite like a bowl full of this dip.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing says watch party quite like 7 Layer Dip with all those colors and textures stacked up. The first scoop always gets everyone talking about their favorite layers. Loading up one chip feels like a mini meal in itself. You can be sure this one goes fast at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Fresh Basil Pesto

Homemade pesto in a cast iron dish with nuts and basil around it.
Fresh Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing freshness to the table, this Fresh Basil Pesto feels like a little upgrade next to pizza or breadsticks. Rich green flavor makes a strong impression even with just a taste. Football talk pauses as guests debate what to dip next. You’ll often spot people checking if there’s any left for later.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Basil Pesto

Sriracha Mayo Sauce

Sriracha aioli in a serving bowl and fries by the side of it.
Sriracha Mayo Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Never underestimate what Sriracha Mayo Sauce can do for game night snacks. Each dunk delivers a creamy kick, perfect for spicing things up in the middle of a close game. Chips, fries, or wings—everything gets better with a little dip. You might find fans coming back just for the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Mayo Sauce

Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe

Homemade BBQ sauce in a jar with two spoons by the side.
Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fans crowd closer together when this Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe makes its debut. The smoky bite adds a punch to anything you serve, whether it’s chips, chicken, or fries. Plates get stacked higher because nobody wants to miss out. I have to double my batch if I want leftovers for later.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe

Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and cool, this Avocado Sauce soothes the burn after spicy foods or hot wings. The bright color looks great on any snack table, drawing in curious scoopers. People trade tips for what else to dip in it. Something about avocado always makes the room just a little more fun.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Sauce

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it.
Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Expect chatter to slow for a second as everyone gets a taste of this Garlic Aioli. Silky smooth with a garlicky punch, it’s useful next to fries or even fresh veggies. I find it nearly impossible to keep enough on hand for bigger crowds. No one wants to miss out on the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Marinara Sauce

A glass jar filled with tomato sauce sits on a plate. Two spoons are beside it. A small bowl is in the background, slightly out of focus.
Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic gatherings need a bowl of this Marinara Sauce standing by every platter. That gentle tang and red color invite breadsticks or even mozzarella sticks for a dunk. It’s the go-to for group snacking in between plays. This dip always disappears before the final whistle.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Sauce

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everybody crowds around for their share once you set out this Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. The salty, cheesy combo is impossible to resist. Everyone suddenly finds room on their plate for just a little more. This dish never comes home with you at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warmth spreads fast when there is Spinach Artichoke Dip to pass around. Cheesy, creamy layers have guests begging for the recipe before they’re done scooping. It becomes an instant favorite even when there are lots of options. You’ll never see leftovers when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sweet Maple Ketchup

A hexagonal glass jar filled with creamy peanut butter sits on a wooden tray, with a metal spoon inside.
Sweet Maple Ketchup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dip trays see a twist once you add this Sweet Maple Ketchup. Kids and adults both gravitate toward its bright, sweet taste. Burgers and fries just seem more fun with a swipe of this sauce. Friends agree it is something you will want to make again soon.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Maple Ketchup

Garlic Dip

Garlic dip in a serving bowl with fries by it.
Garlic Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright, punchy flavor draws friends in when you offer this Garlic Dip during game time. One spoonful and the whole room cheers for more, dunking everything from crackers to pizza crusts. Silence only lasts as long as it takes for the first bite. The bowl heads back to the kitchen empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Dip

Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries

Dipping sauce in a small bowl surrounding by sweet potato cubes.
Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potato fries disappear fast with this Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries on the table. The right sauce takes every bite up a notch and gets plenty of compliments. Even people who skip fries change their minds when this appears. Everyone wants to know what makes it so craveable.
Get the Recipe: Dipping Sauce for Sweet Potato Fries

Greek Tzatziki

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with chopped dill and a swirl of olive oil. Fresh dill and garlic are nearby.
Greek Tzatziki. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Guests cool off fast with a swirl through this Greek Tzatziki. The fresh, creamy dip fits right in next to pita or sliced veggies. You see empty bowls and fresh-cut snack trays all evening long. I bring this out when I want to keep things light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Tzatziki

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunch and color add a punch to chips with a big scoop of this Pico de Gallo. Salsa fans wake up at the first bite, sharing big grins with every dip. Tables get a lot quieter as people focus on snack time. Everyone leaves happy when the bowl is scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Ranch Dressing

A spoon being dipped into a glass jar filled with creamy white dressing, with herbs visible throughout the mixture.
Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offering up a cool spot for veggies, chicken, or even chips, this Ranch Dressing works with just about everything. Party plates wind up covered in ranch, and nobody seems to mind. Kids often ask for more before halftime is over. Some classics never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Dressing

Salsa Verde

A jar of green salsa with a spoon lifting some out; tortilla chips and a tomatillo are visible in the background.
Salsa Verde. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Zingy flavors take center stage with a fresh bowl of Salsa Verde. People gather for nachos or tacos but stay and snack their way through the whole game. The bowl vanishes every single time. Adding salsa to your party spread is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on a light green cloth.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The crowd quickly perks up when theres Sweet Thai Chili Sauce next to the wings or dumplings. Sweet heat brings more fans every year, and leftovers are rare. Folks dunk everything they can find, trying to get the perfect scoop. Even those who say they do not love spicy stuff change their minds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

French Onion Dip

Bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives and black pepper, next to pieces of toasted bread.
French Onion Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nostalgia and comfort show up fast with a bowl of French Onion Dip. Crispy chips dip in and come up loaded, and friends keep coming back for just one more taste. Secrets are traded about what makes it so creamy. No watch party ever regrets serving this classic.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Scoop after scoop, the bowl of Caramelized Onion Hummus goes from full to empty in no time. The sweet onions and creamy base make every bite inviting. Even people who do not love hummus end up trying a little. You hear a lot of, “Wow, what’s in this?” before the final play.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Cowboy Queso Dip

A tortilla chip is dipped into a skillet of cheesy ground beef and tomato dip, with melted cheese stretching between the chip and the dip.
Cowboy Queso Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Laughter grows around the table as people pass around tubs of Cowboy Queso Dip. Hearty, cheesy goodness pulls folks in for second and third helpings. The dip table does not stay quiet for long while this dish waits to be finished. I make extra so everyone can get a fair scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Queso Dip

Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Watch parties feel extra complete with Beer Cheese Dip as part of the line up. That bold, cheesy taste pairs with pretzels or chips and draws a crowd all its own. People look for it as soon as the snacks come out. Dip like this always gets people excited between plays.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

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