Game Day is nearly upon us, bringing all the gatherings that go with it.
Super Bowl Sunday falls on Feb. 11 this year, with the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs meeting at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. While the teams battle on the turf, you’ll want to impress with your snack game, whether you’re hosting at home or heading to someone else’s party.
You could splurge on an elaborate charcuterie board or a trendy butter board, or you could keep it easy and buy something premade. If you’re aiming for a balance between fuss-free and flavorful, one of the simplest, most economical and tastiest options is a classic dip.
Dips travel well, take minimal prep, and all you need to pair them with are potato chips, tortilla chips, veggie sticks or any other dippable item you prefer.
Sounds tempting, right? Here are 10 of the most delicious dips to include in your Super Bowl spread.
10 Easy Super Bowl Dips
These 10 straightforward dips will kick off the party — and keep guests reaching for more. We’re keeping costs in mind and choosing budget-friendly ingredients wherever possible.
1. Quick and Easy Guacamole
Here’s a speedy take on smooth guacamole you can adapt to your taste. Mash four or five ripe avocados in a bowl, stir in a couple teaspoons of fresh lime juice, a quarter cup of prepared salsa, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and a pinch of coarse salt. Taste and add hot sauce if you want more heat. Serve with tortilla chips.
2. Cowboy Caviar
It’s unfortunate the Dallas Cowboys aren’t playing, because this simple and cheap chunky dip has Texas roots. Cowboy Caviar is great for using pantry staples: one can each of corn, black-eyed peas and black beans. Italian dressing supplies much of the flavor; this version from All Recipes walks you through the steps. You’ll want a sturdy chip to scoop it, though guests often eat it by the spoonful.
3. White Bean Spread
Another wallet-friendly snack that uses pantry items is White Bean Spread. Drain and rinse two cans of cannellini or northern beans to remove excess salt. Blend or process with 3 peeled garlic cloves, 1/2 cup olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley. Aim for a silky texture. (If you have tahini on hand, add a tablespoon or two for a hummus-like element.) Serve with pita chips.
4. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Set out celery, carrot sticks and other veggies for this lighter take on Buffalo Chicken Dip from Cooking for Keeps. Greek yogurt provides the creaminess and the Buffalo wing flavor comes from Frank’s RedHot or your favorite hot sauce. Check your pantry for ingredients, though you may need to buy blue cheese. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or choose full-fat mayo if you prefer richer results.
5. Whipped Ricotta Dip
Inside the Rustic Kitchen shares a recipe for a fashionable Whipped Ricotta Dip that tastes like something from a hip bistro. Whip ricotta with lemon, thyme and grated Parmesan (use that wedge in the fridge), then top with roasted cherry tomatoes. Serve with store-bought crostini. The recipe calls for fresh thyme, but if you don’t want to buy it just for this, use dried thyme at one-third the amount — 1 teaspoon dried in place of 1 tablespoon fresh.
6. Herb Dip
This is a pantry-friendly dip you can customize with the dried herbs you already own. The basic ratio is 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of a dried herb or blend. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or all day) so the herbs rehydrate. If you love Lipton Onion Soup Dip, recreate it with the sour cream-mayo base plus 2 tablespoons minced dried onion. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and season with kosher salt. Have dried dill? Make a dill dip the same way with a squeeze of lemon. Serve with classic potato chips.
7. Loaded Baked Potato Dip
This Loaded Baked Potato Dip gets glowing reviews on Taste of Home. It’s a clever spin on the loaded baked potato—sour cream, shredded cheese and bacon flavors folded into a creamy dip. How do you scoop it? The recipe suggests baked waffle fries. The recipe can be made with lighter ingredients, but feel free to go full indulgence.
8. Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Dip
This beer cheese dip from The Spruce Eats is made in a slow cooker and will please cheese lovers everywhere. It calls for a block of processed cheese loaf (think Velveeta), which melts smoothly and is often discounted ahead of the big game. If you have a small crockpot, use it both to make and to serve, keeping the dip warm. Pair with sturdy dippers like thick pretzel rods or even apple slices.
9. Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Dip
Put a jar of harissa — the North African blend of chilies, paprika, cumin and more — to good use in this Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Dip from Coffee and Quinoa. Carrots are inexpensive, and this recipe calls for a couple of pounds roasted until tender. It’s a refreshing alternative to typical game-day offerings. Seeded flatbread crackers are excellent for scooping.
10. Easy Creamy Bean Dip
Here’s another pantry-saving recipe using a can of refried beans and prepared salsa. You could also swap in a tasty homemade salsa.
Easy Creamy Bean Dip from Mitten Girl is a lazy riff on seven-layer dip that saves effort without skimping on flavor. Reserve some shredded cheese for the top and consider sprinkling chopped scallions for color. Serve with tortilla chips and crunchy jicama slices for variety.
How to Keep Your Super Bowl Menu Simple and Delicious
Use these suggestions to make game day low-stress and flavorful.
- Use what’s on hand. To keep party food affordable, check your pantry and fridge first. A jar of salsa becomes an easy addition to quick guacamole. (Avocados are often plentiful and discounted before the big game.) A couple of cans of white beans are perfect for a garlic-forward white bean spread. Those cherry tomatoes from the farmers market can be roasted to top whipped ricotta for a trendy, budget-friendly starter.
- Lean on cream cheese. Pick up a block or two and consider making a Ranch Beer Cheese Dip with Hidden Valley ranch seasoning or a Jalapeño Popper Dip. Both are superb potluck contributions and simple to transport.
- Use the slow cooker. If your crockpot has been idle, Super Bowl Sunday is the ideal time to bring it out — especially for recipes like Crockpot Beer Cheese Dip, which stays warm for serving and requires little hands-on time.
If you’re hunting for more economical party food ideas, don’t forget to check out free superbowl snacks for additional inspiration.
Amanda Collins is a contributing editor at Savinly and a former newspaper food editor. Senior writer Daniel Hayes contributed.
