12 Game Day Dips That Will Have Everyone Fighting Over the Last Chip
Let us be honest: for a lot of people, the food is the best part of the big game. And nothing brings a crowd to the coffee table faster than a bubbling skillet of cheesy dip and a giant bowl of chips. These game day dips include hot and cheesy favorites, fresh and light options and a few surprises your friends have never tried. Need more party food? Check out our game day snacks that disappear before kickoff. Grab the chips, it is almost kickoff..
Game Day Dips Start With Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you only make one dip this season, make it this one. Shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch and hot sauce bake together under a layer of melted cheese until bubbly and stretchy. It tastes just like buffalo wings, without the mess. Scoop it with tortilla chips, celery or crackers. Fair warning: it will be gone before halftime.
You will need: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, 2 green onions, extra hot sauce and ranch for drizzling, chips and celery.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 350 F. Mix the cream cheese, ranch and hot sauce until smooth. Stir in the chicken and half the cheese. Spread in a cast iron skillet or baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Drizzle with hot sauce and ranch and add green onions.
Game Day Dips Classic: Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is a restaurant favorite you can make at home in 30 minutes. Spinach and artichokes are folded into a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until golden on top. Serve it hot with pita chips or toasted bread. Quick poll: A) pita chips, B) tortilla chips, C) bread, D) a spoon, no shame?
You will need: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts (chopped), 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup parmesan, pinch of chili flakes.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 375 F. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo and garlic. Stir in the artichokes, spinach, half the mozzarella and the parmesan. Spread in a baking dish, top with the rest of the mozzarella and bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Warm Crab Dip, the Fanciest of Game Day Dips
Crab dip feels a little fancy, but it is so easy. Lump crab meat is mixed with cream cheese, a little Old Bay seasoning and lemon, then baked until warm and bubbly. Serve it with crackers, flatbread or toasted baguette slices. It is a favorite on the East Coast, and it is perfect when you want something that feels a bit special. Have you ever tried it?
You will need: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayo, 8 oz lump crab meat, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 2 green onions, crackers or flatbread.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 375 F. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, Old Bay, Worcestershire and lemon. Gently fold in the crab, half the cheese and the green onions. Spread in a small skillet, top with the rest of the cheese and bake 20 minutes until bubbly.
Hot Cheesy Mushroom Dip
Mushroom lovers, this one is for you, and it is one of the most underrated game day dips. Golden sauteed mushrooms with garlic and thyme are stirred into a melty mix of Swiss and cream cheese, then baked in a skillet. Dip in grilled bread and pull up long strings of cheese. It is rich, savory and totally addictive. Would you choose this over a classic cheese dip?
You will need: 2 tablespoons butter, 12 oz mushrooms (chopped), 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon thyme, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere, salt, pepper, grilled bread slices.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 375 F. Cook the mushrooms in butter until golden, then add the garlic and thyme. Mix the cream cheese and sour cream, then stir in the mushrooms and 1 cup of cheese. Spread in an oven safe skillet, top with the rest of the cheese and bake 15 to 20 minutes.
Fresh Restaurant Style Salsa
Every list of game day dips needs a fresh salsa. Fresh homemade salsa beats the jar every time, and it takes five minutes in a blender. Canned tomatoes give it that smooth restaurant texture, while fresh cilantro, lime and jalapeno add brightness. Make it the day before so the flavors can blend. Mild, medium or hot? You decide how many jalapenos go in.
You will need: 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1/2 onion, 1 to 2 jalapenos, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup cilantro, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
How to make it: Add everything to a blender or food processor. Pulse 10 to 15 times until it reaches the texture you like. Taste and add more salt, lime or jalapeno. Chill for at least 1 hour and serve with tortilla chips.
Seven Layer Bean Dip
Layered game day dips are always a hit. This party classic has a little bit of everything: refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, tomatoes and olives, all stacked in pretty layers. Every chip scoops a different mix. It can be made a few hours ahead, which makes hosting easy. Which layer is your favorite? Be honest, it is the cheese.
You will need: 1 can (16 oz) refried beans, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups guacamole, 1 cup salsa, 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 2 green onions.
How to make it: Mix the beans with the taco seasoning and spread in a large dish. Layer the sour cream, guacamole and salsa on top, spreading gently. Sprinkle with cheese, tomatoes, olives and green onions. Chill until ready to serve with chips.
Real French Onion Dip
Forget the packet. Real French onion dip starts with onions cooked slowly in butter until they are deep golden and sweet. Stir them into sour cream and a little cream cheese and you have the most addictive chip dip ever. It is worth the extra time, we promise. Ridged chips or regular chips?
You will need: 2 tablespoons butter, 2 large onions (finely chopped), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup mayo, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, chives, potato chips.
How to make it: Cook the onions in butter with salt over medium low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden. Let them cool. Mix the sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, Worcestershire and garlic powder. Stir in the onions and chill for 1 hour. Top with chives.
Creamy Homemade Hummus
Hummus is one of the healthiest game day dips, and homemade is so much creamier than store bought. The trick is to blend the chickpeas with ice water for a light, whipped texture. Swirl it in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and serve with bread, pita or veggies. Do you like it plain, garlicky or spicy?
You will need: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained), 1/3 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water, olive oil, paprika, warm bread or pita.
How to make it: Blend the tahini and lemon juice for 1 minute until creamy. Add the garlic, cumin and salt. Add the chickpeas and blend, adding ice water a spoon at a time, until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Spread in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika.
Whipped Feta With Pomegranate
Whipped feta is salty, tangy and silky smooth, and it looks stunning on the table. Blend feta with Greek yogurt and a little olive oil, then top with pomegranate seeds, herbs and a drizzle of honey. It is a fresh change from heavy cheese dips. Have you ever served something this pretty at a game party?
You will need: 8 oz feta cheese, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 garlic clove, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds, fresh mint or parsley, 1 tablespoon honey, chili flakes, pita chips.
How to make it: Blend the feta, yogurt, olive oil, garlic and lemon until smooth and creamy. Spread in a shallow bowl or skillet. Top with pomegranate seeds, herbs, a drizzle of honey and chili flakes. Serve with pita chips or veggies.
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
This dip, called muhammara in the Middle East, is smoky, slightly sweet and nutty. Roasted red peppers are blended with toasted walnuts, garlic, a bit of breadcrumbs and pomegranate molasses or lemon. It is vegan, full of flavor and always gets people asking for the recipe. Would you try something new on game day?
You will need: 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers (drained), 1 cup toasted walnuts, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, salt, crusty bread.
How to make it: Add everything except a few walnuts to a food processor and blend until mostly smooth. Taste and add salt. Spread in a bowl, top with the reserved chopped walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Loaded White Bean Dip
White beans blend into a creamy, garlicky dip that is packed with protein. Top it with chopped tomatoes, herbs, crunchy chickpeas and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a loaded look that is perfect for scooping. It is cheap, healthy and ready in 10 minutes. Quick poll: A) chips, B) veggies, C) crackers, D) all three?
You will need: 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (drained), 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon rosemary, salt. Toppings: diced tomato, chopped parsley, a few whole beans or chickpeas, 1/4 cup yogurt thinned with water, chili flakes.
How to make it: Blend the beans, garlic, lemon, olive oil, rosemary and salt until smooth, adding water if needed. Spread in a wide bowl. Top with tomato, parsley, whole beans, a drizzle of yogurt and chili flakes. Serve with chips.
Game Day Dips Platter With Homemade Ranch
End your spread with a big platter everyone can graze on. Homemade ranch dip is creamy, herby and way better than bottled. Surround it with carrots, celery, peppers, cheese cubes and fruit for a colorful board that balances out all the cheesy dishes. So, which of these game day dips will you make first?
You will need: 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, pepper, carrots, celery, peppers, cheese cubes, grapes.
How to make it: Whisk the sour cream, mayo and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in the herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Arrange the vegetables, cheese and fruit on a large board around the bowl of ranch.
