When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip: Favorite Party Dip Recipes

No, this not a post devoted to the 1990s hit by Freak Nasty (which was actually banned from several of my junior high school dances, for reasons we didn't really understand a the time, you know: "What's so bad about putting your hand on someone's hip? Dip Isn't a bad word." But NOW I get it).

Bad '90s rap aside, I'm a big fan of hors d'oeuvres - I'd take cheese, crackers, crudite and baby quiche over a big meal any day of the week. But my favorite part of the not-a-real-meal meal is dip. Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Crab Dip, Seven-Layer Taco Dip - if you can stick a chip or cracker into it, chances are, it will pass my test. So naturally, whenever I have a party or have friends over - or sometimes when I get home on a weeknight and just don't feel like prepping a full meal but want something more substantial than ice cream - I like to try popular snacks and appetizers that I've stumble across in cookbooks, magazines and on other blogs. 

 Sometimes I follow recipes, but when I'm only using few ingredients, I like to wing it. For this Spicy Pumpkin & White Bean Spread, I used some leftover ingredients from the fridge. This turned out thicker and creamier than a typical dip, so it might work better as a spread, paired with thin slices of whole wheat baguette or crostini.

Spicy Pumpkin & White Bean Spread

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup canned white beans (rinsed)
2 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and pulse with an immersion blender. Mixture will be smoother if you mash beans gently with a fork prior to blending.

I found my next recipe Cannellinni Bean Dip from Sandie at Inn Cuisine and made it recently for a pre-Thanksgiving feast but it will definitely be making a second appearance over the holidays.

Since there's no dairy in the dip, it keeps well for buffet-style noshing and it's light, lemon flavor balances the strong herbs like oregano and parsley. The consistency is great and it pairs well with just about any cracker or flatbread.

A classic, tried and true favorite, there is nothing like a big bowl teeming with mashed avocado, onions, cilantro and tomatoes. At Mexican restaurants, I'm consistently unable to resist ordering guacamole to be made tableside as an appetizer, which was truly, in my opinion, one of the best decisions to happen to restaurants everywhere.

I've never used a recipe for guacamole, but since I've seen it made so many times I generally follow these basic steps.

Easy Guacamole

2 whole avocados, cored and diced
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1/2 large tomato, diced and seeded
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mash all ingredients together and serve with tortilla chips or pita crackers.

What are your favorite dips/party foods?

Comments

[Maria]

I will have to try that pumpkin dip! I have some to use up. Looks like a great appetizer!

[Mandy]

I LOVE dips and anything of the sort. My favorite is spinach artichoke dip with pumpernickel bread. The bean dip looks amazing and I am adding it to my list of things to try!

[Anna]

I love dips!! They are normally my favorite food at parties! Mmmm!

[Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)]

I'm a guacamole purist, too, and make mine pretty much the same way you do -- except that I use a huge lava-rock molcajete (grinder) that I brought home from Mexico. It has three heads -- and I'm sure that's why my guac always tastes so good!

[Pearl]

love the dips! my mother LOVES avocado so i think i'll make that for her sometime!

[Lorraine E]

That pumpkin dip looks delicious! Isn't it funny the songs that are banned-and the kids never know why. I remember Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners was banned and we had no idea why hehe

[Barbara]

Your guacamole looks heavenly!

[soulchocolate]

I love dips as much as I love finger food, lol they are the perfect couple. My favorite dip? Sweet onion cream cheese.

[Emily]

Mmmm, love these spreads.

I love guacamole!

[Daryl]

I could make a meal out of dips. These are awesome because they are healthy as well as delicious.

[ksgoodeats]

Thank you so much for the comment on my blog because it allowed me to find yours. Everything on here looks DELICIOUS!

I'll be coming back for some Christmas planning :)

[AshleyD]

Guacamole is one of my most favorite foods (dips) ever!

[Meghann]

I like your Pumpkin White Bean Dip. I may have to give that one a try. :)

[kat]

Pumpkin white bean yum!

[Sara]

Your dips look great, I'm intrigued by the pumpkin dip. I have a few cans of pumpkin in the pantry that I'm not sure what to do with yet.

[alexandra's kitchen]

very clever! I would never think to use pumpkin as a dip but it makes total sense. I mean, I love it when it's pureed and tucked into ravioli. This sounds delicious.

yes, dinner for me often turns into cheese and crackers and then ice cream.

[lisa (dandysugar)]

Haha!! You're hilarious! I love your dip recipes here, they look great. I'm really loving the pumpkin and white bean. I know what you mean about being too tired to cook..having a good variety of appetizers is a perfect way to go.

My favorites?? I like warm artichoke and roasted red pepper dip to name a couple. But, I may have to give your pumpkin a go, it looks so good.

[Justina]

This dip looks amazing! I can't wait to try it!

[Paula]

I'm always a fan of the fatty dips. Sour cream and onion . . . that kinda thing. Yum. It's hard to get me away from them once I get started . . .

[susan]

that was the best title

[annie]

Wow, pumpkin and bean dip. I would have never thought of it, but it sounds fantastic!
One of my favorites is with fresh herbs, cream chese and mayo, yum!

[Adam]

Pumpkin with white beans... I think you're talking my language there :)

Favorite party dip? Something with garlic and artichokes wins me everytime. Oh something as simple as a good salsa.

[dinnerwithjulie]

I adore Romesco dip - roasted red peppers, almonds, olive oil, garlic... hummus and baba ghanouj. Obviously I am not offended by garlic breath...
Oh and that spinach dip with loads of mayo served in a hollowed-out bread bowl, unfortunately...

[Lisa]

"What’s so bad about putting your hand on someone’s hip? Dip isn’t a bad word."

That really made me laugh out loud.

[Micha]

Something weird has happened - you blog hasn't been in my reader! This is probably my fault...but...
I've fixed things now and can get my proper "fix." :)

Favorite dips? Definitely Guac and, hearkening back to days of youth, onion dip with Ruffles.