23 Best Thanksgiving Dips to Snack on Before the Big Meal
Don't worry, they're easy to make and serve.
Somehow, no matter how well you plan, people always show up before you're ready on Thanksgiving. The pies aren't done, the kitchen is a mess, and everyone's wandering in asking if they can "help." That's when a bowl of dip saves the day. Set it out with chips or crackers, and suddenly everyone's happy to snack and chat while you finish the important stuff. Go for something warm and cheesy or cool and creamy—whatever keeps folks busy (and buys you a little breathing room!) before the feast really begins. And before you get too stressed out over adding another dish to your Thanksgiving cooking plans, just know that these holiday appetizers are all easy to make. In fact, some of them can even be whipped up in 10 minutes or less. (The sausage dip will be a last-minute savior!)
So, what kinds of dips are best for Thanksgiving? You can warm up from the crisp autumn weather with a comforting recipe like a chicken bacon ranch dip or a hot corn dip served with your favorite tortilla chips. Or, embrace the flavors of the season with pumpkin recipes in the form of pumpkin hummus. Then again, you might not want to fill up too much (especially if there's plenty of turkey, mashed potatoes, and Thanksgiving desserts on the menu) in which case, you can keep things light with a creamy dill dip served with crunchy vegetables. If you're hosting a Friendsgiving feast, make a few different kinds! Either way, these dips will keep your guests hunger at bay—especially when paired with Ree Drummond's fall sangria.
Skyline Dip
If you've never had this dip, get ready—it's dangerously good. Cincinnati chili, layers of cream cheese and cheddar, and a pile of shredded cheese on top that melts into one glorious mess. Scoop it up with tortilla chips, potato chips, or anything sturdy enough to hold all that goodness!
Get Ree's Skyline Dip recipe.
Easy Artichoke Dip
This one's been around forever, but there's a reason it never leaves the party table. Warm, creamy, and heavy on the artichokes, this dip will disappear while you're still setting out the drinks. Ree's version keeps things simple with just the best flavors and plenty of cheese.
Get Ree's Easy Artichoke Dip recipe.
3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip
Sometimes Ree doesn't want to measure, and this dip proves that's just fine. It's perfectly tangy and made with only three ingredients, which makes it perfect for those moments when people start wandering into the kitchen hungry.
Get Ree's 3-Ingredient Buffalo Dip recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
This is onion dip all grown up. Slowly cooks the onions until they turn golden and sweet, then stir them into a creamy base that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Make it a day or two ahead, because it only gets better in the fridge.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
This delicious dip is loaded with shredded chicken, bits of bacon, and a ranchy creaminess that keeps people coming back with their chips. The smell alone will have your family circling the oven like buzzards!
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Hot Crab Dip
A warm crab dip feels a little fancy, but this version doesn't make you work for it. (Yes, canned crab is perfectly fine.) Bake it until it bubbles and enjoy!
Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.
Spinach Dip
This classic dip is cool, creamy, and incredibly versatile. Set it out with crackers, pita, and whatever veggies didn't get claimed for the crudité tray. Somehow, the bowl will be empty before the turkey's even carved!
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Throw everything into the slow cooker, flips the switch, and forget about it until the smell reminds you that you made something incredible. The chicken turns tender, the cheese melts, and it all comes together beautifully.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
Ready to go straight for the sweets? This seasonal dip tastes just like a pumpkin cheesecake! You can serve it up with apple slices, graham crackers, or pretzels at your next Friendsgiving.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Pimento Cheese
You'll want to make a big batch of this cheesy dip because it's always the first to go! Especially when you try Ree's smoky variation made with adobo sauce from canned chipotles. Serve it up with veggies, crackers, or even toast points.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Celebrate Thanksgiving like a cowboy with this classic Texas dip. It's chock full of veggies, beans, spices, and fresh cilantro.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Sausage Dip
You only 4 ingredients to make this quick and easy dip. It's a no-brainer when it comes to holiday entertaining.
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
Easy Queso Dip
It wouldn't be a party without queso. The cheesy dip is easy to make either on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. (That's one less thing you have to think about!)
Get the Easy Queso Dip recipe.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Not only does this dip look elegant, but it tastes delicious, too! The freshly chopped dill and bright lemon zest will help to lighten up your heavy holiday feast.
Get the Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
You can't go wrong with this make-ahead appetizers. Just put it together the night before, pop it in the fridge, then bake it right before your guests arrive. They'll be greeted with cheesy goodness!
Get Ree's Spinach-Artichoke Dip recipe.
Caramel Apple Dip
With its whipped cream cheese base and homemade caramel topping, this dip doubles as a sweet Thanksgiving dessert! The chopped peanuts on top add a welcome crunch.
Get Ree's Caramel Apple Dip recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
You can play around with this old-school dip to make it fit your family's preferences. Swap some of the cheddar for Swiss or add in some blue cheese if that's your thing. You really can't go wrong!
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
This seasonal dip is made with pumpkin three ways: pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin seeds. It's celebration of fall flavor!
Hot Corn Dip
Though fresh corn may no longer be available, you can use frozen corn kernels for this cheesy dip. It's made with monterey jack cheese and jalapeño for just the right amount of spice.
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
Tangy, salty feta is the key to this easy dip. Look for the type of feta that's packed in a liquid brine rather than feta crumbles which aren't as creamy. Then, add a drizzle of honey for that sweet and salty flavor.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
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