45+ Easy Cold Dip Recipes

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Cold dips are basically a party requirement in my house, and these are some of my all time favorites. From rich and creamy to bold and spicy, there’s a dip here for every craving, charcuterie board, and afternoon snack attack.

A collage of four dips: creamy spinach dip with bread, hummus with almonds and herbs, layered taco dip with toppings, and tzatziki with diced pickles and dill.
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Cold Appetizer Dips

When I need an appetizer in a hurry for game day or a party, I always reach for a good cold dip recipe. They’re easy to throw together, they travel well, and they’re pretty much always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Another thing I love about cold appetizer dips is how versatile they are. Surround one with a bowl of chips for a laid back gathering, or fancy it up by making it the centerpiece of a charcuterie board when you want to impress.

Tips For Making The Best Cold Dips

After making more dip recipes than I can count for potlucks and game days, I’ve learned that there’s a few tricks that can make the difference between a good dip and one that disappears minutes.

  • I like to make my dips a day ahead. Cold dips almost always taste better once the flavors have had time to sit together overnight.
  • Always bring the base to room temperature before mixing (cream cheese especially). Otherwise you can end up with a lumpy dip.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving, since chilling can sometimes mute the flavors.
  • Serve in a bowl set over ice if you’re taking it to an outdoor party, so it stays cold longer.

What You’ll Need

Almost all cold dip ideas start with the same basic building blocks. Mix and match these and you’ve got dozens of flavor combinations to work with.

  • A creamy base – cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, or Greek yogurt (or a mix of two)
  • A flavor booster – ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or a dry soup mix
  • Mix-ins – shredded cheese, diced veggies, herbs, bacon, or canned beans depending on the flavor direction
  • Something for dipping – chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies

Variations & Substitutions

It’s so easy to make these dips your own. Here are a few simple swaps to fit whatever you’ve got on hand or whoever you’re feeding.

  • Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a tangier flavor.
  • Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream to make any of these dips dairy-free.
  • Turn up the heat with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Bulk it up with shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans to turn a dip into more of a meal.
  • No ranch seasoning on hand? A mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder gets you close.

Cold Dip Ideas

Easy Whipped Brie Recipe
A bowl of whipped brie topped with sliced almonds, rosemary, honey and a dollop of fig jam, two slices of bread, and a sprig of rosemary, with a baguette in the background.
This Easy Whipped Brie is creamy, smooth, and perfect with honey, herbs, or fruit. It's the ultimate easy appetizer for holidays, parties, or wine night!
Check out this recipe
Crack Dip
A bowl of creamy dip topped with shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and green onions, surrounded by ridged potato chips and a bowl of shredded cheese.
This easy Crack Dip is loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, tangy ranch, and crunchy dill pickles for a cool, creamy appetizer that is absolutely impossible to stop eating. Mix it up in just 20 minutes and let your fridge do the rest!
Check out this recipe
Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip
A bowl of creamy dip topped with caramelized onions and herbs, with potato chips and greens nearby.
With slowly caramelized onions folded into a cool, creamy and slightly tangy base, this Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip is packed with deep, savory flavor. Serve it with crackers, chips or crusty bread and it never lasts long!
Check out this recipe
Bruschetta Dip
A bowl of dip topped with chopped yellow and red tomatoes, fresh herbs, and balsamic glaze, garnished with a slice of bread. A loaf of bread and tomatoes are in the background.
This Bruschetta Dip layers soft whipped ricotta with juicy tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic. Pile it onto crunchy crostini for a creamy, refreshing appetizer with irresistible tomato basil flavor.
Check out this recipe
Ground Beef Taco Dip
A glass dish contains a layered ground beef taco dip topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives, and lettuce.
Made with savory seasoned ground beef and just a few other simple ingredients, this Ground Beef Taco Dip is the ultimate appetizer for game day, holiday gatherings or just for snacking on movie nights.
Check out this recipe
Salmon Dip Recipe
A bowl of creamy dip topped with flaked salmon, chopped green onions, and paprika, with a plate of round crackers in the background.
This rich and creamy salmon dip with cream cheese and a hint of lemon is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Cold Spinach Dip
Cold Spinach Dip for recipe card
This classic dip is a delicious appetizer that’s always a hit for parties, cookouts or any other occasion! It’s also a great make-ahead cold dip that you can prep the day before, then just serve when ready. Serve this spinach dip in a bread bowl and it will be the party favorite for sure!
Get the Recipe Here
Blue Cheese Dip
A bowl of creamy dip garnished with herbs and blue cheese crumbles, surrounded by tortilla chips and a block of blue cheese in the background.
Loaded with real blue cheese crumbles, this Blue Cheese Dip is rich, tangy and full of flavor, perfect for dipping, spreading over crackers or serving with your favorite wing recipe!
Check out this recipe
Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cold buffalo chicken dip recipe card
This Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip takes all the classic flavors of buffalo chicken wings and turns them into a creamy, tangy and totally irresistible dip. Serve with crackers or chips and you’ll have a new favorite dip for game day!
Get the Recipe Here
Green Goddess Dip
A bowl of dip with pretzels and carrots.
This easy Green Goddess Dip is bright and creamy, made with fresh herbs, avocado, and tangy yogurt. Serve it as a dip with veggies and pita chips or drizzle it over salads for a fresh, flavorful boost.
Check out this recipe
Cold Jalapeño Popper Dip With Bacon
Cold Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe card
This Cold Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon is creamy and cheesy with a delicious spicy kick, making it the ultimate appetizer for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
Beer Cheese Dip
Beer Cheese Dip recipe card 2
This easy-to-make Beer Cheese Dip can be served either hot or cold and makes the ultimate appetizer for parties or game day gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Cold Artichoke Dip Recipe
cold artichoke dip recipe card
This Cold Artichoke Dip, with a rich, creamy texture and tons of flavor, is the perfect appetizer for your next party!
Check out this recipe
Dill Pickle Dip
Bowl of creamy dip topped with diced pickles and dill, placed on a wooden board with scattered pretzels.
This Easy Dill Pickle Dip is cool, creamy, and loaded with tangy pickle goodness—it’s a zesty party dip everyone will love!
Check out this recipe
Sour Cream Veggie Dip
Sour Cream Veggie Dip recipe card 1200
This Sour Cream Vegetable Dip is loaded with fresh herbs and spices that give it an extra burst of flavor, An easy recipe that's perfect for charcuterie boards, this smooth and creamy cold veggie dip is perfect for a crowd.
Get the Recipe Here
Easy Guacamole Recipe
A bowl of guacamole topped with diced vegetables is served on a bed of blue corn tortilla chips.
This easy guacamole is made with creamy avocados, lime, cilantro, onion, and a touch of jalapeño. It's the perfect party food for dipping, or a delicious topping for your favorite dishes.
Check out this recipe
Seven Layer Dip Cups
Mexican seven layer dip
This Seven Layer Dip recipe, served in individual cups for easy dipping, makes a deliciously easy appetizer for any get together!
Check out this recipe
Pesto Dip
Pesto Dip
Grab the chips because you won’t stop eating this 3 ingredient creamy Pesto Dip made with sour cream! Served cold, it’s perfect for snacking.
Get the Recipe Here
Easy Italian Hoagie Dip
Easy Italian Hoagie Dip
This Italian Hoagie Dip recipe is your favorite sandwich in dip form! A delicious savory dip that’s is perfect for game day, it’s as easy as it is delicious!
Get the Recipe Here
Million Dollar Dip
A white bowl filled with creamy dip topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits, with crackers and ingredients in the background
Million-dollar dip is a must-have dish at any party. A combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, onion, and more shredded cheddar cheese, this creamy dip will have your guests coming back for more. Its creamy texture and cheesy richness make it impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe Here
BLT Dip
A hand with silver nail polish holds a tortilla chip topped with dip, lettuce, bacon, and tomato over a tray of similar toppings
Creamy and loaded with cheese and bacon and everything else you’d find in a classic BLT sandwich, this irresistible bacon dip is the perfect way to enjoy these tasty flavors in a new way.
Get the Recipe Here
Whipped Ricotta Recipe (with Honey)
Whipped Ricotta Recipe (with Honey)
This whipped ricotta recipe with honey is always a favorite. Ready to serve in less than five minutes, this creamy dip is perfect when you need a last minute appetizer!
Get the Recipe Here
5 Minute Cold Crab Dip Recipe
5 Minute Cold Crab Dip Recipe
This easy cold crab dip recipe is creamy and cheesy dip that's loaded with lump crab meat (or imitation). It's perfect for serving with your favorite crackers, tortilla chips and veggies.
Get the Recipe Here
Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip
Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip
With a sneakily lightened-up base, this tasty chip dip is SO easy and bursting with that classic onion flavor you know and love. Even better, it’s another one you can make ahead of time, saving time on party day.
Get the Recipe Here
Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Easy Tzatziki Recipe
15 Minute Easy Tzatziki Recipe is a healthy sauce or dip that works as a spread too. Made with cucumbers and Greek yogurt, this is a delcious dip the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe Here
Smoked Fish Spread
Smoked Fish Spread
This smoked fish spread can be made in about 10 minutes with just some simple ingredients and makes a delicious addition to any party!
Get the Recipe Here
Everything Bagel Dip
A bowl of cream cheese dip topped with everything bagel seasoning, surrounded by celery and carrot sticks
This is a quick and tasty party dip, filled with that classic Everything Bagel flavor.
Get the Recipe Here
Roasted Garlic Dip
Roasted Garlic Dip
Roasted Garlic Dip is a creamy and versatile dip made with simple ingredients. Serve this make-ahead marvel with chips, veg or crackers.
Get the Recipe Here
Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped feta dip is a creamy Mediterranean appetizer recipe made in 5 minutes and requires no cooking.
Get The Recipe Here
French Onion Dip
French Onion Dip
This delicious French Onion cream cheese dip is made from scratch with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, butter, garlic, and naturally sweetened, golden brown caramelized onions. It's so good that it's guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe Here
Quick Sundried Tomato and Feta Dip
Quick Sundried Tomato and Feta Dip
All you need is a block of feta and a jar of sundried tomatoes to make this 2-minute super creamy sundried tomato and feta dip. It’s deliciously deep in flavor and pairs perfectly with your favourite crackers for the best snack or party bite.
Get the Recipe Here
Cheesy Bacon and Corn Crack Dip Recipe
Cheesy Bacon and Corn Crack Dip Recipe
Need the perfect dip for your next gathering? Topped with shredded cheese and scallions, this cheesy bacon and corn dip is a real crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe Here
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe
Homemade pimento cheese is a Southern staple, affectionately referred to as the caviar of the South and the pate of the South! This one gets a spicy kick from jalapenos!
Get the Recipe Here
Mexicorn Dip
Mexicorn Dip
This is a creamy, Mexican corn dip that comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a savory cold dip that tastes great served with pita chips, corn chips, or any of your favorite dippers.
Get the Recipe Here
Greek Eggplant Dip (Melitzanosalata)
Greek Eggplant Dip (Melitzanosalata)
Greek Eggplant Dip or Melitzanosalata, is made from roasted eggplants pureed with garlic, cumin, lemon juice, parsley, oil, and Greek yogurt.
Get the Recipe Here

Salsa Recipes

Salsa Ranchera
A white bowl filled with chunky tomato salsa, surrounded by yellow corn tortilla chips, with one chip dipped in the salsa.
This chunky, charred Salsa Ranchera is smoky, savory, and packed with roasted tomato flavor and a subtle kick. It's the perfect topping for tacos, eggs, or anything else that needs a flavor boost.
Check out this recipe
Mango Corn Salsa Recipe
Mango Corn Salsa Recipe
This easy dip recipe for fresh mango corn salsa is the perfect summer side dish. Packed with the perfect combination of sweet and savory ingredients, it’s a delicious taste of the tropics in every bite!
Get the Recipe Here
Strawberry Salsa Recipe
A bowl of pineapple salsa with diced strawberries, onions, and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips, with one chip dipped into the salsa.
This bright and refreshing Strawberry Salsa is always a favorite, packed with juicy strawberries, pineapple, jalapeños, and a hint of red onion, all tossed in a sweet, tangy maple lime dressing.
Check out this recipe
Black Bean And Corn Salsa
Black Bean And Corn Salsa
This easy black bean and corn salsa is the perfect dip recipe for any occasion! The best part is that it’s so easy, you can whip up a batch in just minutes for your next party!
Get the Recipe Here
Easy Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Cranberry Salsa for recipe card
Made with beautiful crimson red cranberries, fresh jalapeno peppers, cilantro, tangy lime and a sugar and honey mixture that adds the perfect balance of sweetness, this recipe will be a holiday favorite!
Check out this recipe
Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Pineapple Habanero Salsa
This delicious roasted pineapple habanero salsa is a perfect blend of sweet, heat, and acid. It’s the perfect party appetizer served with chips, or dolloped on everything from eggs to steak, or in your favorite Mexican dishes!
Get the Recipe Here
Watermelon Pico de Gallo
Watermelon Pico de Gallo
The sweet watermelon in this pico del gallo (salsa) balances the pungent onions, spicy peppers, and the fresh kick from the lime and cilantro.
Get the Recipe Here
Layered Cream Cheese and Salsa Dip
Layered Cream Cheese and Salsa Dip
This easy salsa nacho cheese dip uses just 5 ingredients and features 3 layers of delicious dipping. It can be served cold as a layered nacho dip or baked until hot and bubbly – your choice!
Get the Recipe Here
Garden Salsa Recipe
Garden Salsa Recipe
Start prepping those garden fresh tomatoes and peppers! This is the best fresh summer dip made with fresh veggies, herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe Here

Hummus Recipes

Dill Pickle Hummus
Dill Pickle Hummus
This dip is a delicious cross of hummus and dill pickle dip that’s bursting with flavor! It’s a quick and easy appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe Here
Roasted Beet Hummus Recipe
Roasted Beet Hummus Recipe
Stunning and healthy! This Roasted Beet Hummus recipe is a bright update on a classic Mediterranean appetizer.
Get the Recipe Here
10-Minute Buffalo Ranch Hummus
10-Minute Buffalo Ranch Hummus
This healthy Buffalo Ranch Hummus is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it the most delicious dip or spread.
Get the Recipe Here
Roasted Hatch Chile Spicy Hummus
Roasted Hatch Chile Spicy Hummus
It is hatch chile season and this hatch chile spicy hummus is the perfect appetizer for chile lovers.
Get the Recipe Here
5 Minute Pea Hummus with Avocado
5 Minute Pea Hummus with Avocado
Level up your dips with this super easy, 5 minute pea hummus. It uses avocado in place of tahini to get a super creamy base and is a great use for that pesky bag of frozen peas I bet you have hanging out in your freezer!
Get the Recipe Here

FAQs

How far ahead can I make a cold dip?

The majority of these can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze cold dips?

Dips that have a mayo or sour cream base don’t freeze well since they can separate when thawed. Cream cheese based dips freeze a little better, but the texture may also change slightly.

How long does cold dip last?

Once prepared, most cold dips will last 3-4 days if refrigerated.

What can I serve with cold dip besides chips?

Pretzels, crackers, pita chips or fresh veggies all work well.

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About Lisa O’Driscoll

Lisa O’Driscoll is a lifestyle and parenting expert, cookbook author, and the creative force behind Fun Money Mom, a popular blog she’s run since 2014. She’s the author of the children’s cookbook Roll It, Slice It, Mash It, Dice It, designed to get kids excited about cooking. With multiple TV appearances under her belt, she loves sharing her expertise on family-friendly recipes, creative DIYs, and party planning and is always on a mission to inspire and entertain!

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