From lighter veggie dips to more indulgent appetizers, choose from these crowd-pleasing party dishes.
The classics are classic for a reason. But does the world really need another 7-layer dip? Not when there are next level recipes like the ones here to make Super Bowl Sunday.
Break out of the ordinary while still pleasing a wide range of palates with recipes that provide a twist on the ordinary. You’ve had hummus before, but have you ever had beet hummus? Or a batch made with edamame? Salsa, yes, but with eggplant? Ever tried bagna cauda? (It’s Italian for “Northern Italy’s best-kept secret.”) These recipes and more will keep the party going even if the time-outs drag and the commercials just aren’t landing.
We’ve also got some options that are healthier than what you’d find on the average party platter. Skip the queso (which we’re pretty sure is Spanish for “Velveeta”) and try vegan cauliflower hummus. Or yogurt dip with wheat crisps that’s so good it will make anyone who was holding out for wings reconsider.
Don’t be afraid to go a little out-there. The molten cheese log is just a deconstructed version of the traditional dish, and hazelnut mint romesco may sound like a strange juxtaposition of flavors, but trust us, it works.
Of course, if you want to keep it traditional, we’ve got killer guac, artichoke dip, and Maui onion dip, too. Whether you’re trying to achieve a literal taste of normalcy or hitting reset on your Super Bowl traditions, one or more of the recipes below will be sure to connect with your guests.
Dip It Good
1 /20 Thomas J. Story Gabriel’s Guacamole
This is the hands-down best guacamole that we at Sunset have ever tasted. It’s made right in a stone mortar, which gives it performance appeal; make it in front of your guests at your next party and watch them dip those chips before you’re even finished.
Recipe: Gabriel’s Guacamole
2 /20 Thomas J. Story Smoky Cauliflower Hummus
We can’t get enough of roasted cauliflower these days. Amanda Hass, culinary director of Williams-Sonoma, turns hers into creamy hummus and serves it with crudités.
Recipe: Smoky Cauliflower Hummus
3 /20 Thomas J. Story Roasted Beet Hummus
We love this colorful, earthy hummus from our friends at SHED in Healdsburg, California. Serve it with crisp crackers or toasted bread.
Recipe: Roasted Beet Hummus
4 /20 Erin Kunkel Eggplant Salsa
Fans of eggplant will love it chopped and combined with two types of onions, garlic, and chipotle for a chutney-like salsa.
Recipe: Eggplant Salsa
5 /20 Rachel Weill Bagna Cauda
This hot dip from Italy gets its bold flavors from garlic and anchovies. Dunk fresh, crisp vegetables into this warm, buttery dip just like you would with fondue.
Recipe: Bagna Cauda
6 /20 Iain Bagwell Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus
Cilantro makes this hummus fresh and bright green–just right for a holiday gathering or spring event!
Recipe: Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus
7 /20 Photo by Iain Bagwell Roasted Tomato and Three-Chile Salsa
8 /20 Annabelle Breakey Indian Guacamole
Popping mustard seeds and toasting spices is the secret to this Indian twist on the classic party food.
Recipe: Indian Guacamole
9 /20 Rob D. Brodman Creamy Artichoke Dip
Get into the spirit of artichoke season by revisiting artichoke dip, that gooey, melty, mayonnaisey 1960s classic. We’ve opted for a simple no-cook dip that starts with cream cheese and puréed artichoke hearts, then adds parmesan, parsley, lemon, and garlic for flavor. Serve with crackers, crostini, or crudités; you can even use it as a sauce for grilled fish or chicken.
10 /20 Thomas J. Story Hazelnut Mint Romesco
Amanda Haas, culinary director of Williams-Sonoma and author of The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook (Chronicle Books, 2016) shares her recipe for romesco. Mint adds an unexpected sweet and bright note.
Recipe: Hazelnut Mint Romesco
11 /20 Thomas J. Story Veggie Sticks with Avocado-Lime Dip
12 /20 Thomas J. Story Garlicky White Bean Dip
Time: about 10 minutes. A good dip to serve alongside other Mediterranean-style appetizers like olives, herbed almonds, roasted red peppers, and sautéed shrimp.
13 /20 Thomas J. Story Creamy Smoked Trout Spread
Smoked fish needs little more than cream and herbs to turn it into a crowd-pleasing dip. Simply pulse all the ingredients in your food processor and serve!
Recipe: Creamy Smoked Trout Spread
14 /20 Alex Farnum Edamame and Almond Hummus
Asian flavors blended to perfection for a bright green hummus that pairs well with rice crackers and raw vegetables.
Recipe: Edamame and Almond Hummus
15 /20 Annabelle Breakey Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip with French Bread
16 /20 Annabelle Breakey Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
Sunset readers rave about this recipe. It’s easy to make and so delicious. The red color makes it perfect for a festive gathering.
Recipe: Red Pepper and Walnut Dip
17 /20 Annabelle Breakey Honeyed Yogurt Dip with Figs and Anise Wheat Crisps
Let guests dip into something sweet at your next gathering. Anise, cinnamon, and sugar magically transform tortillas into cookies that are perfect for scooping up honey-infused yogurt.
18 /20 Iain Bagwell Molten Cheese Log
This hot, cheesy dip will be a welcome sight to guests coming in from the cold. It’s a little bit retro and a whole lot yummy.
Recipe: Molten Cheese Log
19 /20 Thayer Allyson Gowdy Caramelized Maui Onion Dip
Grown in rich volcanic soil, juicy, golden yellow Maui onion is sweeter than a regular onion and melt-in-the-mouth tender when it’s caramelized and mixed into a sour cream and buttermilk dip.
Recipe: Caramelized Maui Onion Dip
20 /20 Thomas J. Story Salty or Sweet Pretzel Bites with Dips
Pretzel bites break free of the mall! Start with storebought pizza dough and you’re practically done—just roll the dough into strips and cut them up. A quick dip in an alkaline baking-soda bath makes the pretzel bites turn a glossy brown as they bake, while leaving the insides chewy-soft.
Recipe: Salty or Sweet Pretzel Bites with Dips
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