Dips, Salsa and Sauces
Dips can be made with an endless variety of ingredients, and can certainly brighten up any party, holiday or event! Dips can also add amazing flavor, texture and color to all sorts of foods used for dipping, including crudités (bite-size fresh raw vegetables), Baked Crostini or Broiled Crostini, Pita Chips, Tortilla Chips, potato chips, corn chips, naan bread and more. Dips, salsa and sauce recipes are all included on these pages, simply because they all essentially share the same purpose - to add flavor and texture to other foods.
Dip recipes can be all over the map, and can be made creamy, cheesy, thick or somewhat runny. The basic ingredients of dips (before meats, vegetables or other
ingredients are added) can vary greatly, and can include sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and one or more variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey jack, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, and the list goes on! When it comes to the filler ingredients that truly define each dip recipe, the sky's the limit! Meat (including chicken, turkey, beef or pork), seafood (such as crab, shrimp or even salmon) and vegetables (such as red or green bell peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts, tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and onions (yellow, purple or green) can add color, flavor and amazing texture to dips. Dips can also be served chilled (referred to as cold dips) or hot after having baked in the oven (referred to as hot dips), both of which are usually still delicious even when cooled to room temperature. Leftover hot dips are also easily reheated in the microwave. Let's also not forget those wonderful dips that contain avocado, chick peas or garbanzo beans (as with hummus) and olives (as with Tapenade). One thing is for certain, when planning for a party, holiday or any event, dips are one of the easiest appetizers to prepare. Once you decide on the best dip recipe to suit your event, all you'll need is some accompanying crackers, plain crostini (baked or broiled), fresh raw vegetables (crudités), or other dippable food, and you're set to go!
Dip recipes can be all over the map, and can be made creamy, cheesy, thick or somewhat runny. The basic ingredients of dips (before meats, vegetables or other
Dip, Salsa and Sauce Recipes ▼
This Asian Sauce recipe (also sometimes called Potsticker Sauce and Chinese Dumpling sauce) is perfect for serving as a dipping sauce for potstickers (also sometimes referred to as Chinese dumplings, jiaozi, gyoza, or momocha), but it doesn't stop there! This Asian dipping sauce also tastes delicious as a sauce for a variety of other Asian dishes, including egg rolls, wontons, spring rolls, lettuce wraps and Asian Meatballs.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a vibrant and healthy salsa recipe that tastes delicious with tortilla chips, crostini or other crunchy dipping snacks. While most salsa recipes contain tomatoes and/or tomato sauce, onion and cilantro, this festive salsa recipe combines black beans, kernel corn, tomatoes, red bell pepper, diced green chiles and fresh chopped cilantro, giving it unique and delightful flavor and texture & vibrant color!
If you love blue cheese dressing, isn't it great to know that blue cheese dressing can also be used as a dip? This Blue Cheese Dip recipe (and salad dressing recipe) tastes fabulous, and will perfectly accompany a variety of appetizers and snacks (see recipe for ideas). This blue cheese dip is rich and creamy and full of authentic chunks of of blue cheese, as well as being seasoned with the perfect blend of herbs and spices!
Buttermilk Ranch Dip has a famliar lively flavor that can be served with a large variety of foods. This dip recipe is made with buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise and a little rice vinegar, along with garlic, fresh parsley and a few other herbs and spices. It can serve as a dip with fresh vegetables, fried potato skins, chicken strips, buffalo wings, french fries and in many cases as a flavor additive for a variety of recipes.
This Cherry Avocado Salsa has a fresh and mildly sweet and tart flavor that comes from some diced fresh sweet cherries. Chopped green onions and diced Anaheim chiles give this avocado salsa a little mild spice, while some Balsamic vinegar adds the perfect touch of tanginess. The pretty red and green colors in this avocado salsa also make this a great appetizer to serve during the Christmas holiday season!
Chili Con Queso is a tasty cheese and chili-flavored dip that is served warm, traditionally served with tortilla chips (especially great with homemade tortilla chips as shown in photo). This festive cheese dip recipe combines cheese, chili powder, a small amount of jalapenos and other spices, resulting in a lively dip with the right amount of spice! Chili Con Queso is also great with with French fries, fresh raw vegetables or over baked potatoes!
