16 Dips to Make Hosting Thanksgiving a Breeze

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Make Thanksgiving just a bit easier with these make-ahead dips that bring big flavor without the last-minute stress. From Black Eyed Pea Dip to Whipped Feta Dip, these recipes will keep your guests happy while you tackle the main event. Each dip—from the creamy Coosaw Island Cold Crab Dip to the savory Goat Cheese Dip with Tomatoes and Herbs—can be prepped in advance, letting you spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time in the kitchen. So, dive into Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, and even a festive Bacon Scallion Cheese Wreath to keep the snacking season going strong!

Black Eyed Pea Dip

Black Eyed Pea Dip
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Packed with plant-based protein and tons of zesty southwestern flavor, this black-eyed pea dip is an addictively delicious way to kick off any party or Taco Tuesday feast.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Dip

Veggie Dip

Veggie Dip at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy Veggie Dip recipe is creamy, tasty, and quick to make. Whip this up to serve with fresh vegetables for an easy snack or party food.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Dip

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of creamy dip topped with finely chopped herbs and lemon zest, served with a spreader. Crackers are seen in the background. The dish is vibrant with textures and colors, suggesting a savory appetizer.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A visit to the Lowcountry will make you rethink Thanksgiving starters—maybe even the holiday itself. Settle in with a chilled libation and a heaping bowl of Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip. Smooth, chilled, and loaded with fresh, sweet Atlantic crab, this dip is more than an appetizer—it’s a little taste of Lowcountry magic that kicks off the feast right.
Get the Recipe: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

Goat Cheese Dip with Tomatoes and Herbs

Scrumptious Goat Cheese Dip with Tomatoes and Herbs photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Goat Cheese Dip filled with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and more is my favorite easy cheese dip! Classy, delicious, and simple.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Dip with Tomatoes and Herbs

Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip

A white bowl filled with creamy dip, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs. It's surrounded by cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and sliced red bell peppers on a wooden serving board.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a Southern Thanksgiving starter with a kick, Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip is a must. Quick-roasted garlic brings a mellow sweetness, blending effortlessly with simple ingredients for a rich, crowd-pleasing bite.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Roasted Garlic Dip

Pepper Jelly Dip

A delightful Pepper Jelly Dip
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This pepper jelly dip is so quick and easy to make. Just combine hot pepper jelly with cream cheese for a spicy snack!
Get the Recipe: Pepper Jelly Dip

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

A close-up of a creamy dip garnished with olive oil, ground spices, lemon zest, and fresh herbs on top, served in a white dish.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a Southern Thanksgiving appetizer that’s as versatile as it is delicious, Whipped Ricotta is your go-to. With a mild, creamy base, it pairs perfectly with sweet or savory toppings—an elegant start to any feast.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

A picture of the best chip dip with potato chips on a tray.
Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life

Lawson’s Chip Dip is an easy 3-ingredient sour cream dip perfect for serving with potato chips, veggie sticks, or crackers on Friday night. This copycat recipe includes cream cheese, sour cream, and Ranch seasoning and only takes 5 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lawson’s Chip Dip

Easy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe (Beer Cheese Spread)

Mouthwatering Easy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe (Beer Cheese Spread)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy beer cheese dip comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. A perfect appetizer dip to serve a crowd that is full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe (Beer Cheese Spread)

A Bacon Scallion Cheese Wreath

A close-up of a savory salad ring on a red plate, topped with parsley and diced red bell peppers. The dish appears creamy, with visible chunks, possibly containing vegetables or seafood.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Every Thanksgiving, Mom rolls out one Christmas-themed treat to ‘kick off the season,’ and this Bacon-Parmesan Edible Wreath has become her go-to. Shaped like a festive wreath (though it could be any shape you like), it’s loaded with crispy bacon, parmesan, and green onions, drawing cheers and OMGs every year. It’s the centerpiece of the snack table, and a definite crowd-pleaser that says, ‘holiday season, here we come!
Get the Recipe: A Bacon Scallion Cheese Wreath

Vegan French Onion Dip

Vegan French Onion Dip
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Caramelized onions add incredible depth of flavor to this rich, creamy, dairy-free dip. Serve it up with fresh veggies, potato chips, or crusty bread for ultimate snacking bliss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Onion Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Hot & cheesy spinach artichoke dip! Creamy, garlicky, and so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the hit of every party!
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Baked Feta Dip Recipe with Honey, Dates and Hazelnuts

A casserole dish filled with a baked dish topped with herbs and nuts, surrounded by rosemary sprigs, dates, and hazelnuts. A knife rests on the dish's edge. To the side, a wooden board holds slices of toasted bread.
Image Credit: At the Immigrant’s Table

Dive into the deliciousness of Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts. The creamy feta paired with the sweetness of honey and crunch from hazelnuts makes this dip a standout option for adding rich flavor to your Thanksgiving appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip Recipe with Honey, Dates and Hazelnuts

Easy Pumpkin Dip

Easy Pumpkin Dip
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Combine the flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one with this delightful Pumpkin Dip recipe. Serve it with graham crackers, gingersnaps, and apple slices, and wait for everyone to fall in love!
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dip

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This versatile dip is perfect for crudités, melba toast, chips, crackers, or anything your heart desires. Packed with creamy avocado and vibrant herbs, it elevates any vegetable platter or charcuterie board into a show-stopping appetizer. Get ready for compliments with every delicious mouthful!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Herb Green Goddess Dip

Whipped Feta Dip

Tasty Whipped Feta Dip on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Whipped Feta Dip is full of flavor and a great appetizer for any gathering! Bring this to your next holiday party, work event, and more!
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Dip

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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