10 Dips That Will Take Your Party to the Next Level
Skip the store-bought stuff and try these MVP-worthy recipes from top chefs around the country.

Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
Photo By: Margaret Houston
From Griffin Bufkin | Southern Soul Barbeque | St. Simons, Georgia
This over-the-top recipe from a coastal pit master does luxurious lump crab justice. In a concert of craveable flavors, the taste of fresh seafood still comes out on top.
Get the recipe.
Goat Cheese Guacamole
From David Bancroft | Acre | Auburn, Alabama
Anybody with an avocado, a lime and a fork can make guacamole, but it takes a seasoned chef to come up with this unlikely but popular combination. The chef's wife asks for it with double the goat cheese for an extra-creamy texture.
Get the recipe.
Pea-co de Gallo
From April McGreger | Farmer's Daughter Brand | Hillsborough, North Carolina
Late summer is prime tomato season - and the only time of year you'll find fresh field peas at your local grocery store or farmers' market. Load up now, and freeze what you don't use so you can serve this healthy twist on a classic salsa for the rest of the year. If you absolutely can't find fresh or frozen peas, low-sodium canned peas will do.
Get the recipe.
Pimento Cheeseburger Dip
From Mike Moore | Blind Pig Supper Club | Asheville, North Carolina
Just try to stick to one bite of this outrageously delicious tailgating favorite - a chef's tried-and-true recipe with more kick and more flavor than a run-of-the-mill hamburger dip. You can make your own pimento cheese, but it works beautifully with store-bought.
Get the recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
From Chris Shepherd | Underbelly | Houston, Texas
Who doesn't love a loaded baked potato? This hearty dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Heap it up with bacon, chives and green onions.
Get the recipe.
Bob's Cheese Dip
From Bob Cook | Edmund's Oast | Charleston, South Carolina
This simple formula can be a base for just about any mix-in you can imagine. The chef recommends green onions, peppers, taco seasoning, or even diced bacon or ham. A splash of savory fish sauce adds some depth without imparting a fishy flavor.
Get the recipe.
Bean Dip
From Ryan Pera | Eight Row Flint | Houston, Texas
Start from scratch to make the best bean dip you've ever had, flavored with poblano pepper, cilantro and spices. Serve it by itself or pile it high with salsa, cheese and sour cream.
Get the recipe.
Butter Bean Hummus
From Dean Neff | PinPoint Restaurant | Wilmington, North Carolina
Why buy packaged hummus when you can make this healthy, farm-fresh dip from scratch in just a few minutes? Loaded with chopped herbs and brightened with a splash of lemon juice, it's lighter than queso or onion dip but no less delicious.
Get the recipe.
Artichoke Dip
From Kelly Fields | Willa Jean | New Orleans, Louisiana
Where briny artichoke hearts meet a rich, gooey melt of cheeses, garlic, hot sauce and mayonnaise, tailgating legends are born. You can assemble this a few hours ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to dig in.
Get the recipe.
Blue Cheese Dip
From Karl Worley | Biscuit Love | Nashville, Tennessee
The chef inherited this recipe from his grandfather, and it's still one of his go-tos. Seasoning salt is the old-timey touch that makes the creamy mix memorable.
Get the recipe.