10 Easy Dips To Make For A Party (fast 10-minute recipes!)
The easiest dips to make for parties are: Buffalo Chicken Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Cold Mexi Corn Dip, Queso Dip, 7-Layer Taco Dip, Bruschetta Dip, Texas Trash Dip, Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese and Baked Crab Dip.
Let me show you my shortcuts to making these fabulous party dips the EASY way!
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If I had a nickel for every time I KNEW my guests were arriving in 20 minutes and my party snack table looked just sad – I’d be SO rich haha!
That’s why I keep these 10 dip recipes on hand for those times when I need something impressive, delicious, and most importantly… fast to throw together.
The secret to a stress-free party isn’t spending hours chopping vegetables; it’s knowing the right shortcuts. Here are 10 crowd-pleasing dip recipes that use few ingredients and require less than 10 minutes of active prep time.
The “Hot & Cheesy” Dips
These recipes use the “Dump & Bake” method. Mix them up in minutes, throw them in the oven (or microwave), and walk away until they are bubbly.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is the undisputed king of party dips.
- The Shortcut: Use a grocery store rotisserie chicken (shredded) and bottled ranch.
- Ingredients: Shredded chicken + Cream cheese + Frank’s RedHot sauce + Ranch dressing + Shredded Cheddar.
- Fastest Method: Mix all ingredients in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles.
2. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Restaurant quality without the effort.
- The Shortcut: Use frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) to skip the sauté step.
- Ingredients: Frozen spinach + Canned artichoke hearts (chopped) + Cream cheese + Mayo + Parmesan/Mozzarella mix.
- Fastest Method: Microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften. Stir everything together in a bowl, transfer to a small baking dish, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden (approx. 15-20 mins).
3. Queso Dip
Forget the orange block cheese; this is the authentic Mexican restaurant style.
- The Shortcut: Buy White American Cheese from the deli counter (ask for a thick chunk to cube later). It melts smoother than anything else.
- Ingredients: Cubed White American cheese + Milk + Can of diced Green Chiles.
- Fastest Method: Place cheese and a splash of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until silky smooth. Stir in the green chiles at the end.
4. Texas Trash Dip
Don’t let the name fool you—this warm bean dip disappears fast.
- The Shortcut: Canned refried beans make the base instant.
- Ingredients: Refried beans + Cream cheese + Sour cream + Taco seasoning + Shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fastest Method: Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Spread on the bottom of a dish. Layer beans on top. Top generously with cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 mins.
5. Baked Crab Dip
Ideally suited for crackers or toasted baguette slices.
- The Shortcut: Use refrigerated canned lump crab meat.
- Ingredients: Lump crab meat + Cream Cheese + Mayo + Old Bay Seasoning + Cheddar Cheese.
- Fastest Method: Soften the cream cheese, then gently fold in the other ingredients (try not to break up the crab chunks too much). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
The “Cool & Crisp” Dips
These are true 10-minute recipes. No cooking required—just chop, mix, and serve.
6. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
The perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tart.
- The Shortcut: Use a food processor to do the chopping.
- Ingredients: Fresh cranberries + Jalapeños + Sugar + Green onion + Blocks of Cream Cheese.
- Fastest Method: Blitz the cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, and onion in the food processor until fine. Pour this mixture over a block of cream cheese on a serving platter. Serve with Wheat Thins.
7. Cold Mexi Corn Dip
Crunchy, creamy, and savory.
- The Shortcut: Buy canned “Mexicorn” (corn with peppers already added).
- Ingredients: Canned Mexicorn (drained) + Mayo/Sour Cream mix + Shredded Cheddar + Green Onions + Jalapeños.
- Fastest Method: Dump all ingredients into a bowl. Stir. Done. (Tip: This tastes even better if you let it sit in the fridge for an hour before serving).
8. 7-Layer Taco Dip
A visual showstopper that takes zero cooking.
- The Shortcut: Buy pre-made Guacamole and pre-made Pico de Gallo from the deli section.
- Ingredients: Refried beans (mixed with taco seasoning) + Guacamole + Sour Cream + Pico de Gallo + Shredded Cheese + Black Olives + Green Onions.
- Fastest Method: Layer the ingredients in the order listed above in a clear dish so you can see the layers.
9. Bruschetta Dip
Fresh Italian flavors in a bowl.
- The Shortcut: Use a vegetable chopper to dice tomatoes instantly and buy bottled Balsamic Glaze.
- Ingredients: Roma tomatoes + Fresh Basil + Garlic paste (tube) + Balsamic Glaze + Mozzarella pearls + Olive Oil.
- Fastest Method: Dice tomatoes and chop basil. Toss with olive oil, garlic paste, and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle heavy with balsamic glaze right before serving.
10. Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese
A retro classic that is making a huge comeback.
- The Shortcut: The “Pour-Over” technique.
- Ingredients: Canned tiny shrimp (or thawed salad shrimp) + Block of Cream Cheese + Cocktail sauce + Lemon.
- Fastest Method: Place a block of cream cheese on a plate. Pour cocktail sauce over it. Dump the shrimp on top. Squeeze a little lemon juice over it. Serve with Ritz crackers.
Quick Pairing Guide
Not sure what to serve with these?
- Tortilla Chips: Queso, 7-Layer, Mexi Corn, Texas Trash, Buffalo Chicken.
- Baguette/Crostini: Bruschetta, Spinach Artichoke, Crab Dip.
- Crackers: Cranberry Jalapeno, Shrimp Dip.
Enjoy the party (and the fact that you aren’t stuck in the kitchen)!
