Chips, football and Six Pack of Beer on a table in front of a big screen TV with a Football field.

11 Easy Delicious 3-Ingredient Party Dip Recipes

/Updated /6 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt
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It’s that time of year to bring on the party food and I’m talking about dips! They’re quick, easy, and fun to share. Whenever we have people over, I like to make a party dip (or 5!) to serve with chips, pretzels, fresh veggies, and fruit. 

Chips, football and Six Pack of Beer on a table in front of a big screen TV with a Football field.

My idea of a fabulous celebration is one that includes a smorgasbord of dips and things to dip in them. I’m talking about absolutely delicious hot, cold, savory, spicy, and even sweet dips. Dips must also be quick and easy to make, requiring simple ingredients readily available in any local grocery or supermarket.

Queso (Cheese) Dip

Who doesn’t love smooth queso made with real cheese? Paired with tortilla or corn chips, expect this queso to disappear quickly. Thankfully, you can make another batch in oh, about 5 minutes.

You will need:

  • half and half
  • cornstarch
  • medium sharp Cheddar cheese

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5 from 4 votes

Queso (Cheese) Dip

Who doesn't love smooth queso made with real cheese? Paired with tortilla or corn chips expect this queso to disappear quickly. Thankfully, you can make another batch in oh, about 5 minutes.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 214kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tbspn cornstarch
  • 8 oz. medium sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • Place half and half and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk until smooth.
  • Heat over medium heat stirring constantly just until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, continuing to stir, for about 30 seconds. 
  • Remove from heat.
  • Immediately stir in shredded cheese and continue to stir until smooth and lovely. Serve hot, immediately.

Notes

Note:
Feel free to spice it up with your favorite hot sauce, chopped jalapeno, red pepper flakes or whatever suits your fancy!

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 89mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 522IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 315mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Crab Dip

It’s amazingly yummy, thanks to Mrs. Dash. You will be disappointed if you try to substitute anything else for her extra spicy blend. It has to be this one.

You will need:

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5 from 4 votes

Crab Dip

This Crab Dip is amazingly yummy, thanks to Mrs. Dash. You will be disappointed if you try to substitute anything else for her extra spicy blend. It has to be this one and available in most supermarkets.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 319kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a medium-size bowl. Mix well.
  • Keep refrigerated until serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Queso Blanco Dip

Dump and go—that’s what I call this awesome recipe. It takes care of itself so you don’t have to hover and stress. And oh, so yummy!

 

You will need:

queso blanco velveeta
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5 from 4 votes

Queso Blanco Dip

Dump and go, that's what I call this awesome recipe. It takes care of itself so you don't have to hover and stress. And oh, so yummy!
Prep Time5 minutes
Slow Cook2 hours
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 278kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 16-oz Queso Blanco Velvetta loaf, cut into 1-in. pieces.
  • 2 4.5-oz cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Chiles, or similar
  • 1 4-oz. can diced jalapenos (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  • Place cheese, chiles, and the optional jalapenos in slow cooker. Cover and set to High for 1-2 hours, or Low for 2-3 hours.
  • Once the cheese has all melted, stir until everything is well incorporated.
  • Done. Serve straight from the slow cooker alongside tortilla chips.

Notes

Note:
Regarding the jalapenos, keep in mind you can always add more later—or for the lightweights when it comes to spiciness (who, me?) leave it out and then serve a bowl of jalapenos on the side. However, queso aficionados insist it's the jalapenos in the dip that put this one over the top.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal

Chili Cheese Dip

Because you can never have enough queso—especially when paired with chili!

You will need:

  • cream cheese
  • salsa
  • chili with beans
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5 from 2 votes

Chili Cheese Dip

Because you can never have enough queso!
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time13 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 278kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. cream cheese
  • 15 oz. jarred salsa
  • 12 oz, canned chili with beans

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan or slow cooker, your choice.
  • Heat over medium heat (stovetop) or set to Low (slow cooker) until cream cheese is melted. 
  • Stir so that all ingredients are well incorporated. 
  • Serve hot with tortilla or corn chips. Absolutely divine!

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 978mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1293IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg

3-Ingredient Guacamole

Technically this dish has a fourth ingredient, but it’s just salt, so it doesn’t really count. And by the way, the best guacamole ever!

You will need:

  • Ripe avocado(s)
  • Chunky jarred salsa
  • Fresh lime juice
homemade guacamole
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5 from 4 votes

3-Ingredient Guacamole

Technically this dish has a fourth ingredient, but it's just salt, so it doesn't really count. And by the way, the best guacamole ever!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, dip
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 115kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 large avocado, ripe
  • 2 tbsp chunky, jarred salsa
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Scoop out a ripe avocado (or more to match how much guac you'll be needing) into a bowl. Smash it with a fork. 
  • Add enough salsa to create the consistency you desire.
  • Add a splash of fresh lime juice; salt, and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 1030mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Baked Goat Cheese

You will need:

  • goat cheese
  • marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • fresh basil
dip in a bread basket
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5 from 4 votes

Baked Goat Cheese Dip

So awesome, delicious, yummy—and easy to make!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. log goat cheese, softened
  • 2 cups jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 8 leaves fresh basil, cut into ribbons

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Get a small baking dish and press the goat cheese to fit the shape of the dish leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Gently spoon the marinara into the open border, taking care to cover the edge of the cheese but not the middle. 
  • Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon sea or kosher salt over the top.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is hot and soft and the sauce is bubbly. 
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle basil over the top.
  • Serve immediately with crostini or bread for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 779IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Creamy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

What party would be complete without the famous 3-ingredients onion dip recipe?

You will need:

Homemade Carmelized Onion Dip with Chips and Veggies
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5 from 4 votes

Creamy 3-Ingredients Onion Dip

Classic onion dip—they one everyone loves and devours as if they haven't seen food in a month!
Prep Time3 minutes
Wait time in fridge2 hours
Total Time2 hours 3 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 147kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 16-oz sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. 
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (unless you simply cannot wait, in which case go for it).
  • Serve with your favorite chips and dippers. Fresh veggies are an awesome choice here.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 654mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Creamy Sausage Dip

Do your best not to devour all of this hearty, deliciously satisfying dip before guests arrive!

You will need:

  • regular sausage like Bob Evans, Jimmy Dean, whatever
  • cream cheese
  • Picante sauce

 

creamy sausage dip
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5 from 4 votes

Creamy Sausage Dip

This is it! The creamiest, heartiest, yummiest dip, ever. Just try to not eat the whole thing before guests arrive, hear?
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 527kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 oz regular sausage like Bob Evans, Jimmy Dean, whatever
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 28 oz jarred Picante sauce

Instructions

  • Brown the sausage and crumble it up well as it cooks.
  • Drain and place in a medium bowl. 
  • Mix in the softened cream cheese and Picante sauce. 
  • Place bowl in microwave and heat on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each and until cream cheese is melted and it looks awesome.
  • Serve with crackers, tortilla chips or you decide.

Notes

Photo credit: realhousemoms.com

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1656mg | Potassium: 669mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1707IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 2mg

Italian Cream Cheese Spread

You will need:

  • cream cheese
  • Italian dressing mix (like Good Seasons)
  • mayonnaise
Italian Spread
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5 from 4 votes

Italian Cream Cheese Spread

Smooth, creamy, spreadable!
Prep Time5 minutes
Rest in fridge1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 257kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix like Good Seasons
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Mix well.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. 
  • Serve alongside your choice of dippers like crackers, chips, and veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 52mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Caramel Cheesecake Dip

You’ll serve this with fresh apple slices, although don’t be surprised when your guests I mean you discover it’s heavenly, paired with tortilla chips and just about any other dippers on your party table lineup. It’s that sweet and salty caramel thing we all love.

You will need:

  • cream cheese
  • caramel ice cream topping (like Smuckers)
  • graham cracker crumbs*

*Place a package of Graham crackers in a zip-top plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. Or pick up a box of graham cracker crumbs that is all ready to go; OR break up a storebought Graham cracker pie crust and crumble it into crumbs.

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5 from 4 votes

Caramel Cheesecake Dip

You'll serve this with fresh apple slices, although don't be surprised when your guests I mean you discover it's heavenly, paired with tortilla chips and just about any other dippers on your party table lineup. It's that sweet and salty caramel thing we all love.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 284kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip it with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth. 
  • Stir in the caramel ice cream topping.
  • Place the graham cracker crumbs in another small bowl next to it.
  • Dip apple slices into the dip, then dip right into the graham cracker crumb bowl. And that’s it! Super delicious and easy.

Notes

Photo credit and recipe: CookingClassy.com

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Strawberry Cheesecake Fruit Dip

Perfect for a baby or bridal shower, or just anytime and anywhere!

You will need:

Fresh fruit kabobs and dip
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5 from 2 votes

Cheesecake Fruit Dip

The perfect accompaniment for a big bowl of cut-up fruit!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, plain or any flavor strawberry cream cheese is a great choice!
  • 1 tbspn Jell-O Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix
  • 7 oz marshmallow cream

Instructions

  • In a small-ish mixing bowl, mix together the cream and pudding mix. 
  • Continue to stir until well incorporated and smooth. 
  • Fold in marshmallow cream. 
  • Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Notes

  1. Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir again just before serving.
  2. Serve alongside fresh fruit. Or fruit skewers are awesome for dipping if you have the patience to do that.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 52mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 508IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

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6 replies
  1. Alison says:

    5 stars
    Loved your Einstein bread! A couple of kitchen hacks I like. I like to peel ginger, wrap it in saran wrap and pop it into the freezer. Whenever I need fresh ginger I use a rasp to grate the frozen ginger into the dish. Forgot to soften the butter? I simply take a stick and put it in my back pocket and go about my business. It takes about 15 minutes to soften to perfect consistency.

    Reply
  2. Teresa says:

    I know the recipe says “serve hot immediately” but I’m wondering if the queso will reheat? Always looking for make ahead! ☺️

    Reply
  3. Maureen says:

    And if you like Garlic dip…
    8 oz package of cream cheese
    1 tsp garlic salt
    1/2 tsp garlic powder
    A few tablespoons of milk

    Blend all together – keep adding milk to get the consistency you like.

    Reply
  4. Great says:

    5 stars
    oh thank you! Daughter wanted queso with our fajitas tonight and this was each to whip up at the last minute. I added jalapenos and some seasonings.

    Reply
  5. Stasny Lou says:

    5 stars
    By the time I read all the dip information I realized I was drooling. I am so happy I found your site…it is exceptional! Thank you.

    Reply

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