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The perfect appetizer is nothing without the perfect dip, and you'll find only the best with my Dipping Sauce Recipes! These sauces are super easy to make with little more than a bowl and spoon, organized by the perfect pairing.

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Sauces for Dipping
A dinner platter full of all your favorite finger foods isn't complete without the perfect dip recipe! The right dip makes all the difference, and nothing makes a good meal better than topping it off with new dipping sauces ideas.
This post is organized so that you can easily pick the right sauce for your meal, from sour cream sauces for french fries to honey mustard sauce for chicken and everything in between. These easy sauces are all so simple that you can make them with no more than a small bowl and a spoon, and you can make them ahead for even better flavor.
Looking to make your own sauce from scratch? Never fear! I've also included a big list of basic ingredients that work out great as the backbone of a simple dip recipe, so you can make your own original recipe.
Basic Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- Creamy Base
- Mayonnaise: Mayo is a great base for savory and mild creamy sauces as it doesn't have a strong flavor of its own.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a tangy, thick dip, you can't go wrong with sour cream or greek yogurt. Be warned that these are so thick you'll probably need to add extra liquid.
- Heavy Cream: For super creamy sauces, you can use heavy cream to thin them out without reducing the richness.
- Sweetener
- Honey:
- White sugar:
- Flavors
- Spice: Add some spice to your own spicy dipping sauce with dijon mustard, yellow mustard, red pepper flakes, chipotle, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce.
- Sour: Add a sour twist to liven up and brighten up a dip with lemon juice, vinegar such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, or your favorite vinegar-based salad dressing.
- Umami: Soy sauce and worcestershire sauce are both great choices for adding that little bit of savory, umami kick.
- Herbs: Lastly, adding some fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley always bring a bit of freshness to a dip. If using herbs, make sure to let the sauce rest.
Dipping Sauces for Chicken
Chicken is best served with a delicious dip! These dips are perfect for chicken nuggets, chicken wings, and chicken tenders - thick and clinging with lots of flavor! These delicious dipping sauces are perfect for chicken fingers, but I've also served them on chicken sandwiches and they were amazing.
Dipping Sauces for Seafood
If you're serving up fish and chips or a big platter of shrimp, it's important to serve it with the right sauce. These sauces are specially mixed to be perfect for pairing with the unique flavor of seafood. Try them on my grilled shrimp or a hearty tuna steak!
Dipping Sauces for Meatballs
Meatballs don't just need to be served with spaghetti! I love making meatballs to skewer on a toothpick to serve as a fun side dish. Then serve them alongside a selection of sauces and let your guests take their pick! Or, serve them up with noodles for a new take on spaghetti and meatballs.
Dipping Sauces for Fries
Onion rings, steak fries, and french fries absolutely require a good dipping sauce. You can't go wrong with any of these choices, which are all nice and creamy to cling to the fries and bring in tons of flavor.
FAQ
I like to start my homemade dipping sauce recipes with a cup of mayonnaise or greek yogurt, and then I go on from there! Add in spices like black pepper and garlic powder, something sweet, and something tangy to make a simple dip.
Generally, a homemade dip will last 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Dips often taste better the second day as the flavors have a chance to meld, so I recommend making them a day ahead of time.
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