11 Hot Dips to Ring in the New Year: Comforting and Classic Starters
As the final countdown begins, nothing brings people together quite like a comforting, bubbling hot dip. Forget the fussy finger foods; these eleven classic, warming, and easy-to-make recipes are the perfect centerpiece for your New Year's Eve spread. They are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that will keep your guests happy and mingling long past midnight.
1. Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy classic is a universally loved starter that is simple to prepare and impressive to serve.
Description
A warm, rich blend of chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and three kinds of cheese, served bubbling hot from the oven.
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, dry spinach, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or baguette slices.
2. Classic Hot Crab Dip
An elegant, savory dip that's perfect for a sophisticated celebration, highlighting the sweet flavor of crab.
Description
Sweet lump crab meat folded into a smooth, cheesy, and lightly spiced cream base.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz lump crab meat, picked for shells
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the mayonnaise, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold in the crab meat. Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbling hot throughout. Serve with butter crackers or toasted bread.
3. Hot Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Rich, smoky, and absolutely irresistible, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Description
A creamy, hot blend of sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and a ranch seasoning kick.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix until thoroughly blended. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for the top. Spread the mixture into a shallow baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions. Serve with pretzels or potato chips.
4. Baked Fiesta Bean Dip
A hearty, flavorful dip with a Tex-Mex flair, perfect for a casual and fun celebration.
Description
A layered dip of refried beans, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, baked until warm and gooey.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the refried beans, salsa, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Spread the bean mixture evenly in a pie dish or small baking pan. Top generously with the shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is hot throughout. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
5. Hot Rueben Dip
Taking inspiration from the classic deli sandwich, this unique dip is savory, tangy, and rich.
Description
A warm blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, flavored with Russian dressing.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup finely chopped corned beef
1/2 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and squeezed dry
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and dressing until smooth. Stir in the Swiss cheese, corned beef, and drained sauerkraut. Spread the mixture into a small baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and lightly browned on the edges. Serve with toasted rye bread slices or crackers.
6. Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy and satisfying, this classic game-day favorite is a sure winner for any party.
Description
Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and folded into a creamy, cheesy base.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, dressing, and buffalo sauce until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted. Serve with celery sticks and chips.
7. Simple Baked Feta Dip
A Mediterranean-inspired dip that is surprisingly easy, letting the salty, creamy feta cheese shine.
Description
A block of feta cheese baked until warm and soft, drizzled with olive oil and flavored with herbs.
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese
2 tbsp good quality olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4-5 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle the top with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Arrange the cherry tomato halves around the block of feta. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the feta is warm and soft and the tomatoes have blistered. Serve immediately with warm pita bread.
8. Hot Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Dip
A meaty, zesty, and filling dip reminiscent of a deluxe pizza, perfect for a lively gathering.
Description
A hearty, cheesy dip loaded with seasoned Italian sausage, sliced pepperoni, and a hint of marinara.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir in the cooked sausage and most of the pepperoni. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a few reserved pieces of pepperoni. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbly. Serve with breadsticks or sturdy crackers.
9. Warm French Onion Dip
A homemade take on the classic that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deep, and comforting starter.
Description
Slowly caramelized sweet onions folded into a creamy base of sour cream and cream cheese.
Ingredients
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and soft. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the caramelized onions. Spread the mixture into a small oven-safe dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot. Serve with potato chips or vegetable sticks.
10. Baked Chile Con Queso
A vibrant and savory cheese dip with a mild kick, a perfect addition to any festive occasion.
Description
A melted cheese dip featuring green chiles and a touch of heat, baked until perfectly smooth.
Ingredients
16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp cumin
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the cubed Velveeta, diced tomatoes and green chiles, milk, and cumin. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Serve hot with corn chips or vegetable dippers.
11. Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Dip
A Cajun-inspired dip that offers a fantastic blend of heat, spice, and savory flavor for a memorable start to the new year.
Description
A rich, creamy dip combining diced shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, and a smoky blend of seasonings.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped cooked andouille sausage
1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the cooked sausage, shrimp, Monterey Jack cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Spread the mixture into a small baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling. Serve immediately with baguette slices or sturdy crackers.