Simple three-ingredient dips are the perfect solution when you need a delicious snack without spending much time in the kitchen. These are simple, easy, homemade dips that you can make in a matter of minutes with common ingredients for parties, picnics, family get-togethers, or movie night! Whether it's creamy chipotle or smoky barbeque, fresh mango salsa or rich olive tapenade, there is something to suit everyone's taste.
They are great dips to use with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted bread, or even vegetable sticks or grilled foods. These easy three-ingredient dips are made with little preparation and lots of flavor, so they make an entertaining effortless and fun experience.
As easy as one, two, three
Whether it’s an effortless starter for a party, your go-to picking plate for a picnic, or the main event this weekend, you’ll find every easy dip you could wish for in our round-up (and all require just three ingredients). Dip into creamy hummus, punchy guac or zesty tzatziki, gather your crisps, pitta pockets and veg sticks and you’re all set for serious dunking.
Read More: Best Foods To Eat Before Gym Workout For Energy and Results
Mango salsa
Our fruity mango salsa is genius to slice through the richness of barbecued meats but it’s also scrumptious scooped onto tortilla chips. Just mix diced ripe mango with chopped green or red peppers and a few finely chopped cherry tomatoes, season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a dash of lime and a few chopped herbs (coriander when in season) if you have any handy.
Smoky barbecue
Serve with crispy crudités, roasted vegetables - we're talking cauli, carrots and broccoli - or with chicken wings of course! It couldn’t be easier - mix 5 tbsp tomato ketchup with a tsp of smoked paprika and 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce. A splash of mustard and a bit of maple syrup would be excellent with that sauce dip if you’ve got some spare.
Creamy chipotle
Simply blitz up 6tbsp sour cream, 2tbsp chipotle pastes and the juice and zest of 1 lime. A smoky, rich dip that pairs perfectly with crispy nachos or potato wedges and takes just a few minutes to prepare – you can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours for a thicker consistency just stir in a little crushed garlic or some roughly chopped coriander just before serving.
Creamy marshmallow dip
If you’re looking for a quick, hit-the-spot dessert the whole family will love, then this simple marshmallow-yogurt dip is just the ticket. Simply add 8oz (220g) cream cheese and 7oz (200g) marshmallow crème to a bowl with 1tsp vanilla extract and whisk until smooth and creamy – both by hand or in an electric mixer. Pile on fresh fruit, maybe a couple of cookies for optimum dipping!
Anchovy mayo
Rich and luscious with the savory tang of the humble anchovy, it's fantastic with fried potatoes, corn chips and downright superb if you stir in some crushed garlic. Pound peeled garlic cloves and canned anchovies in a pestle and mortar to turn them into a paste (Alternatively use your food processor). Use your favorite mayonnaise and stir in the anchovy and garlic paste.
Honeyed curry mayo
To make an upmarket, tasty dip which has got just enough kick: Heat a saucepan over the lowest heat setting with 4 tbsp of liquid honey and 2 tbsp of mild curry powder. Stir the mixture until the curry powder has completely dispersed, and the honey is very gently starting to bubble.
Set aside off the heat to cool and then fold into 4 oz (115g) of mayonnaise. At this stage you may also want to fold through some fresh, chopped coriander and the squeeze of a lime. Serve with some lime wedges and tortilla chips.
Hot tomato
Here is an ideal hot dip with some potato wedges and fries. Top off 1 can mixture of tomato and onion into the saucepan, then pour in a pinch of dried oregano, chili flakes, seasoned salt, and pepper, and stir to a boiling temperature. Simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened. Do taste and serve.
Tapenade
Recreate the flavour of the Mediterranean in an instant with our best black olive tapenade. Simply blitz or crush by hand with 9oz (250g) pitted black olives, 6 anchovy fillets, 3tbsp olive oil until the consistency you prefer and serve with slices of toasted baguette.
Blitz or crush by hand with 9oz (250g) pitting olives, 6 anchovy fillets, 3tbsp olive oil - mash until you like then serve with toasts. Make it special by blitzing together 1 clove of crushed garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 2tbsp capers and handful chopped parsley too.
Whipped smoked salmon
A classic Nordic pairing that is ideal in summer and incredibly moreish; a good combination of cream cheese, dill and salmon; beat 8oz (225g) of cream cheese with 1 tsb freshly chopped fresh dill and a 4oz (115g) of roughly chopped and de-boned smoked salmon. Serve with dark rye bread, or on sourdough crackers. A little fresh lemon and grated horseradish would provide extra zing for an extra boost in flavour.
You May Also Read: Foods and Drinks You Should Avoid for a Good Night's Sleep
Goats' cheese and lemon
To prepare this irresistible dip: You mash 7 oz (200 g) of the soft goats' cheese with the lemon juice and zest, blitz it with 12 oz (340 g) of the mayonnaise and season. Why not swap the goats’ cheese for feta or cream cheese?
You put the lemon zest, juice, garlic and olive oil in with the cheese and blitz it all before adding the mayonnaise. You sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and drizzle over some olive oil for serving.
FAQs
1. What are the easiest three-ingredient dips to make?
Some of the easiest options include mango salsa, smoky barbecue dip, creamy chipotle dip, olive tapenade, and smoked salmon cream cheese dip.
2. Which dip is best for a party?
Creamy chipotle dip, smoky barbecue dip, and honey curry mayo are popular party favourites because they pair well with chips, vegetables, and finger foods.
3. Can I prepare these dips in advance?
Yes. Most three-ingredient dips can be made several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
4. What foods can I serve with these dips?
Serve them with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita bread, vegetable sticks, fries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
5. Are three-ingredient dips suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. These recipes require very little preparation, use simple ingredients, and can be made in just a few minutes, making them perfect for beginner cooks.
