9 Easy Homemade Dip Recipes for Budget Entertaining
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Instead of buying expensive dips for your next party, make your own and save. Here are nine easy homemade dip recipes to try.
While entertaining at home is a lot cheaper than eating out, the cost can add up, especially the cost of nibbles and appetisers.
One great way to save money on nibbles is to make your own.
But if you’re not keen on spending hours in the kitchen before and during a party, I hear you! Which is why the following dip recipes are not only frugal but quick and easy to make and have few ingredients.
The exception is the French Onion dip, which, if cooked from scratch, does take time for the onions to caramelise. But you can “cheat” and make it using French onion soup mix and sour cream and have it ready in under three minutes!
What to serve with dip
While chips are a classic dip accompaniment, there is a wide range of possibilities. Here are some ideas:
- Crackers (these homemade pita crips are an easy cheap option as well as these parmesan pastry twists)
- Corn chips
- Bread and croutons. Baked Turkish bread and ciabatta and baguette are all frugal options. Bake them in the oven brushed with a little olive oil for croutons.
- Crudites. Cut carrot, celery, capsicum, cucumber, snow peas, radishes, raw green beans, cherry tomatoes.
- Homemade veggie chips
And of course, you can serve dip as part of a larger nibbles platter.
How long will dip keep in the fridge?
Homemade dips will keep for up to four days in the fridge.
For storebought dips, refer to the packaging.
Can you put leftovers back in the fridge after it’s been served?
You’ve been sitting enjoying good company, a cool drink and a few nibbles. Packing away the leftovers, the question becomes: can I put them back in the fridge?
According to Food Standards Australia, potentially hazardous foods that normally need to be refrigerated (like most dips), can be put back into the fridge if left out for less than 2 hours (including prep time).
Foods are still safe to consume for up to four hours (but not returned to the fridge).
This is known as the 2 hour/4 hour rule. Under 2 hours, it’s ok to go back in the fridge. 2-4 hours, it’s still good to eat. Over four hours, throw out.
“Although potentially hazardous food should be kept at 5°C or colder or 60°C or hotter wherever possible, this food can be safely between 5°C and 60°C provided it is between these temperatures for less than four hours. This is because it takes more than four hours for food-poisoning bacteria to grow to dangerous levels.”
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9 Easy Homemade Dip Recipes
Here are nine easy homemade dip recipes to try.
Based on the traditional Greek dip, this dip includes mint for a refreshing twist.
This brightly coloured dip uses roast beetroot but you can save time by using pre-roasted or tinned beetroot.
White bean dip is very frugal, using pantry staples. But it is delicious. A vegan alternative to dairy-based dips that still has a creamy texture.
This warm and cheesy dip is made on the stovetop rather than baked in the oven, saving time and electricity.
Nothing says summer like fresh tomato salsa.
Hummus is easy and cheap to make and you can adjust the flavourings so you get it just perfect. My favourite addition is smoked paprika.
And old classic that's always popular. Using just two ingredients, you can make this in under five minutes.
French onion dip made from scratch using caramelised onions. For the quick version, use French onion soup mix.
Pesto is a great way to use up a glut of basil and it makes a delicious dip as well as a great sauce.
And one extra. This roast vegetable pate is a delicious vegan spread that can be used when entertaining or to spread on sandwiches.