10 Best Christmas Dips for Festive Holiday Entertaining

When planning a Christmas party or gathering, having the right dips can make a significant difference in the overall experience. Dips offer a simple way to complement snacks and appetizers, making them essential for holiday celebrations.

I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Christmas dips that are sure to please your guests and make your party more enjoyable.

These recipes balance ease of preparation with a variety of flavors to suit different tastes, helping you create a memorable and hassle-free holiday spread.

1) Baked Goat Cheese Cranberry Dip

I like this dip because it blends tangy goat cheese with sweet cranberries. It’s simple to prepare and works well as a warm appetizer for holiday gatherings. The creamy texture and tart flavor make it a balanced and crowd-pleasing choice.

Ingredients:

8 oz goat cheese
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Crackers or toasted bread for serving

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the goat cheese in a small baking dish.
Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the goat cheese.
Drizzle honey on top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and warm.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Serve with crackers or toasted bread for dipping.

2) Hot Crab Dip

Hot crab dip is a classic Christmas appetizer that combines creamy cheese with tender crab meat. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it perfect for sharing.

I like to serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips to add extra texture.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crab meat, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish: diced red and green bell peppers

Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Stir in cheddar cheese, crab meat, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with diced bell peppers if desired and serve warm.

3) Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a classic favorite for holiday gatherings. I like how it combines spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken to create a crowd-pleasing dip. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with celery, crackers, or chips.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Steps

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until smooth.
Stir in cheddar cheese and blue cheese if using.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Serve warm with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips.

4) Avocado Lime Dip

I enjoy this Avocado Lime Dip because it brings a fresh and tangy flavor that works well at any holiday gathering. It’s easy to prepare and combines creamy avocado with zesty lime for a light and vibrant addition to your dip selection.

Ingredients:

3 ripe avocados
1/2 cup sour cream
Juice of 2 limes
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

First, mash the avocados in a bowl until smooth.

Next, mix in the sour cream, lime juice, and garlic.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir well to combine.

Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for a simple, refreshing option.

5) Eggnog Dessert Dip

Eggnog Dessert Dip is a simple, festive option I enjoy during the holidays. It combines the rich flavor of traditional eggnog with creamy pudding and whipped topping.

This dip is easy to prepare and pairs well with cookies or graham crackers.

Ingredients

1 cup eggnog
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps

In a bowl, whisk the eggnog and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg for a touch of holiday spice.
Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with cookies, graham crackers, or fruit for dipping.

6) Baked Biscuit Dip Wreath

This baked biscuit dip wreath is a festive and flavorful option for holiday gatherings. It combines warm spinach dip with flaky, buttery biscuits arranged in a wreath shape.

I find it easy to make and perfect for sharing with guests.

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped fresh spinach, cooked and drained
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing

Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flatten each biscuit and fill with a small amount of cheese or dip if desired.

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Arrange biscuit dough pieces in a circle on a baking sheet, forming a wreath shape.

Spoon the spinach dip mixture into the center of the wreath.

Brush biscuits with olive oil to get a golden crust.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are golden and the dip is bubbly.

Serve warm, encouraging guests to tear off biscuits and dip into the center.

7) Taco Layered Dip

I like Taco Layered Dip because it’s easy to prepare and always popular. The layers bring a mix of flavors and textures that work well for holiday gatherings. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

1 can refried beans
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado, diced
1 small tomato, diced
2 green onions, sliced
Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Tortilla chips, for serving

Steps:

Mix sour cream and taco seasoning until combined.
Spread refried beans evenly in a serving dish.
Layer the seasoned sour cream over the beans.
Add salsa as the next layer.
Sprinkle shredded cheese across the salsa.
Top with diced avocado, tomato, green onions, and jalapeños if you like heat.
Chill for an hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Serve with tortilla chips.

8) Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I like to serve warm spinach and artichoke dip because it’s easy to prepare and always well received. This dip combines creamy cheeses with tender artichokes and spinach. It works well as a cozy appetizer during the holidays.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen)
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (canned or jarred)
4 oz cream cheese, softened

9) Sweet Cranberry Pecan Dip

I like this dip for its balanced combination of tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans mixed into a smooth, creamy base. It fits well on any holiday appetizer spread without being too heavy.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp lemon juice

Steps

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Fold in cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, honey, and lemon juice.
Mix gently until ingredients are evenly combined.
Chill for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.

10) Creamy Ranch Veggie Dip

I like to keep this creamy ranch veggie dip simple and reliable. It’s a thick, tangy dip that pairs well with any fresh vegetables at your holiday gathering.

The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning makes it smooth and flavorful without being complicated.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Fresh vegetables for dipping (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers)

Steps

In a bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix thoroughly.
Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for dipping.

How to Present Christmas Dips

Presentation plays a big role in making Christmas dips appealing and inviting. Using creative serving methods, adding festive garnishes, and pairing them with the right snacks can elevate the entire party spread.

Serving Suggestions

I like to use clear glass bowls or layered serving dishes for dips with multiple components. This showcases the colors and textures vividly. Shallow, wide bowls also make it easier for guests to reach in without double-dipping.

Serving dips in themed containers, like mini ceramic pumpkins or red and green bowls, adds holiday spirit. For warm dips, I use heat-resistant dishes set on trivets to keep them hot safely.

I always offer small an assortment of utensils—spoons, spreaders, and toothpicks—so guests can serve themselves with ease. Grouping dips in small clusters on a large platter helps organize the table and encourages tasting various flavors.

Festive Garnishes

Garnishes add a final decorative touch and hint at the dip’s flavor profile. I rely on fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives arranged neatly on top. They add bright green color that feels seasonal.

Other good options include red pomegranate seeds, sliced olives, or finely chopped red bell peppers for pops of red. For sweet dips, a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed peppermint can enhance the look and flavor.

I sometimes use edible flowers or small sprigs of rosemary to create a unique holiday vibe. Garnishes should complement the dip, not overwhelm it, so I apply them sparingly but strategically.

Pairing with Holiday Snacks

Choosing the right dippers can make or break the dip experience. I set out a mix of crunchy options—such as pita chips, multigrain crackers, and toasted baguette slices—to offer variety.

Seasonal crackers flavored with herbs or cheese also pair well, as do vegetables like baby carrots, celery sticks, and sliced cucumbers for lighter options.

For sweeter dips, gingerbread cookies or sturdy animal crackers work well. I keep an eye on texture compatibility, making sure the dippers are firm enough to hold the dip without breaking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Efficient preparation and proper storage are key to serving fresh and flavorful dips during the busy holiday season. I focus on how to plan your dip prep, store them safely, and refresh or reheat dips for the best taste and texture.

Preparing Dips in Advance

I recommend choosing dips that hold their flavor and texture well when made ahead. Cold dips like creamy spinach or onion dips can be fully prepared a day or two before your event. For warm dips, assembling them in advance and refrigerating before baking or slow cooking works well.

Use airtight containers or cover bowls tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Labeling containers with dates helps track freshness. Avoid adding fresh garnishes until the last minute to keep dips looking appealing and maintain crispness.

Refrigeration and Freezing

Most cold dips stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when refrigerated properly. Place them on a middle shelf for consistent temperature. For warm dips with dairy or meat, refrigeration within 2 hours of cooking and consuming within 3 days is safest.

Freezing is an option for many dips but texture changes can occur. Cheese-based and creamy dips may separate when thawed, so stirring thoroughly can help. Store dips in freezer-safe, airtight containers and mark the date. Plan to use frozen dips within 1 to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating and Refreshing

For warm dips, reheat slowly in the oven or a slow cooker to maintain even heat without drying out. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and keep a little liquid handy to restore moisture if needed.

Cold dips usually need no reheating but may require a quick stir or fresh garnish before serving. If a dip thickens too much in the fridge, I add a small amount of cream, milk, or sour cream to restore consistency without diluting flavor.

Emma

I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!