These 20 Filling Dips Are Basically A Meal

Who needs dinner when you've got these cheesy, hearty dips?

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Photo:

JENNIFER CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CLAIRE SPOLLEN

Everyone loves a layered dip. You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who can pass up the creamy, tasty goodness of the right chip-dip combination—and oh, how there’s so many good recipes to choose from.

These 20 dip recipes are packed with protein, cheese, and veggies, making them filling enough to be fit for a meal. Our much-loved Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe will catch the eye of all the spicy dip lovers in the room, and our Baked BLT Dip (a play on the beloved sandwich) will be gone before you know it.

Best of all: Most of our recipes require minimal prep time and a little help from your trusty slow-cooker. Whether you're entertaining a crowd or looking for a filling afternoon pick-me-up for your family, these easy dip recipes are sure to leave you feeling full.

01 of 20

Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo Dip

Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo Dip
Brian Woodcock; Styling: Rachael Burrow

This gumbo twist is complete with andouille sausage, red bell pepper, celery, green onions, sliced okra, garlic, shrimp, and creole seasoning. Just a few chip-fulls isn't enough, but a meal's worth of delicious, meaty dip just might do.

02 of 20

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Adding ham to this tailgate favorite gives it just the heft it needs to be enough for a meal. Spinach, onions, and all our favorite cheeses seal the deal, especially when scooped up with pita chips or slices of French bread.

03 of 20

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This super-zesty, layered dip is the supper of our dreams. A hot version of Texas caviar, this creamy dip is topped with tomatoes, cilantro, and spicy jalapeños.

04 of 20

Creamy Crab Dip

Creamy Crab Dip Recipe
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Old Bay seasoning adds a classic coastal flavor to this go-to dip recipe. Rather than serving dinner at your next tailgate, just make sure to have plenty of Creamy Crab Dip on hand, and guests will leave smiling and satisfied.

05 of 20

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

instant pot buffalo chicken dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

When buffalo chicken dip is on the menu, saving room for dinner isn't an option. Served as a meal on its own, this hearty dip makes for a family-favorite dinner that's ready in just 40 minutes thanks to your trusty Instant Pot.

06 of 20

Baked BLT Dip

Baked BLT Dip
Skyler Burt

The classic sandwich is deconstructed and transformed into your new favorite dip. Though this recipe is intended to serve eight, make extra in preparation for enthusiastic dip-lovers.

07 of 20

Smoked-Fish Dip

Smoked-Fish Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

A mix of flavors work together to make a creamy, smoky dip with just a bit of crunch. This dip is both elegant and easy (ready in just 20 minutes!) and always hits the spot.

08 of 20

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Even with your tastebuds tingling, you won't be able to get enough of this fiery-hot dip. This dip-able take on a Nashville classic makes for delicious dinner when served with plenty of bread to smother the flames.

09 of 20

Crawfish Dip

Crawfish Dip
Greg Dupree Styling: Heather Chadduck

Using the slow-cooker makes this recipe easy to throw together. Check your freezer section for crawfish tail meat if fresh isn't available.

10 of 20

Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip

Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Dip
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Fans of spinach dip will adore this version that's heartier than ever. Ground sausage, pinto beans, cream cheese, and Parmesan are added to the classic to make it filling.

11 of 20

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

We'll never tire of a good ol' crab dip. This version includes artichokes and Old Bay seasoning that steal the show.

12 of 20

Jalapeño Popper Dip

jalapeno popper dip
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Though inspired by a party-pleasing appetizer, this dip version of jalapeño poppers is a meal and then some. Hearty, filling dip doubles as dinner and also tastes great as a sandwich- or nacho-topper.

13 of 20

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Buffalo chicken dip is too good not to be the main event. This dish never disappoints, and will leave you stuffed thanks to the chicken and creamy cheese.

14 of 20

Charred Vegetable Guacamole

Southern Living Charred-Vegetable Guacamole in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

While you might think of guacamole as just a dip, this super-chunky version, packed with charred onions, corn, and cheese, is totally filling enough to stand in for a meal.

15 of 20

Deviled Crab Dip

Southern Living Deviled Crab Dip in serving bowl

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Warm, cheesy, and filled with fresh crab meat, this cracker-topped dip is like a cozy seafood pot pie.

16 of 20

Skillet Beer-Cheese Dip With Pretzel Bites

Skillet beer-cheese dip with pretzel bites in skillet

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Bacon? Good. Cheese? Good. Pretzels? Good! Bring them all together with a little beer to liven things up, and you've got a filling dip that covers all the bases!

17 of 20

Skillet Taco Dip

Skillet taco dip in skillet

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Packed with ground beef and cheese, this perfectly spicy dip tastes just like a skillet full of tacos!

18 of 20

Tex-Mex Skillet Poblano Dip

Southern Living Tex-Mex Skillet Poblano Dip in a skillet to serve with chips and beer

Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Andrea Fanning

Poblano peppers are just mildly spicy, making them perfect for super-charging this hearty take on your favorite queso dip.

19 of 20

Collard Dip

Collard Dip Recipe
Southern Living

Your favorite Southern soul food takes a page from spinach artichoke dip to deliver a rich and cheesy baked dip that is a hearty comfort food win.

20 of 20

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Skyler Burt

When it comes to this crowd-pleasing dip, you can never have too many ways to get it on the table. This slow cooker version is delightfully hands-off, leaving you free to enjoy it without any fuss!

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