25+ Delicious Dip Recipes That Aren’t BBQ Sauce, and 1 That (Sort of) Is

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Give your BBQ game the upgrade it deserves with these 25+ dip recipes. From creamy ranch to smoky queso, these dips are the perfect match for all your favorite grilled and smoked meats and veggies.

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The Most Delicious Dips for Every Occasion

Every backyard feast needs a solid lineup of dips, and this collection goes way beyond BBQ sauce. (Don’t worry, you can still find those HERE.) Whether you’re serving up smoky meats, fresh-grilled veggies, or crispy appetizers, the right dip is the difference between home cooks and Backyard BBQ Heroes.

From cool, refreshing dips to bubbling skillets and scoop-able delights, this roundup has it all. So grab some chips (or your favorite dip-ables) and get ready for bold flavor and backyard fun to every bite.


Cool, Creamy Dip Recipes

When you want to cool down your taste buds and balance smoky meats, give these refreshing, tangy dips a try. These easy recipes offer creamy textures and fresh herbs for the ideal dip to complement everything from wings to grilled veggies.

1. From-Scratch Ranch Dip

Buffalo wing being dipped into jar of dipping sauce.

Herbaceous, tangy, and creamy, this ranch dip leaves the bottled stuff in the dust. Fresh parsley, dill, and chives blend with a base of mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk for a cooling dip that pairs with literally anything from your smoker. Try it with hot wings, veggie trays, or even drizzled on brisket sandwiches for a fresh, homemade touch.

Get the recipe: From-Scratch Ranch Dip

2. BBQ Ranch Dip

A black bowl filled with ranch dip, surrounded by fresh carrot sticks, broccoli, and snap peas.

The creamy coolness of ranch and smoky-sweet BBQ sauce combine for the ultimate flavor one-two punch. With a hit of Fish & Veggie Rub and a squeeze of lemon juice, it’s especially great when dunking chicken tenders, potato wedges, or slathering on burgers. It’s ranch, but with a little BBQ soul.

Get the recipe: BBQ Ranch Dip

3. Blue Cheese Crumble Dip

Blue cheese dressing in blue jar with lid.

Pungent blue cheese crumbles create pockets of sharp, tangy flavor in this rich, creamy base with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This upscale dip makes for an irresistible side for smoked wings, steak bites, or even celery sticks. Bold meats deserve a bold dip, and boy, does this one deliver.

Get the recipe: Blue Cheese Crumble Dip

4. Creamy Dill Pickle Dip

A closeup shot of a bowl of dip next to carrot sticks and broccoli.

If you’re a pickle lover, this is your dream dip. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo create a rich base loaded with crunchy chopped dill pickles. Fish & Veggie Rub adds a zesty lift, while crushed garlic croutons on top bring a satisfying crunch. It’s a killer match for grilled chicken, smoked sausages, or even crisp kettle chips.

Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Pickle Dip

5. Greek Tzatziki Sauce

A closeup shot of a bowl of tzatziki sauce in the corner of platter with pita bread, olives, and cherry tomatoes.

Cool and refreshing, this tzatziki combines cucumber, tangy Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon for a Mediterranean dip that’s light but flavorful. This creamy classic shines with grilled lamb, chicken skewers, or fresh pita bread. It’s bright, garlicky, and an awesome contrast to your favorite meats hot off the grill.

Get the recipe: Greek Tzatziki Sauce

6. Jalapeño Lime Sauce

A bowl of jalapeño lime taco sauce in a bowl next to fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, and a whole jalapeño.

Smooth and zesty with a little kick, this sauce blends mayo, sour cream, jalapeños, and lime juice for an incredible drizzle or dip. Fresh cilantro adds a herbal pop, making it a standout for grilled fish tacos, shrimp skewers, or chicken. It’s creamy, spicy, and fresh all at once, and your tacos are begging for it.

Get the recipe: Jalapeño Lime Sauce

7. Chipotle Lime Dip

A hand pulling a grilled sweet potato chip into a bowl of dipping sauce.

Simple but far from basic, this smoky dip mixes mayo with chipotle powder, adobo sauce, and lime juice. The result is creamy, spicy, and just tangy enough to brighten up anything grilled. It’s amazing with sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or even as a sauce for grilled chicken sandwiches.

Get the recipe: Chipotle Lime Dip


Cheesy, Ooey-Gooey Dip Recipes

When you want pure comfort food indulgence, these melty, cheese-loaded dips deliver maximum satisfaction with every bite. Rich, smoky, and undeniably gooey, they’re perfect for sharing with a hungry crowd at your next cookout gathering.

8. Smoked Queso

Corn tortilla chip dipped in smoked queso.

Pork sausage seasoned with Fiesta Rub, then mixed with bell peppers, jalapeños, and a trio of melted cheeses a serious crowd-pleaser. With pico de gallo and pinto beans, this smoky masterpiece pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, grilled fajita vegetables, smoked brisket, or warm flour tortillas.

Get the recipe: Smoked Queso

9. Skillet Bacon Smoked Cheese Dip

Smoked queso in a cast iron skillet topped with bacon and green onions.

Crispy bacon and garlic in a creamy blend of cream cheese and Monterey Jack, this dip is a one-skillet wonder. It’s gooey, smoky, and totally indulgent. It’s perfect for chips and crusty bread, but you’ll probably find yourself spooning it straight out of the bowl. Hey, no judgment here.

If you love this, try: Smoked Bacon Jalapeño Hot Corn Dip, Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip

10. Smoked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cracker in a dish of smoked spinach artichoke dip.

Imagine your favorite pub-style spinach and artichoke dip, but with a kiss of smoky flavor in every dollop. If that sounds like heaven in a bowl to you, then you have to try this dip. Marinated artichokes, tender spinach, and a three-cheese blend create this classic dip.

11. Beer Cheese Sauce

A sausage on a bun being dipped in cheese sauce.

This smooth and creamy sauce brings all the beer cheese flavor you love, but with a hint of Dijon and cayenne for a subtle kick of savory heat. This gooey dip was tailor-made for brats, but it’s also a perfect match for pretzels, chips, and even drizzled over meats.

Get the recipe: Beer Cheese Sauce


Fresh and Smoky Salsa Dip Recipes

These salsa-style dips bring bright, bold flavors your guests will absolutely rave about. These salsas are sure to become your go-to recipes whenever you’re hosting a Mexican-style cookout or dinner.

12. Smoked Salsa Verde

Smoked salsa in a black bowl garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges, next to a blue platter with chips.

Bright, smoky, and just a little spicy, this salsa is a flavor knockout. Charred tomatillos and Serrano peppers blend with garlic, onion, and fresh cilantro for a zesty dip that’s perfect for tacos, grilled chicken, or tortilla chips. Trust me, you’ll be licking your fingers afterwards.

If you love this, try: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Get the recipe: Smoked Salsa Verde

13. Pico de Gallo

Fresh pico in white bowl next to corn chips.

This pico is not only an incredible dip all on its own, but it’s also the costar of some of the best dips on this list. With fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and spicy jalapeños, this simple-but-sensational dip tastes even better the next day.

Get the recipe: Pico de Gallo

14. Smoked Peach Salsa

A black bowl full of salsa next to chips and raw ingredients.

When you’re running out of ways to enjoy your haul of summer peaches, you’ve got to try this sweet, smoky salsa. Red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro bring all the classic salsa flavors, while the peaches give everything a sweet, fruity twist.

If you love this, try: Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Get the recipe: Smoked Peach Salsa

15. Mexican Street Corn Salsa

A large glass bowl full of corn salsa, and a hand holding a chip with a scoop of the salsa above the bowl.

If you’re looking for the best salsa for topping your favorite tacos, look no further. This salsa brings all the corn, Cotija cheese, and seasonings you love about elotes, but in an awesome, dip-able form. Warning: don’t make this unless you’re ready for your dip to steal the show.

If you love this, try: Cilantro Lime Corn Salsa

Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salsa


Chunky, Scoop-able Dip Recipes

These light-but-hearty dips are loaded with texture and flavor to satisfy both hunger and taste buds. These loaded recipes work both as light, standalone meals and as chunky dips for salty chips.

16. Southwest Black Bean Salad

An overhead shot of a bowl of black bean salad next to chips and lime wedges.

Black beans, grilled corn, and fresh avocados create a tasty base then amped up with cherry tomatoes and jalapeños. The honey-lime dressing with Cholula hot sauce adds sweet heat that makes this dip perfect for scooping with tortilla chips, stuffing into grilled peppers, or serving alongside carne asada.

Get the recipe: Southwest Black Bean Salad

17. Cowboy Caviar

Tortilla chip dipped into cowboy caviar in glass bowl.

Black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, and black beans come together in this hearty, Texas-inspired dip. The homemade dressing with red wine vinegar creates a tangy depth unlike anything you’ve experienced. It’s not only amazing atop your favorite meats, it’s also perfect as rich snack with sturdy tortilla chips.

Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Under-the-Sea Dip Recipes

These seafood dips bring both coastal flair and rich smokiness to your grilling repertoire. They’re perfect for special occasions, and showcase how smoking turns fish into luxurious condiments to rival even the fanciest restaurants. If you really want to impress your guests, these dips are for you.

18. Smoked Salmon Dip

A bowl filled with dip sitting next to crusty bread slices.

Fresh salmon gets kissed by smoke and Lemon Pepper Rub before folding into creamy Greek yogurt with fresh dill and lemon. Smoked paprika and garlic add depth while red pepper flakes provide gentle heat, making this dip perfect for bagels, chips, vegetable rounds, grilled asparagus, and even those fancy crackers.

Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

19. Smoked Trout Dip

Overhead shot of smoked trout dip in a black bowl surrounded by crackers and sliced veggies.

Flaky smoked trout mingles with cream cheese, fresh chives, and Italian parsley for a classy, herb-forward experience. Whole grain mustard and bright lemon zest add depth of flavor in this fancy dip, making it ideal for toasted bread, grilled vegetables, bagels, or upscale appetizer spreads.

Get the recipe: Smoked Trout Dip


Classics Dip Recipes and New Favorites

Whether you’re looking for a trusty staple, or a new favorite, you’re sure to find it here. These timeless dips and sauces are simple, flavorful, totally versatile, and, of course, pair with just about anything you pull off the grill.

20. Restaurant-Style Guacamole

Fresh guacamole in a wooden serving dish with tortilla chips. A hand is holding a chip with a scoop of guacamole.

This one nails that fresh, chunky, restaurant-style guac texture. Creamy avocado gets a flavor boost from Hey Grill Hey Fiesta Rub and a scoop of pico de gallo for the perfect balance of rich, spicy, and tangy. Serve it with chips, tacos, or burgers. Just be ready to make a double batch, because this guac disappears fast.

Get the recipe: Restaurant-Style Guacamole

21. 4-Ingredient Tomato Sauce

Wooden spoon scooping 4 ingredient pizza sauce from glass bowl.

Made with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh basil, this dipping sauce is simple but full of rich, tomato flavor. It’s the perfect base for all your favorite pizzas, or as a dip for breadsticks, grilled flatbreads, mozzarella sticks, and more. I always make extra because this stuff goes quick.

Get the recipe: 4-Ingredient Tomato Sauce

22. Honey Mustard Dip

A jar of honey mustard dipping sauce next to loose sweet potato fries on a wooden surface.

Sweet and tangy, this classic dip combines honey with whole grain mustard for a bold but balanced dip. It’s velvety, smooth, and perfect for dunking chicken tenders, smoked sausages, or even grilled pretzels. The touch of sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky and savory flavors, making it a must-have for any backyard cookout or appetizer spread.

Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Dip

23. Spicy Sweet Buffalo Sauce

A clear mason jar with sauce, next to a stick of partially sliced butter.

This spicy buffalo sauce blends hot sauce with butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire for a beautiful balance of heat and sweetness. It’s rich, tangy, and slightly sticky, making it ideal for tossing wings, dipping fries, or brushing onto grilled chicken when you want an extra kick.

Get the recipe: Spicy Sweet Buffalo Sauce

24. Lemon Garlic Aioli

A hand pulling an artichoke bract from a bowl of dipping sauce.

This bright, garlicky aioli makes everything you dip taste a little more special. Mayo, lemon juice, and fresh garlic whip together into a silky dip that’s simple but powerful. It’s amazing with grilled shrimp, roasted potatoes, and especially with grilled artichokes. This dip proves sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones you’ll keep coming back to.

Get the recipe: Lemon Garlic Aioli

25. Gravy Dipping Sauce

A jar of gravy dipping sauce next to a plater of turkey wings drizzled with the sauce.

Rich, savory, and comforting, this gravy dip is made from turkey or chicken drippings, butter, and flour, with fresh thyme and sage for depth. It’s smooth, it’s warm, and it’s ideal for dipping smoked turkey wings, roasted potatoes, or biscuits. The perfect finishing touch for any hearty backyard meal, it brings a cozy flavor everything it touches.

Get the recipe: Gravy Dipping Sauce


Even More Dip, Sauce, and Condiment Recipes

With these incredible dips in your arsenal, you’ll never run out of ways to make your grilled favorites even more delicious. Which dip are you most excited to try first? After you test these recipes at your next cookout, I want to hear about your favorites! Leave a 5-star rating on the recipes that wow your crowd so other grillers can see your feedback.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your dip spread and tag @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook so I can see how you serve these recipes!

About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

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