10 Dips That Will Take Your Party to the Next Level

Skip the store-bought stuff and try these MVP-worthy recipes from top chefs around the country.

By: Jed Portman

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Photo By: Margaret Houston

From Griffin Bufkin | Southern Soul Barbeque | St. Simons, Georgia

This over-the-top recipe from a coastal pit master does luxurious lump crab justice. In a concert of craveable flavors, the taste of fresh seafood still comes out on top.

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Goat Cheese Guacamole

From David Bancroft | Acre | Auburn, Alabama

Anybody with an avocado, a lime and a fork can make guacamole, but it takes a seasoned chef to come up with this unlikely but popular combination. The chef's wife asks for it with double the goat cheese for an extra-creamy texture.

Get the recipe.

Pea-co de Gallo

From April McGreger | Farmer's Daughter Brand | Hillsborough, North Carolina

Late summer is prime tomato season - and the only time of year you'll find fresh field peas at your local grocery store or farmers' market. Load up now, and freeze what you don't use so you can serve this healthy twist on a classic salsa for the rest of the year. If you absolutely can't find fresh or frozen peas, low-sodium canned peas will do.

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Pimento Cheeseburger Dip

From Mike Moore | Blind Pig Supper Club | Asheville, North Carolina

Just try to stick to one bite of this outrageously delicious tailgating favorite - a chef's tried-and-true recipe with more kick and more flavor than a run-of-the-mill hamburger dip. You can make your own pimento cheese, but it works beautifully with store-bought.

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Loaded Baked Potato Dip

From Chris Shepherd | Underbelly | Houston, Texas

Who doesn't love a loaded baked potato? This hearty dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Heap it up with bacon, chives and green onions.

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Bob's Cheese Dip

From Bob Cook | Edmund's Oast | Charleston, South Carolina

This simple formula can be a base for just about any mix-in you can imagine. The chef recommends green onions, peppers, taco seasoning, or even diced bacon or ham. A splash of savory fish sauce adds some depth without imparting a fishy flavor.

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Bean Dip

From Ryan Pera | Eight Row Flint | Houston, Texas

Start from scratch to make the best bean dip you've ever had, flavored with poblano pepper, cilantro and spices. Serve it by itself or pile it high with salsa, cheese and sour cream.

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Butter Bean Hummus

From Dean Neff | PinPoint Restaurant | Wilmington, North Carolina

Why buy packaged hummus when you can make this healthy, farm-fresh dip from scratch in just a few minutes? Loaded with chopped herbs and brightened with a splash of lemon juice, it's lighter than queso or onion dip but no less delicious.

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Artichoke Dip

From Kelly Fields | Willa Jean | New Orleans, Louisiana

Where briny artichoke hearts meet a rich, gooey melt of cheeses, garlic, hot sauce and mayonnaise, tailgating legends are born. You can assemble this a few hours ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to dig in.

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Blue Cheese Dip

From Karl Worley | Biscuit Love | Nashville, Tennessee

The chef inherited this recipe from his grandfather, and it's still one of his go-tos. Seasoning salt is the old-timey touch that makes the creamy mix memorable.

Get the recipe.

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