15 Homemade Summer Dips Everyone Will Love This BBQ Season
I love summer food. It’s all picky bits and little bowls of this and that, served alongside grilled meats, seafood and whatever’s sizzling away on the barbecue. Bloody lovely.
The BBQ always gets the limelight, but for me it’s the sides that really make a summer cookout. They’re the dishes everyone keeps going back for, long after the burgers have disappeared.
For the halo-wearing health warriors, there are colourful crudités waiting to be dunked into a bowl of fresh, homemade tzatziki. Me? I’m a chips-and-dips kind of girl. And I don’t just dip – I scoop half the bowl onto one piece of toasted pitta. Yep, I’m greedy, and I’m not even sorry about it.
That’s exactly why I started making my own dips. I can make twice as much for less money, customise the flavours exactly how I like them, and skip a lot of the added sugar, salt and unnecessary ingredients that often find their way into supermarket tubs.
Whether you’re putting together a BBQ feast, hosting a garden party or simply fancy a platter for a sunny evening with a glass of wine, these are the dips I come back to time and time again. From creamy classics to fresh, zesty favourites, here’s my list of the best homemade dips to dazzle your dippers this summer.
1. Roasted Garlic Hummus
Roasted Garlic Hummus is a rich, creamy classic with a mellow sweetness from slow-roasted garlic, making it the perfect homemade dip for everything from warm pitta to crunchy vegetables.
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained
- 3 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3-5 tbsp cold water
- Salt and black pepper
Method
- Slice the top from the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil and roast at 180°C for 35-40 minutes until soft.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into a food processor.
- Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and cumin.
- Blend until smooth, adding water a little at a time until creamy.
- Season well and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and smoked paprika.
2. Whipped Feta with Hot Honey
Whipped Feta with Hot Honey combines salty feta, creamy Greek yoghurt and a drizzle of sweet, spicy honey for an irresistible dip that’s guaranteed to disappear first.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 200g feta
- 150g Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- Cracked black pepper
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Method
- Blend the feta, yoghurt and olive oil until silky smooth.
- Warm the honey with the chilli flakes for 30 seconds.
- Spoon the whipped feta into a serving bowl.
- Drizzle over the hot honey and finish with black pepper and thyme.
3. Smoky Baba Ganoush
Smoky Baba Ganoush transforms roasted aubergines into a silky Middle Eastern dip packed with smoky flavour and finished with tahini, garlic and lemon.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt
Method
- Roast the aubergines at 200°C for 40 minutes until completely soft.
- Scoop out the flesh and allow it to drain.
- Blend with the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and paprika.
- Season and finish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Roasted Red Pepper Dip is smooth, vibrant and slightly smoky, blending sweet roasted peppers with cream cheese and warming spices for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 100g cream cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of ½ lemon
Method
Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
5. Jalapeño & Lime Guacamole
Jalapeño & Lime Guacamole gives the classic avocado dip a fresh, zesty kick with spicy jalapeños, plenty of lime and fragrant coriander.
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- Small handful coriander
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- Salt
Method
Mash the avocado with a fork, stir through the remaining ingredients and season generously.
6. Creamy Tzatziki
Creamy Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek favourite made with thick yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and dill, making it the perfect cooling accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 300g Greek yoghurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh dill
- Salt and pepper
Method
Mix everything together and chill for at least an hour before serving.
7. Caramelised Onion Dip
Caramelised Onion Dip is rich, sweet and wonderfully savoury, with slow-cooked onions folded into a creamy base that’s perfect served with crisps or crackers.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 3 onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 200g cream cheese
- 100ml sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Method
Cook the onions gently for 30-40 minutes until golden. Cool before mixing with the remaining ingredients.
8. Spinach & Parmesan Dip
Spinach & Parmesan Dip combines tender spinach with nutty Parmesan and cream cheese to create a rich, comforting dip that’s equally delicious served hot or cold.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 200g spinach
- 200g cream cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp sour cream
Method
Wilt the spinach, squeeze out excess water and chop finely. Mix with the remaining ingredients and chill.
9. Sweetcorn, Chilli & Lime Dip
Sweetcorn, Chilli & Lime Dip is packed with sweet bursts of corn balanced by fresh lime and a gentle chilli heat, making it ideal for summer sharing platters.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 300g sweetcorn
- 100g crème fraîche
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 red chilli
- Handful coriander
Method
Blend half the sweetcorn until smooth, then stir through the remaining kernels, chilli and coriander.
10. Beetroot & Feta Dip
Beetroot & Feta Dip delivers vibrant colour alongside earthy beetroot and tangy feta, creating a beautiful dip that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 250g cooked beetroot
- 150g feta
- 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
Method
Blend until smooth and season with black pepper.
11. Muhammara
Muhammara is a delicious Syrian-inspired dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses, offering a wonderful balance of smoky, sweet and nutty flavours.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 roasted red peppers
- 100g walnuts
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- Olive oil
Method
Blend all the ingredients until thick but still slightly textured.
12. Green Goddess Herb Dip
Green Goddess Herb Dip is bursting with fresh herbs, creamy avocado and yoghurt, creating a bright green dip that’s light, fresh and full of summer flavour.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 200g Greek yoghurt
- 1 ripe avocado
- Handful parsley
- Handful basil
- Handful chives
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove
Method
Blend until bright green and silky smooth.
13. Avocado & Pea Dip
Avocado & Pea Dip is a wonderfully creamy alternative to guacamole, combining ripe avocado with sweet peas, mint and lemon for a fresh seasonal twist.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 200g frozen peas, cooked
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh mint
- Olive oil
- Salt
Method
Blend everything together until creamy and finish with cracked black pepper.
14. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate indulgent party dip, blending shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar and buffalo sauce into one warm, cheesy bowl of comfort.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 300g cooked shredded chicken
- 200g cream cheese
- 100ml sour cream
- 100g grated cheddar
- 3 tbsp buffalo sauce
- Spring onions
Method
Mix everything together, bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until bubbling and garnish with spring onions.
15. Creamy Dill & Lemon Smoked Salmon Dip
Creamy Dill & Lemon Smoked Salmon Dip is a luxurious combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh dill and lemon that’s perfect for summer entertaining or brunch-style grazing boards.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 150g smoked salmon
- 200g cream cheese
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh dill
- Black pepper
Method
Blend the cream cheese, crème fraîche, lemon and most of the salmon until smooth. Fold through the remaining chopped salmon and dill before serving with toasted bagels, crackers or warm pitta.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer BBQ, putting together a lazy picnic or simply fancy a picky dinner in the garden, a few homemade dips can transform an ordinary spread into something that feels a bit special.
The best part? Most of these recipes can be made ahead of time, they cost far less than buying several tubs from the supermarket, and you can tweak them to suit your own taste. Add more chilli, pile in the garlic or make them extra creamy – that’s the beauty of making them yourself.
As for me, I’ll happily skip the fancy presentation. Just give me a warm toasted pitta, a bowl of homemade dip and somewhere sunny to sit, and I’m one very happy girl. Although, if there’s a BBQ involved too, I certainly won’t complain.
If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to know which one becomes your new summer favourite.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer BBQ, putting together a lazy picnic or simply fancy a picky dinner in the garden, a few homemade dips can transform an ordinary spread into something that feels a bit special.
The best part? Most of these recipes can be made ahead of time, they cost far less than buying several tubs from the supermarket, and you can tweak them to suit your own taste. Add more chilli, pile in the garlic or make them extra creamy – that’s the beauty of making them yourself.
As for me, I’ll happily skip the fancy presentation. Just give me a warm toasted pitta, a bowl of homemade dip and somewhere sunny to sit, and I’m one very happy girl. Although, if there’s a BBQ involved too, I certainly won’t complain.
If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to know which one becomes your new summer favourite.
Joanne Brook-Smith is a lifestyle writer with a passion for food, travel and hospitality. She spends much of her time exploring restaurants across Yorkshire and beyond, sharing honest reviews and celebrating the people who make dining out such a memorable experience.