As friends and family gather, there’s nothing more welcoming than a table filled with warm, flavorful dips to tide everyone over until the main meal. Thanksgiving dips are the perfect solution, easy to prepare, bursting with seasonal ingredients, and ideal for grazing while the turkey cooks. Whether you prefer savory, sweet, creamy, or spicy, these recipes promise to bring festive flavor to your holiday appetizer spread.

Below are some Thanksgiving dip recipes your guests will love—each with enough detail to make them instantly blog-ready.

1. Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Dip

Sweet onions and nutty Gruyère come together in a rich, bubbling dip perfect for guests who love classic, deep flavors.

What You’ll Need:

3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup shredded Gruyère
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayo
Salt, pepper, thyme

How to Make It:
Slowly caramelize onions in butter until golden and soft (25–35 minutes). Mix with Gruyère, sour cream, mayo, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until brown and bubbly. Serve with toasted bread or kettle chips.

2. Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Sweet, tart, spicy, creamy—this dip is a festive showstopper that’s surprisingly simple.

What You’ll Need:

1 bag fresh cranberries
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
¼ cup sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
8 oz whipped cream cheese

How to Make It:
Pulse cranberries, jalapeño, sugar, and lime juice until finely chopped. Fold in cilantro. Spread whipped cream cheese on a shallow plate and spoon cranberry mixture over top. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or pita chips.

3. Butternut Squash Hummus

Smooth, slightly sweet, and bright with fall flavors, this twist on hummus is nutrient-rich and delicious.

What You’ll Need:

1 cup roasted butternut squash
1 can chickpeas
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt, pepper, cumin

How to Make It:
Blend all ingredients until smooth, adding water or olive oil to adjust consistency. Serve with warm pita, carrots, or crackers. Garnish with smoked paprika or toasted pepitas.

4. Maple Pecan Sweet Dip

A dessert-style dip perfect for after-dinner grazing or a lighter alternative to pie.

What You’ll Need:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup toasted pecans, chopped

How to Make It:
Blend cream cheese, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir in pecans or sprinkle them on top. Serve with apple slices, graham crackers, or ginger snaps.

5. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Dip

Vibrant and tangy, this deep-pink dip adds color and sophistication to your Thanksgiving table.

What You’ll Need:

2 roasted beets
4 oz goat cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper

How to Make It:
Blend roasted beets with goat cheese, olive oil, and honey until smooth. Season to taste. Serve with crostini, seeded crackers, or naan.

6. Hot Corn & Green Chile Dip

Creamy, spicy, and crave-worthy—this dip is irresistibly warm and hearty.

What You’ll Need:

1 bag frozen corn
1 can diced green chiles
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayo
½ tsp chili powder

How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread crackers.

Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Dips

To make your appetizer spread even more inviting:

Offer a variety of dippers: sliced apples, baguette rounds, crackers, chips, soft pretzels, and veggies.
Use warm serving dishes to keep hot dips cozy and melty.
Set out small appetizer plates so guests can mingle easily.
Balance flavors: include one cheesy, one fresh, one veggie-based, and one slightly sweet dip.