Okay, I must admit: I’m not all that into basketball. But I am into any excuse for game-day food. I’m also not into toiling away in the kitchen while everyone else snacks happily in front of the TV. But I am into sitting in front of the TV with my friends and chowing down alongside them. Not into: prepping for hours and hours right before a party. Into: make-ahead, easy-peasy appetizers.

Garlicky Greek yogurt ranch dip plus tips for easy make-ahead dips | Kitchen Treaty
Garlicky Greek yogurt ranch dip

This is why I love dips. Dips are the quintessential make-ahead party food, and people not only love them, they sort of expect them. Plus, they’re oh-so perfect for making ahead of time.

Here are a few dip ideas and pointers that’ll help keep you happily hanging with your friends instead of sad and banished in the kitchen.

Cold dips

Make it hours – or in some cases, even days – ahead of time, then just pull it out of the fridge and serve with chips and veggies. Done!

So many refrigerated dips taste so much better when they’ve hung out in the fridge for a few hours. So not only can you make them ahead of time, they taste much better too. Win, win!

Try Kopanisti (Greek feta pepperoncini spread) or garlicky Greek yogurt ranch dip (recipe below).

Hot dips

Assemble everything ahead of time, refrigerate, and then just pop it in the oven once everyone shows up. The only time you’ll spend in the kitchen is moving it in and out of the oven. Try this recipe for cheesy Mexican corn dip, which can actually be served hot or cold.

Slow cooker dips

Ah, the wondrous slow cooker, the make-ahead workhorse of the kitchen. How I love it so. Whip up your dip in the  morning, or if you have a Crock Pot with a removable insert, assemble the ingredients the night before and refrigerate overnight. Try keeping a big batch of easy caramel apple dip in the Crock Pot on the “warm” setting for a dessert dip that’ll have them clamoring for more.

Garlicky Greek yogurt ranch dip plus tips for easy make-ahead dips | Kitchen Treaty
Garlicky Greek yogurt ranch dip plus tips for easy make-ahead dips | Kitchen Treaty
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Greek Yogurt Ranch

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Author: Kare
This protein-rich, healthier spin on ranch dip and dressing is so delicious! We love it with fresh veggies and rippled potato chips. Prefer more of a salad dressing? Just add milk, a tablespoon or two at a time, until you reach the consistency you want.
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 medium-size garlic clove, finely minced or grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or 2 tablespoons finely minced chives or scallions)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed (or 1 tablespoon fresh minced dill)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, stir together all of the ingredients. Taste and add more salt if desired.
  • Serve immediately, or ideally for more flavor, refrigerate in an air-tight container for at least an hour to give the flavors a chance to develop before serving.
  • Serve with potato chips, carrot sticks, celery sticks, lightly-steamed broccoli, sliced cucumber, or whatever else suits your fancy.
  • Keeps refrigerated for up to one week.

Notes

Recipe update 1/7/2025
I recently updated this recipe so that you can use dried pantry items vs. fresh herbs. However, the option to use fresh herbs is still there! I also swapped the vinegar out for lemon juice, which I feel is lighter and brighter. If you prefer the original recipe, here it is: 

This post is part of BlogHer’s March Madness Game Day Eats editorial series, made possible by Kettle Brand Chips.

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