Buffalo dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer made with buffalo sauce and cream cheese or ranch dressing. It’s commonly served with an assortment of dippers for scooping up that irresistible buffalo flavor. But what are the best dippers and accompaniments to serve with buffalo dip? Here’s a quick look at some of the top options.
Crackers and Chips
Crunchy crackers and chips are classic dippers for buffalo dip. Good cracker choices include oyster crackers, club crackers, wheat crackers, and Ritz crackers. Sturdy potato chips and tortilla chips also pair nicely. Opt for plain flavors instead of bold, seasoned chips that might clash.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables make a lighter, healthier dipper for buffalo dip. Good veggie choices include celery sticks, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, sliced cucumbers, and cauliflower florets. The crunch of the vegetables balances the creamy dip.
Bread and Pretzels
Slices of crusty bread or breadsticks are excellent for scooping up buffalo dip. Soft pretzel bites and pretzel crisps also pair deliciously. Choose pretzel products without heavily salted or seasoned exteriors.
Meat Snacks
For a heartier bite, serve buffalo dip with chicken tenders, chicken wings, or cocktail meatballs. The buffalo flavor complements the meat nicely. Pieces of smoked sausage or kielbasa also make tasty dippers.
Full List of Recommended Dippers and Accompaniments
Here is a more extensive list of recommended items to serve with buffalo dip:
Crackers
- Oyster crackers
- Club crackers
- Wheat crackers
- Ritz crackers
- Cheez-Its
Chips
- Tortilla chips
- Potato chips
- Pita chips
- Baked vegetable chips
Vegetables
- Celery sticks
- Baby carrots
- Bell pepper strips
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Zucchini rounds
- Jicama sticks
- Radish slices
Breads
- Bagel chips
- Pita wedges
- Crusty bread slices
- Soft pretzel bites
- Pretzel crisps
- Garlic bread
- Breadsticks
- Naan wedges
Meats
- Chicken wings
- Chicken tenders
- Cocktail meatballs
- Smoked sausage
- Kielbasa
Choosing the Best Dippers for Your Party
When selecting dippers for your buffalo dip, consider the following criteria:
Flavor
Choose dippers that won’t compete with or overpower the zesty buffalo flavor. Plain crackers, chips, and breads work best. If using vegetables, go for crunchy raw veggies versus cooked or roasted veggies.
Texture
Aim for a mix of soft and crunchy textures. For example, serve some hearty crackers along with crisp celery and jicama. Varying textures gives more interest.
Health Factor
While buffalo dip is a indulgent appetizer, you can lighten it up by including some vegetable dippers like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or cucumber slices. Offer a few healthier options to help balance the meal.
Easy Eating
Dippers should be easy to eat in just one or two bites. Cut vegetables and breads into manageable pieces so guests don’t have to fuss with them. Chicken wings and tenders are ideal finger foods.
Mess Factor
Avoid juicy or messy fruits that might make scooping the dip more difficult. Also skip crumbly crackers that will break into the dip. Choose sturdy, tidy dippers.
Crowd Pleasing
If entertaining a crowd, provide crowd-pleasing favorites like tortilla chips, potato chips, and crunchy vegetables. Pick mainstream options to satisfy most appetites.
Dietary Needs
Be mindful of any vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb needs. Provide options like vegetables, gluten-free crackers, and low-carb cheese crisps.
Pairing Drinks with Buffalo Dip
Cool, refreshing beverages help offset the spicy heat of buffalo dip. Here are some excellent drink choices:
Beer
A crisp domestic beer like Budweiser, Coors Light, or Miller Lite is perfect with hot and creamy buffalo dip. Light beer cleanses the palate without overpowering flavors.
Lemonade
Homemade or store-bought lemonade is ideal for cutting the richness of the dip. The bright acidity counters the heat. Include lemon slices as a garnish.
Iced Tea
Brew up a batch of sweet iced tea to enjoy with the dip. The chilled tea cools the mouth and the sweetness balances the spice.
Ranch Water
Ranch water is a refreshing cocktail made by combining lime juice, mineral water, and tequila. The lime helps tame the heat while the fizz cleanses the palate.
Margs and Mojitos
For adults, margaritas and mojitos blended with ice make excellent pairings. The ice-cold, lime-forward drinks quench spicy cravings.
| Dipper | Texture | Flavor | Healthy? | Messy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tortilla chips | Crunchy | Mild | No | Can be |
| Celery sticks | Crunchy | Mild | Yes | No |
| Pretzel crisps | Crunchy | Savory | So-so | No |
| Chicken wings | Soft, meaty | Savory | So-so | Yes |
Snack Board Ideas
Take your buffalo dip over the top by presenting it on a snack board! Here are fun, beautiful ways to serve it:
Football Spread
Arrange the dip in a bowl shaped like a football. Surround it with crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, and other dippers. Scatter mini foam footballs for decoration.
Pizza Party
Serve the dip in a round baking dish topped with pepperoni slices. Arrange breadsticks, veggie pizza bites, and marinara sauce for dunking.
Taco Bar
Top the dip with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips. Serve with tortilla strips, southwestern vegetables, and plenty of hot sauce options.
Pub Appetizers
Fill small bowls with various dips like buffalo, ranch, guacamole, and salsa. Arrange bites like chicken wings, sliders, fries, and soft pretzels.
Loaded Potato
Scoop the dip into a baked potato shell. Top with bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese. Serve with baked potato wedges and chips on the side.
Conclusion
When serving buffalo dip for a party or game day, provide a variety of dippers and accompaniments to allow guests to customize their experience. Tortilla chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables are classic choices that pair well with the spicy buffalo flavor. For more hearty scooping and soaking capability, offer breads and meat snacks too. Quench spicy cravings with chilled beer, lemonade, or margaritas. And for a show-stopping presentation, arrange your buffalo dip and dippers on a creative snack board. With the right dippers and drinks to complement the buffalo dip, you’ll have very happy guests!