Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer that has become a staple at many parties and gatherings. But what should you serve alongside this addictive dip? Having the right snacks and sides to go with buffalo chicken dip can take it from great to extraordinary. Here are some of the best pairings and serving ideas to complement this popular party food.
Bread and Crackers
Having something to dip into the buffalo chicken mixture is a must. Some of the best vehicles for scooping up every last bit of this creamy and spicy dip include:
- Bread sticks – These baked bread sticks have a bit more substance than regular crackers and won’t crumble when dunked into the thick dip.
- Pita chips – Sturdy pita chips hold up well to heavy dipping and scooping.
- Tortilla chips – The quintessential dip pairing, tortilla chips offer a crunchy and salty base for the flavorful buffalo dip.
- Pretzel crisps – Thin, crunchy pretzel crisps bring a salty crunch and toasted flavor.
- Naan – Warm, soft naan bread is perfect for swiping up the buffalo dip.
- Crudités – Celery sticks, carrot sticks and other raw veggies balance out the rich dip.
- Bagel chips – These flavorful chips were made for scooping up chunks of dip.
Offering a variety of dippers and crackers gives guests options to build the perfect bite. Crunchy, sturdy crackers tend to stand up best to creamy dips without breaking.
Veggies
Beyond the traditional carrots and celery sticks, roasted, grilled or marinated vegetables are also excellent additions to a buffalo chicken dip appetizer spread. Consider these veggie pairings:
- Grilled zucchini – The char from grilling adds nice flavor.
- Roasted cauliflower – Roasting caramelizes cauliflower for added depth.
- Marinated artichokes – The tangy marinade complements the dip.
- Bruschetta – Diced tomato, onion and basil topping can be served over crostini.
- Roasted red peppers – Smokey and sweet peppers pair well with the dip.
- Green beans – Quick-roasted green beans have crunch and seasoning.
- Sweet potato fries – A lighter swap for regular fries.
The vegetables can be kept simple or seasoned with spices, herbs and other flavors that enhance the buffalo chicken dip. Grilling, roasting or sauteeing are all easy ways to add extra dimensions to the vegetables.
Fruits and Berries
Fresh fruits and berries add bright flavors and textures that help cut through the indulgent dip. Fruits with some acidity highlight buffalo chicken’s creaminess. Serve these fruits along with the dip:
- Apple slices
- Sliced strawberries
- Grapes
- Melon cubes – like watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe
- Pineapple chunks
- Mango slices
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Sliced kiwi
The juicy crunch of apples or grapes helps cleanse the palate between bites of spicy dip. Berries add sweetness and color to the appetizer spread. For extra flavor, grill or broil firmer fruits like pineapple and mango.
Crunchy Toppings
Adding crispy, crunchy toppers to the buffalo chicken dip gives guests layers of textures. Toppings add fun flavor bursts and visual appeal. Popular crispy toppers include:
- Crumbled potato or tortilla chips
- Diced chicken tenders
- Crispy bacon bits
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Diced red onion
- Chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed crackers like Ritz or pita chips
- Fried onion strings
Set out small bowls of any crunchy toppings so guests can customize their dip. Let people get creative with their toppings for a more interactive experience.
Other Finger Foods
Since buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer, serve it alongside other finger foods that guests can easily grab and eat. Some complementing finger foods include:
- Wings – Regular, boneless or lettuce-wrapped wings with ranch or blue cheese dip
- Meatballs – Baked Italian or Swedish-style meatballs
- Stuffed mushrooms – Mushrooms filled with cheese, spinach and seasonings
- Pigs in a blanket – Mini hot dogs or sausages wrapped in pastry
- Spinach-artichoke dip – Another hot, creamy dip to pair with this one
- Baked brie – Melted brie cheese with fruit compotes for dipping
- Deviled eggs – An easy classic made fancy with toppings
- Caprese skewers – Grape tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
- Sliders – Mini burgers on small buns
Pairing the buffalo chicken dip with an assortment of other handheld appetizers ensures there is something for everyone. The key is offering a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients.
Dips and Spreads
While the buffalo chicken dip will surely be the star of the show, having other dips and spreads makes for a more complete appetizer presentation. Options like these complement the buffalo chicken flavorfully and texture-wise:
- Ranch dip – Cool, creamy ranch is ideal for dipping vegetables.
- Hummus – Chickpea hummus and pita chips is a filling snack.
- Baba ganoush – Smoky eggplant dip with pita or veggies.
- Guacamole – Fresh, chunky avocado dip.
- Queso – Oozy, cheese-based dips for drizzling.
- Salsa – Tomato-based dip is lighter than the creamy dips.
- Tzatziki – Greek yogurt and cucumber dip.
- Spinach dip – Another hot spinach and artichoke blend.
The combination of heat and creaminess in buffalo chicken dip makes a great balance for fresh, bright vegetable dips like hummus, baba ganoush or guacamole. Opt for a mix of both creamy and lighter dips.
Side Dishes
Since buffalo chicken dip is so rich, you’ll want some fresh, lighter side dishes in the mix. Cleanse the palate between indulgent bites with these sides:
- Garden salad – Leafy greens with veggies, cheese and light dressing
- Pasta salad – Macaroni, veggie or fruit salads made fresh
- Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage slaw with citrus dressing
- Potato salad – Creamy chilled potato salad with eggs or bacon
- Baked beans – Sweet, smoky and saucy beans
- Corn on the cob – Grilled corn slathered in butter and spices
Sides like fresh salads, slaws or lighter pasta salads add balance. Hearty salads and sides can also turn the dip into more of a main meal.
Drinks
With its spicy creaminess, buffalo chicken dip calls for some thirst-quenching beverages. Cooling, refreshing drinks complement the zesty flavor. Some great pairings include:
- Beer – Opt for lighter pilsners, pale ales, IPAs or lagers.
- Margaritas – Frozen or on the rocks, margaritas tame the heat.
- Wine – Chardonnay, rose, white blends, or lighter reds like Pinot Noir.
- Iced tea – Sweet, unsweet, herbal and fruit-flavored teas.
- Lemonade – Fresh lemonade sweetens up the spice.
- Sangria – Chilled red wine punch with sliced fruit.
- Soda – Regular or diet coke or ginger ale cuts the richness.
- Spicy Bloody Marys – These infused cocktails match the heat.
Iced beverages, cocktails and lighter drinks allows guests to cool off between bites. Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices ensures everyone can play along.
Dessert Pairings
While buffalo chicken dip can certainly be a snack or light meal on its own, you may want to follow it up with something sweet. Desserts that complement the intense creaminess of this appetizer include:
- Brownies – Fudgy, chocolatey brownies
- Cookies – Chewy chocolate chip, peanut butter or sugar cookies
- Cake – Spice, carrot, angel food or sheet cakes
- Fruit pies – Apple, cherry, blueberry and peach pies
- Cheesecake – Rich and decadent NY-style cheesecake
- Ice cream – Creamy ice cream in flavors like vanilla, chocolate or coffee
Sticking with richer desserts that offer sweetness allows the buffalo chicken flavors to linger. The possibilities are endless for delicious ways to end the meal on a sweet note.
Conclusion
When making buffalo chicken dip for a party, pay special attention to what will be served alongside it. Bread, veggies, fruits, chips and other finger foods complement the experience. Lighter dips, fresh sides and cool drinks balance out the rich dip. And saving room for sweet desserts ensures you get the full appetizer-to-dessert experience. With the right pairings, any buffalo chicken dip will go from great to extraordinary.
