How to Build an Easy Summer Dip Board

Anyone who entertains wishes they could spend more time with their guests. To do this, you simply have to make some food in advance. Say hello to your stunning new entertaining BFF: the summer dip board.

Summer entertaining is often synonymous with grilling. But sometimes, you want to host a casual gathering with lighter fare and less fuss. Our crowd-pleasing summer dip board is perfect for grazing, and features delicious dips you can make before your guests arrive so you can actually enjoy yourself when they do.

Here are 3 delectably creamy dip recipes, plus our tips for creating a beautiful dip board to showcase them without much effort. When the guests are about to arrive, just pull out your premade dips — you’ll have to pop one in the oven — make your board, and you're ready to go.


Jalapeño Lime Crema

Jalapeño Lime Crema

This Mexican-inspired dip is limey, zesty and ready in a snap. Great for dipping with a variety of chips — or try it with veggies like peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes or celery. The spicy, bright flavors pair nicely with a cold, light Mexican lager or margarita.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Perfect on its own or for enhancing a backyard barbeque, this cravably-cheesy dip features a tangy and spicy buffalo wing sauce that goes perfectly with Crystal's bright and silky sour cream. Serve with celery, carrots or chips, and pair it with your favorite ice cold beer or chilled white wine.

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Creamy Spiced Bean Dip

Creamy Spiced Bean Dip

Ready in minutes, this dip boasts a complex, spicy flavor from the roasted chiles, cumin and cayenne. Try it with a variety of tortilla chips or a combination of your favorite veggies. In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, roll them up in a tortilla with rice for a quick, savory snack.

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Summer Dip Board

How to Build Your Dip Board

While you can let your inner food artist run wild here, dip boards tend to look great with very little effort. Start by placing your dip bowls on the board, then begin to arrange the paired foods around them. We recommend mixing in fresh produce with pantry items so it feels like a cornucopia.

Explore fun dip pairings like chips, crackers, sliced cucumbers, baby bell peppers, tomatoes, carrot sticks, celery, crostinis, fresh broccoli, cauliflower, radishes — whatever inspires you.

A few pro tips:

  • Consider your colors! Try to avoid placing two of the same color right next to each other for added visual appeal.
  • Mix and match shapes, styles and sizes of the vessels for the dips.
  • Make the board your own! Any board or large plate will work, but for more inspiration, there are endless options for you to choose your own style.