Beyond Hummus: 9 Unexpected Dips

As a homemade hummus lover, I’m not often swayed by other dip offerings, especially unhealthful ones (apart from on the Super Bowl).

Fortunately, over the years I’ve amassed an archive of tasty dips based around nuts, herbs, non-chickpea beans, and even bread, and I thought it would be fun to share them with you. I like to have a dip out when friends come over, and most dips make incredible potluck contributions too. And, don’t forget that any dip can double as a spread. I love having leftover muhammara and black bean in particular, since they can really bring a cheese or egg or turkey sandwiches to the next level.

**9 Chipworthy Dips**

1. Cheesy White Bean Dip. Inspired by a restaurant standout I ate in Philadelphia, this hot dip combines creamy white beans with gooey cheese for an enigmatic dip best served with smoked paprika-dusted toasts.

2. Guacamole. Obvious, maybe, but every self-confident cook should be able to whip up some guac for friends in a pinch. Our recipe’s just a starting point - add your special touch, whether it’s dried cumin, fresh corn, or pomegranate seeds.

3. Muhammara. A rich, spicy-sweet Middle Eastern dip that piques the tastebuds and leaves you craving more. Serve with pita chips or toasted fresh pitas, or spread on a sandwich for an unusual twist on grilled cheese.

4. Romesco Sauce. Bread thickens and enriches this dip made with red peppers and almonds. For a change, dip roasted fingerling potatoes into the sauce instead of pita or chips.

5. Baba Ganoush. Often served alongside hummus, baba ganoush shouldn’t be a dark shadow or little brother anymore. Rich and creamy and based around perhaps my favorite vegetable, baba ganoush is best made in the summer-eggplant’s glory days.

6. Spicy Black Bean Dip. These days, chipotle in adobo is a mainstay in the pantry, but just as when we first started serving it, the smoky spiciness of chipotle always seems to register as a surprise. Go easy on the onion if you’d like to tame the dip a bit.

7. Green Harissa. This fresh mix of herbs, lime juice, and oil turns into a luscious green dip invented to complement meat or fish. But that doesn’t stop us from piling it on top of dips. It’s especially great paired with crackers and goat cheese.

8. Walnut-Miso Sauce. This vegan sauce gets richness from walnuts and olive oil, plus umami from a spoonful of miso. Try it with carrot sticks-raw or roasted.

9. Tahini Aoli. Simple fridge staples combine to form a creamy, exciting dip. Great on a plate with vegetables, beside sweet potato fries, and on top of falafel.