7 Dips You Need at Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Stephen Murello, Stephen Murello
You’ve bought all the tortillas you’ll need for the tacos and enchiladas, and you’ve readied the blender for frosty margaritas. But have you considered what to offer in your spread of starters? Look no further than this collection of party-ready dips ideal for Cinco de Mayo (or any other bash), complete with both classic and creative picks like creamy queso, tangy salsa and even something sweet.
It’s all about the mix of dried chiles and spices in Tyler Florence’s fuss-free salsa. He uses a blend of ancho, Anaheim and chipotle chiles to deliver both smokiness and subtle heat, while fragrant cumin offers welcome warmth. Just before serving, he mixes in a squeeze of bright lime juice to wake up the flavor.

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
The Pioneer Woman bulks up the tried-and-true chile-laced cheese dip with crumbled sausage for meaty, comforting heft.
Take it from the Barefoot Contessa: A recipe need not be tricky to deliver exceptional results. Her 5-star guac comes together with just a handful of ingredients, including a chopped tomato, which promises a juicy freshness in each bite.

Tara Donne, Tara Donne
Count ‘em: Rachael Ray has piled no fewer than seven layers of bold ingredients on top of each other to create the ultimate chip-ready dip. Two kinds of hearty beans, cool sour cream and chipotle salsa — it’s all waiting for you here
Warm and creamy, Trisha Yearwood’s big-batch dip can be made in a single bowl and baked in just one casserole dish. She opts for a mix of bold Monterey Jack and nutty Parmesan to deliver plenty of richness.

Reinvent classic guacamole with chopped tomatillos for a light, faintly sweet take on the original.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Bring the dip to the dessert course with Guy Fieri’s creamy chocolate sauce, made with Mexican chocolate for spice. He serves this quick-fix treat with fried cinnamon-scented churros for over-the-top indulgence.
Check out our Cinco de Mayo headquarters for more Mexican recipes and party inspiration.