What dip is good with bell peppers?

Bell peppers are a crunchy, sweet vegetable that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Their mild flavor makes them a versatile ingredient that pairs well with many dips. Choosing a complementary dip can make bell peppers an even more delicious snack or appetizer.

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What are the Best Dips for Raw Bell Peppers?

Raw bell peppers have a crisp, juicy texture that stands up well to thick dips. Some of the best dips for raw bell peppers include:

Hummus – The creamy chickpea flavor of hummus complements the sweet bell pepper. Classic hummus or hummus flavored with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes make tasty combinations.
Guacamole – The rich, creamy avocado base of guacamole matches nicely with crunchy raw bell peppers.Adding onions, tomatoes, lime juice and cilantro gives guacamole complementary flavors.
Tzatziki – This creamy Greek yogurt and cucumber dip provides cooling contrast to crisp bell peppers. Mint, garlic and lemon juice add zesty flavor.

Baba ganoush – Smoky roasted eggplant dip works well with sweet red, yellow or orange bell peppers.
Feta cheese dip – Crumble feta cheese into Greek yogurt and season with lemon, garlic and herbs for a salty, tangy dip.
French onion dip – Bell peppers pair nicely with the savory onion and sour cream flavors of this classic dip.

Ranch dressing – Cool and creamy ranch makes the perfect dipping sauce for pepper strips.
Blue cheese dressing – The bold flavor of blue cheese balances out the sweetness of bell peppers.

Tips for Serving Raw Bell Peppers with Dips

Here are some tips for serving raw bell peppers with dips:

Cut bell peppers into strips or slices for easier dipping.
Chill peppers and dip before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.
Offer a selection of dipping sauces like hummus, baba ganoush and tzatziki for variety.

Pair larger pepper slices or stuffed pepper halves with thicker dips like guacamole or Greek yogurt.
Match lighter dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing with thin strips or diced peppers.
Garnish dips with ingredients like olive oil, paprika or cilantro to complement the flavors.

What Dips Go Well with Cooked Bell Peppers?

Cooking brings out the sweetness in bell peppers. When paired with the right dip, cooked bell peppers make a flavorful appetizer or side dish. Good options include:

Cheese Dips

Queso dip – Smooth cheesy dip is a classic match with cooked bell peppers.
Cheddar cheese sauce – Sharp cheddar and cooked peppers are a great bite.

Beer cheese dip – This thick, savory dip complements pepper flavor.
Spinach and artichoke dip – The blend of spinach, artichokes and melted cheese goes well with peppers.

Creamy Dips

Sour cream – Plain or mixed with onions, garlic or herbs, sour cream dipping sauce pairs nicely with cooked bell peppers.

Greek yogurt dip – Combine plain Greek yogurt with lemon and fresh herbs.
Ranch dip – Made with mayo, buttermilk and ranch seasoning, this creamy dip complements cooked bell peppers.

Bean Dips

White bean dip – Pureed cannellini or great northern beans seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Black bean dip – Spicy dip with black beans, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice.
Red pepper hummus – Bell peppers accent the creaminess of hummus.

How to Serve Cooked Bell Peppers with Dip

Tips for serving cooked bell peppers with dip:

Roast or saute peppers before serving to bring out sweetness.
Cut peppers into strips or dice into bitesized pieces so they are easy to dip.
Warm dips like queso, beer cheese or spinach artichoke dip before serving.

Chill cream-based dips like sour cream, yogurt or bean dips.
Offer a choice of two complementary dips like queso and guacamole.
Garnish with fresh herbs, chili powder, paprika or pepitas for extra flavor.

Choosing Dips for a Bell Pepper Appetizer Platter

A platter of raw and cooked bell pepper strips or slices served with an assortment of dips makes an easy, appealing appetizer for a party or get-together. Here are some tips for choosing dips for a bell pepper platter:

Include a mix of simple and more flavorful dips like ranch dressing, hummus and baba ganoush.
Aim for a balance of creamy and spicy dips for variety.

Accompany hummus or bean dip with another creamy dip like Greek yogurt or cheese dip.
Choose dips with contrasting flavors and textures like smooth guacamole and chunky salsa.
Vary color with dips like green guacamole, red salsa, and white bean or cheese dip.

Serve 3-5 choices of dip so there are options but it’s not overwhelming.

Dip Combination Ideas for Bell Pepper Platters

Here are some tasty dip pairings and trios for bell pepper appetizer platters:

Dip 1	Dip 2	Dip 3
Hummus	Tzatziki	Guacamole
Spinach Artichoke Dip	Red Pepper Baba Ganoush	Feta Cheese Dip
Cheddar Cheese Dip	Ranch Dressing	Salsa
Queso Dip	Sour Cream	Pico de Gallo
Black Bean Dip	Guacamole	Mango Salsa

Conclusion

With their versatile flavor and crunchy texture, bell peppers are the perfect veggie for dipping. Cool, creamy dips like hummus, tzatziki and ranch dressing complement raw bell peppers. Warm, savory cheese or bean dips pair deliciously with cooked bell peppers. Offering a platter with a variety of dips and both raw and cooked pepper strips satisfies guests with different tastes. With so many tasty options, it’s easy to find the perfect dip match for bell peppers.