Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer that has become a staple at many parties and get-togethers. But what should you serve alongside this popular dip? Having the right accompaniments can take your buffalo chicken dip from great to fantastic. Here’s a look at some of the best pairings and serving suggestions for buffalo chicken dip.
Chips and Crackers
First things first – you need something to scoop that dip! Chips and crackers are the most common vessels for getting the buffalo chicken dip from bowl to mouth. Here are some great options:
- Tortilla chips – The quintessential pairing. Their ability to hold up under dip makes tortilla chips a perfect match.
- Pita chips – Slightly sturdier than tortilla chips, pita chips won’t fall apart halfway through a dip.
- Bagel chips – These crunchy, bite-sized chips stand up well to thick dips.
- Crackers – Look for sturdy crackers made from whole grains. Options like crostini, flatbreads, or multi-grain crackers work well.
- Veggies – For a lighter option, try swapping out chips for fresh veggies. Carrots, celery, broccoli and cauliflower are all great vessels.
When choosing accompaniments, opt for chips and crackers that will add crunch but won’t overpower the buffalo chicken flavor. Sturdier options are ideal.
Crunchy Raw Vegetables
Don’t underestimate the role that fresh, crisp vegetables can play alongside buffalo chicken dip. Here are some great veggie options:
- Carrots – Baby carrots are perfectly poppable and add color.
- Celery – A classic pairing with anything buffalo-flavored.
- Broccoli – The tree-shaped florets work great with dip.
- Cauliflower – Both the florets and sliced stalks pair nicely.
- Bell peppers – Go for a mix of colors for a vibrant veggie platter.
Vegetables are a smart addition to any buffalo chicken dip presentation. They lighten up the spread and add extra color and crunch. Try mixing up your selections for variety.
Dairy Dippers
Cool and creamy dairy products help balance the spicy heat of buffalo chicken dip. Here are some refreshing choices:
- Greek yogurt – Tangy and protein-packed, yogurt makes a lighter dipper.
- Cottage cheese – An unlikely pairing, but the small curds pair well.
- Cream cheese – A bit of block cream cheese is nice between chips.
- Sour cream – Dollops of sour cream cut the spice.
The creaminess of dairy products helps tame the heat of your buffalo chicken dip. They also add extra protein to help balance out an appetizer spread.
Quick Breads
Warm, crusty bread can take your buffalo chicken dip experience to the next level. Quick breads are ideal for dipping and soaking up that buffalo-y goodness. Try out options like:
- Cornbread – Warm wedges are perfect vehicles for dip.
- Biscuits – Flaky, hot biscuits will disappear fast.
- Rolls – Soft yeast rolls beg to be dunked in dip.
- Pizza bread – Cheesy bread sticks double as dippers.
- Pretzels – Soft baked pretzels are ideal for scooping.
Be sure to have plenty of quick breads on hand when serving buffalo chicken dip. Warm breads encourage dipping and snacking in a comforting way.
Crunchy Pickled Vegetables
Briny, acidic pickled veggies help provide contrast to creamy buffalo chicken dip. Some options to try:
- Pickles – Dill spears offer lots of crunch.
- Jalapeños – Spicy pickled peppers can stand up to heat.
- Banana peppers – Mildly hot peppers with a crisp bite.
- Pickled carrots – Bright orange and extra crunchy.
- Pickled okra – Its pods pop satisfyingly.
Don’t be afraid to set out pickled vegetables alongside your buffalo chicken dip. They cut through the richness and their acidity balances the spice.
Crunchy Leafy Greens
Cool, crisp leafy greens are an ideal way to lighten up rich and spicy buffalo chicken dip. Some great options include:
- Romaine lettuce – Sturdy leaves are almost cup-like.
- Iceberg lettuce – Scoopable cups with refreshing crunch.
- Kale – Sturdy leaves that hold up well to dip.
- Swiss chard – colorful stems add eye-catching contrast.
- Cabbage – Try red or green varieties for variety.
Don’t hesitate to set out crunchy leafy greens alongside your buffalo chicken dip. They add color and freshness to balance the rich appetizer.
Crisp Apple Slices
Tart, crisp apple slices are an unconventional but delicious pairing with buffalo chicken dip. The sweetness and acidity of the apples balances the rich creaminess of the dip. Plus, they add an extra serving of fruit to your spread. Try out apple varieties like:
- Honeycrisp – Very crisp and sweet.
- Fuji – Sweet and juicy.
- Gala – Mild and crisp.
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm.
Apples may seem unusual with buffalo chicken dip, but they’re actually a secret weapon. The sweet-tart flavor and crunchy texture complements the dip perfectly.
Crunchy Root Vegetables
In addition to leafy greens, sliced raw root vegetables make great vessels for scooping up buffalo chicken dip. Some crispy options include:
- Carrots – Try a mix of colors like purple, yellow, and orange.
- Jicama – Crunchy, juicy and slightly sweet.
- Radishes – Spicy crunch balances the dip.
- Turnips – Sturdy and peppery.
- Green beans – The crisp, fresh beans pair nicely.
Root vegetables add great textural contrast to the creamy dip. Their earthiness and slight pepperiness complements buffalo chicken perfectly.
Crudités Veggie Platters
For an easy pairing solution, set out a colorful crudités platter filled with raw veggies. Some classic options include:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Radishes
- Jicama
- Snap peas
- Green beans
Crudités platters provide crunchy vegetables alongside creamy dips. The variety of colors, textures, and flavors complement buffalo chicken dip perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Skewers
For a sweet counterpart to savory buffalo chicken dip, fresh fruit skewers make a bright, colorful pairing. Try fruits like:
- Pineapple – Juicy, tropical cubes.
- Strawberries – Sweet juicy berry pops.
- Grapes – Skewer green and red grapes.
- Melon – Honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon.
- Mango – Tropical flavor and color.
The sweetness of fresh fruits balances the spice and richness of the dip. Alternating fruits on skewers adds visual appeal as well.
The Best Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Dip
When serving buffalo chicken dip, choose accompaniments that provide crunch, contrasting flavors and even color. Here are some of the best pairings to try:
- Chips and crackers
- Raw crunchy vegetables
- Dairy dippers like yogurt and cottage cheese
- Warm quick breads
- Pickled vegetables
- Leafy greens
- Apple slices
- Root vegetable slices
- Crudités platters with raw veggies
- Fresh fruit skewers
With the right mix of crunchy, creamy, acidic, and sweet accompaniments, your buffalo chicken dip will be an absolute party hit. The variety of flavors, textures, and colors elevates this hearty appetizer. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected pairings too. The next time you make buffalo chicken dip, step up your dipper game to take it to the next level.