363 dipping recipes

Rancheros are stuffed burger patties filled with American cheese and Ortega chiles, double-dipped in buttermilk and cornmeal, fried crispy, and topped with an easy-over egg.

Caramel-dipped apples decorated as witches with marshmallow eyes, candy corn noses, and paper hats. A fun Halloween treat kids can help make in under 30 minutes.

Texas caviar made with black-eyed peas, colorful bell peppers, jalapeño, and red onion. A quick, crowd-pleasing Southern dip or side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Crispy potato latkes loaded with shredded carrots and zucchini, pan-fried golden on a hot griddle. Serve with applesauce or cranberry sauce for dipping. Makes 36 latkes.

Homemade chocolate fondant candies made from a sugar syrup cooked to firm-ball stage, kneaded with unsweetened chocolate, then finished with pecans or dipped in white chocolate.

Smoky roasted eggplant spread with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. This low-fat appetizer dip is baked until silky smooth and packed with warm Middle Eastern spices.

Cucumber yogurt sauce with shredded cucumber, dill, scallions, and a splash of vinegar. A cool, tangy tzatziki-style dip that pairs with grilled meats, pita, or appetizers.

Beer-battered fried shrimp with a sweet and tangy apricot dipping sauce. The paprika-spiced batter rests for 30 minutes to create an extra crispy, golden crust.

Deep-fried ginger shrimp in a light batter with garlic, chili sauce, and whipped egg white. Crispy, golden, and served with the tail on for easy dipping.

No-cook peanut garlic sauce blended with fish sauce, red curry paste, and chicken broth. A quick Thai-inspired dipping sauce for satay, noodles, or grilled chicken.

Honey Dijon sauce whisked from three pantry ingredients: Dijon mustard, honey, and orange juice. A fat-free dipping sauce for shrimp that comes together in two minutes.

Bisochos (also known as Ka'ak or Crozettes), traditional Sephardic sesame-coated bread rings with anise, fennel, or coriander seed. Crisp, nutty, and dipped in egg before sesame.

Battered fried oysters with a simple egg-milk dip and breadcrumb or cornmeal coating. Pan-fried or deep-fried, then quick-baked for an extra crispy finish.

Banana French toast: a lighter take on the classic, dipped in egg substitute and topped with vanilla yogurt, caramelized banana slices, and maple syrup. A healthy weekend breakfast.

Steamed seafood dumplings wrap a delicate shrimp-and-scallop filling with garlic, ginger and crunchy water chestnuts in wonton skins, then steam them light and tender. Served with a duck sauce and hot mustard dip.

Howard Karten's salsa is a Mediterranean-leaning chunky tomato dip: peeled tomatoes, red onion, black olives, cumin, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. No chiles, no cilantro, all flavor.