Entertaining doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be as simple as putting out a summery Chip-and-Dip Platter! Perfect for unexpected guests who drop by or when you need a quick but still impressive appetizer or snack, I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to put out a stunning chips-and-dips tray everyone will love!

beautiful tray with chips and salsa and dips

I love munching on chips, but I’ve got to have dips, and once you get into the world of dips, there’s so much flavor to discover. I love all kinds of dips and have so many great ideas to share with you.

Blank Form (#3)

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes sent weekly!)

There’s an art to building the perfect summery Chip & Dip Platter. Here are some things to consider. 

Read more: Summery Chip & Dip Platter
ranch dressing with corn chips and dips

Flavors

When building your chip and dip tray, be aware of the flavors. For example, if you have boldly flavored dips, like Smoked Salmon Dip or Fried Pickle Dip, you want to keep the chips flavor-neutral. 

If, on the other hand, your dips are less bold, then you can get away with flavored chips and crackers.

Themes

I love building chip and dip boards with themes. You can go Mexican, with Jalapeno Popper Dip, Corn & Chorizo Dip and a variety of tortilla chips. Or, go Italian with breadsticks, pita crackers, and veggies plus dips like Pesto White Bean Dip and Whipped Ricotta Dip.

oval platter of chips with hummus, ranch dressing, salsa, and peppers

Textures

Textures are important when building your Chip & Dip Platter. If your dips are thick and chunky, like this Carolina Caviar or Chipotle BLT Dip, then you need chips or crackers than can hold up to the dips. Look for kettle-cooked chips, pita chips or even Fritos over regular potato chips which are prone to breaking in heavier dips.

Think outside the bag! When building your chip and dip tray also include other dippers like veggie sticks, mini peppers, and other tasty finger foods like these Prosciutto Mini Pepper Poppers. Having a variety of dips and dippers will ensure there’s something for everyone, including anyone with dietary restrictions.

stuffed sweet mini bell peppers with salsa and hummus

Colors

The best chips and dips boards and platters feature an eye-catching selection of colors. Choose dips for their color and texture. Dips like my famous guacamole and this Cheesy Meatball Dip are colorful and bright and will enliven any chip and dip selection.

a large oval white serving tray

Assembly

Choose a platter, board, or serving tray that’s large enough to hold small bowls of dip and the chips. I love this Le Creuset platter. It’s got handles for easy carrying, and it holds plenty. 

Arrange your dips in small bowls on the board, then place the chips and other dippers around the bowls. My favorite Greek Yogurt & Dill Dip is below. It’s perfect for any occasion and is so easy to prepare.

oval plattter with chips and dips

Final thoughts

Your Chip & Dip Platter shouldn’t be a lot of work. The key here is to keep it simple. If that means you buy store-bought dips, so be it. Or, make the Greek Yogurt & Dill Dip below ahead of time. You can make quite a few other dips in advance, too. 

Vary your flavors, colors and textures, or build a themed board. Remember to include a variety of dips and dippers so that there’s something for everyone, including vegans and anyone who is carb-conscious. 

cheese stuffed mini peppers

Check out these awesome snack platters while you’re here

oval plattter with chips and dips
5 stars (1 review)
Leave a Review

Get the Recipe:

Greek Yogurt & Dill Dip

Build the perfect Summery Chip & Dip Platter! With tips on flavors, textures, colors and more plus a great dip recipe: Greek Yogurt & Dill Dip!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup 0% fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅛ tsp sea salt
  • Stuffed bell peppers, [see recipe on blog]

Instructions
 

Make the dip:

  • In a small bowl, add greek yogurt, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and sea salt and mix until combined.
  • Season to taste with more salt. Add fresh cracked pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Take your finger or the end of the spoon and swirl together. 

Make the tray:

  • On a large board, platter or tray, fill 4 small bowls with dips and salsa.
  • Next, cut mini peppers in half, lengthwise, and remove all seeds. It’s okay to leave the stems on.
  • Optional to make the Prosciutto Mini Pepper Poppers recipe, or just fill the tray with unfilled peppers.
  • In open areas, arrange the chips. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Reposted from July 2020.
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer
Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer
Calories: 32kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.001g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 46mg, Potassium: 42mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @reluctantentertainer on Instagram and hashtag it #reluctantentertainer!
Summery Chip & Dip Platter