10 Dips That Double as Sandwich Spreads

We all know dips are perfect for snacking, but have you ever thought about using them as sandwich spreads? It’s a simple way to mix things up and add more flavor to your lunch. Dips bring a unique texture and taste, giving your sandwich a little extra something special. From savory to spicy, there’s a spread for every sandwich. 

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Classic Hummus

Hummus is a creamy, rich dip that’s not only perfect for snacking, but it can also serve as a fantastic sandwich spread. This simple, yet versatile spread is made primarily from chickpeas and tahini, creating a flavor-packed base that adds both texture and a slight nuttiness to sandwiches. It’s perfect for pairing with veggies, grilled chicken, or falafel in a pita. The best part is that it can be easily adjusted with different spices or flavor additions, offering endless possibilities to suit your taste.

For the basic hummus recipe, you’ll need canned or cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and a little water to reach the right consistency. You can also add spices like cumin, paprika, or even roasted red peppers to give it an extra flavor boost. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and quality olive oil to get the smoothest, richest texture. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can incorporate roasted garlic or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flair.

Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas, then place them in a food processor. Add tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to the processor and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water until you reach your preferred spreadable consistency. Once smooth and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice or garlic to suit your preferences. This hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so it’s a great make-ahead option for quick sandwich spreads.

Avocado Smash

Avocado smash is a simple and creamy spread that works wonders in sandwiches, offering a buttery texture and healthy fats that pair beautifully with a variety of fillings. The mild flavor of avocado serves as an ideal base for any sandwich, from a classic BLT to a hearty veggie sandwich. With a bit of lime juice and seasoning, this spread adds a refreshing touch to your meal without overpowering the other ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more nutritious fats into your diet.

To make avocado smash, you’ll need ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic, red onion, or fresh herbs like cilantro for additional flavor. For a bit of extra creaminess, some people like to add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you’re craving some spice, try adding finely chopped chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Start by halving the avocados and removing the pits. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth, or leave it a little chunky if you prefer. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper, mixing everything until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, then spread generously onto your sandwich. If you’re preparing it in advance, make sure to cover it tightly to prevent browning.

Pesto

Pesto is an aromatic, herb-based spread that offers a punch of flavor with its combination of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This versatile spread can add an Italian flair to sandwiches, pairing beautifully with anything from chicken and turkey to roasted vegetables and mozzarella. The richness of the olive oil, combined with the fragrant basil and sharp Parmesan, creates a spread that’s as complex as it is delicious. Homemade pesto can be customized with your favorite herbs and nuts, making it a go-to spread for any sandwich.

For a basic pesto, you’ll need fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. You can swap out pine nuts for walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or even try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist. If you like a creamier pesto, you can blend in a little ricotta or cream cheese to smooth it out. Always use high-quality olive oil, as it plays a significant role in the flavor profile of the spread.

To prepare, place the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor, pulsing until everything is finely chopped. Add the Parmesan cheese and continue to process while slowly drizzling in olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once finished, spread generously on your sandwich, or store in the fridge for up to a week. This pesto can also be used on pasta or as a dipping sauce, making it a great multi-purpose spread.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Creamy spinach and artichoke dip is a luxurious spread that can easily transform your ordinary sandwich into something special. Combining spinach, artichokes, and a creamy base of cream cheese and sour cream, this spread is rich and full of flavor. It works especially well with grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey clubs, or veggie-packed pita pockets. The savory richness pairs perfectly with hearty bread or soft rolls, making it a satisfying and flavorful option for your next lunch.

For this creamy spread, you’ll need fresh spinach, artichoke hearts (canned or jarred), cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. You can also add mozzarella cheese for extra meltiness and a gooey texture. If you’re making this ahead, you can store the spread in the fridge for up to three days. For a lighter version, you can swap out some of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Start by sautéing chopped garlic in a pan with olive oil, then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts, and mix them in with the spinach. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach and artichokes with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy, then spread on your sandwich or refrigerate for later use. This spread also works well as a dip for crackers or veggie sticks.

Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Spread

Garlic and herb cream cheese is a savory, smooth spread that brings a delightful richness to any sandwich. The creamy base of cream cheese, combined with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs, creates a spread that’s full of flavor but not overpowering. This versatile dip can easily be spread on everything from a simple veggie sandwich to a turkey club, making it a staple for those looking for a creamy alternative to mayo or butter. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples, making it a quick and flavorful go-to.

To make this spread, you’ll need cream cheese, garlic, fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, plus salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring in some freshness or even a dash of paprika for a bit of smokiness. Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to match your personal taste.

Start by softening the cream cheese to room temperature, then beat it until smooth. Add the minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, spread it generously on your sandwich, or serve as a dip for crackers or veggies.

Chipotle Mayo

Chipotle mayo brings a smoky, spicy kick to your sandwich, making it the perfect spread for those who love a bit of heat. The creamy mayo base combined with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers creates a rich and flavorful spread that complements grilled meats, veggies, or even simple turkey sandwiches. It’s easy to make, customizable to your spice level, and brings a whole new dimension to your lunch. This spread is also ideal for adding to wraps or burgers for a more exciting meal.

For the chipotle mayo, you’ll need mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. You can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on how spicy you want the spread to be. For an extra tangy flavor, you can also add a little vinegar or mustard.

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the minced chipotle peppers, garlic, and lime juice. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more chipotle or lime if desired. Spread generously on your sandwich or use as a dip for fries or vegetables.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Sun-dried tomato pesto is a flavorful, bold spread that’s packed with the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, herbaceous flavor of basil. This spread is perfect for adding a Mediterranean twist to your sandwiches, complementing everything from mozzarella and basil to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a deep, savory flavor, while the basil and Parmesan cheese bring freshness and creaminess. It’s an easy-to-make spread that can elevate any sandwich with its intense flavors.

For the pesto, you’ll need sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. You can substitute the pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick and balances the rich flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.

In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread it generously on your sandwich for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Creamy Mustard and Honey Sauce

The creamy mustard and honey sauce is a sweet and tangy spread that adds a layer of complexity to any sandwich. The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, and creamy mayo creates a balance of sharpness and sweetness that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a quick and easy spread that can be made in minutes, and it’s a great way to switch up your regular sandwich routine. Plus, you can adjust the level of sweetness or tang to suit your personal taste.

For this spread, you’ll need Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a hint of heat. If you want a thicker spread, you can use sour cream instead of mayo for a tangy twist.

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang with more honey or mustard if necessary. Spread generously on your sandwich for a creamy, flavorful bite that complements all your favorite fillings.

Spicy Sriracha Aioli

Spicy sriracha aioli is a bold, flavorful spread that brings a punch of heat and a creamy texture to your sandwiches. Made with mayonnaise, garlic, and sriracha, this aioli adds a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with anything from grilled meats to fried egg sandwiches. It’s a great choice for those who love a bit of heat without overpowering the other flavors in the sandwich. This spread is quick to make, and its spiciness can be adjusted to your liking.

To make sriracha aioli, you’ll need mayonnaise, garlic, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and salt. You can adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you want the aioli. If you like a creamier texture, a touch of olive oil or Greek yogurt can make it richer.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, sriracha, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined, and taste to adjust the heat level with more sriracha or lemon juice if needed. Spread it on your sandwich for a spicy, creamy twist that adds flavor and heat to any filling.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a rich and tangy spread that brings bold flavor to any sandwich. The creamy texture of the dressing pairs perfectly with the sharp, pungent flavor of blue cheese. This spread works well with hearty sandwiches, especially those featuring grilled meats like steak or burgers. It’s easy to make and perfect for those who love a strong, savory flavor in their sandwiches.

For the dressing, you’ll need blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of milk or cream to thin it out. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a creamy base that allows the blue cheese to shine. You can also add chives or parsley for a fresh, herbal note.

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic, then fold in the crumbled blue cheese. Add lemon juice and milk to adjust the texture to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then spread it generously on your sandwich for a creamy, bold flavor.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.