Name: A Guide to Classic Dipping Sauces
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: For the Spicy Mayonnaise (1 Cup); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo; 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste); ¼ teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons whole grain or Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 cup sour cream; 2 to 3 chipotle peppers packed in adobo sauce.; Zest of 1 lime; Juice of 1 lime; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; ½ teaspoon salt; black pepper, to taste

Condiments

A Guide to Classic Dipping Sauces

Author: Mary DiSomma

The key to making a memorable appetizer for gatherings like game day, is all in the sauces you serve! A good sauce can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary with just a few drizzles or dabs on a sandwich or as part of a big game day spread with fries and tater tots (any store bought brand will make a fun appetizer for your party). Here are three of my favorites.

Ingredient Tips

So what are my three signature sauces? Today I’m sharing my Spicy Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce recipe, my Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce recipe, and my Spicy Chipotle, Sour Cream & Lime Dipping Sauce recipe! Each of these dips brings its own unique flavor profile to the table, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palette.

The spicy mayo dip offers a creamy base with a bold kick of heat, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a touch of spice with a smooth, rich texture. The honey BBQ dip combines sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, perfect for adding a delightful, finger-licking touch to your favorite snacks. Meanwhile, the spicy chipotle sour cream and lime bring a zesty twist, blending the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the coolness of sour cream and a bright burst of lime.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

You’ll want to consider investing in a warming tray to keep your tater tots warm and crispy enough throughout the party for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t have a warming tray, another method is to preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (90°C). Place the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents them from drying out. If you’re serving a big crowd, you can also consider serving the tater tots in smaller batches. This allows you to keep some in the oven and some on the plate for your guests to enjoy!

Extra Tips

If you have leftover sauces, you can add them to or serve them with other recipes like myBaked Crab Cake Bitesor myChicken Tinga. Another way to serve these sauces is with aGrilled Sweet Corn bar—any spread with different flavor options is a good place to start. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! Also great on french fries and sweet potato fries, by the way.