Top 10 New Dips for Elite-Level Snacking in Austin
From fried pickle dip to PERi PERi ranch heaven
By Taylor Tobin, Fri., Dec. 13, 2024
Fried Pickle Dip at Redbud Ice House
Smooth and tangy sour cream with an extra hit of acidity from briny fried dill pickles and salty Ruffles chips for balance make this the dish to get at Redbud.
Salsa Toreado at La Popular
La Popular offers a flight of excellent house-made salsas served with corn tostadas, and Salsa Toreado with soy sauce, roasted serrano peppers, orange juice, and sesame oil is the MVP.
Chocolate Dip at Chocolateria San Ginés
This Austin-by-way-of-Madrid spot still needs to tweak its churros, but the rich and indulgent chocolate dipping sauce served is reason enough to give them a try.
Crab Dip at The Marylander
A deeply savory and cheesy crab dip made by Maryland natives who know their way around a crustacean is exactly what you’ll find at this East Austin food truck.
Queso Dip at Yellow Ranger
I hate to play favorites with queso, but Yellow Ranger’s version with a sturdy allium backbone from black garlic and zippy spice from chili crisp just might be the one for me.
Pimento Cheese at Uptown Sports Club
Aaron Franklin’s NOLA-inspired East Austin hangout has one of ATX’s best happy hour menus, which includes zesty and smooth pimento cheese with pickled green beans for dipping.
Chicken Liver Mousse at Poeta
Chicken liver mousse is more of a “spread” than a “dip” ... but that didn’t stop me from swiping a piece of buttered toast through this luxurious and umami-loaded appetizer on the Poeta menu.
PERi PERi Ranch at Nando’s
The arrival of South African chicken chain Nando’s in Austin inspired plenty of rejoicing, and PERi PERi Ranch – a dipping sauce that mixes Nando’s famous lemony hot sauce with ranch dressing – is reason enough to celebrate.
Whipped Chevre Spread at Serenade
Soft goat cheese with onion oil and tomato jam plus fresh bread for dipping ... This Downtown spot clearly knows the way to my heart.
French Onion Layer Dip at Brass Poppy
When humble snacks like French onion dip get “upscale” makeovers, I’m always skeptical. But Brass Poppy’s French onion layer dip with hard-boiled egg, piquillo peppers, trout roe, and an optional caviar add-on is a tough one to dismiss.
