Chips and dip are as essential to parties as extra ice and a delicious house cocktail. And because many dips can be made in as few as 10 minutes, making them from scratch is a low-investment way to take a gathering from great to unforgettable. 

Here are three recipes that do just that. 

Vidalia Onion Dip 
A potato chip's best friend, this classic onion dip is a guaranteed party game-changer. The key to this dip's rich flavor is the caramelized onions — be sure to take your time with them so their sweetness will carry through the entire dish.
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Avocado Aoili 
This eye-catching, creamy dip is a party food workhorse that goes well with crispy fried appetizers, as well as tortilla chips and freshly cut slices of vegetables alike. Better yet, this 10-minute dip can easily be made a day ahead, just remember to seal it tight in the fridge so it doesn't lose its wonderful color. 
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Spinach and Artichoke Dip 
Perfect for cold wintertime gatherings, this dense and hearty dip paired with some crispy toast points or salty wheat crackers will be a welcome addition to any holiday gathering. This recipe is easily adaptable to you and your guests' tastes: For a creamier dip, stir in 1/2 cup mayonnaise; for a dip with some kick, add a few splashes of hot sauce.
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Photo credit (Avocado Aoili): Maura Friedman