29 Dipping Sauces That Will Make Kids Actually Want to Eat Dinner

From cucumber slices to chicken nuggets, there isn’t much that a dip in cool, tangy ranch dressing can’t improve. This recipe lets the fresh herbs (chives, dill, and parsley) do the talking with a creamy buttermilk base.

Honestly, just calling something “magic summer sauce” is enough to get my kids intrigued and dipping their grilled chicken with abandon. Though a magician never reveals their tricks, I can tell you, this one is a combo of yogurt, mustard, and a teaspoon of sriracha, which you can tame down with more yogurt if needed.

What’s better than ketchup or mayo for fries? Not having to choose! This fry sauce combines the best of both worlds for a dip that’s ideal for fries, onion rings, and other fried foods. Skip the cayenne pepper if your kids are spice-averse.

Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a little bit of protein in this easy three-ingredient honey mustard that kids will love.

There is just no better dip for fried seafood than tartar sauce. Shallots, pickles, and capers create a zippy dipping sauce to serve with popcorn shrimp or fish and chips.

Yes, you can have Chick-fil-A sauce at home, thanks to this clever five-ingredient recipe that combines smoky barbecue sauce, lemon juice, honey, mustard, and mayonnaise. Now all you need is the pickle-brined chicken to go with it.

Why should lunch have all the fun? Kids can dip to their hearts’ content at breakfast, too, with this slightly sweet dipping sauce. Hot sauce is one of the three ingredients, but you can reduce the amount you use based on your kids’ heat tolerance, and it’s balanced out by maple syrup and ketchup.

Nutty tahini (aka ground sesame seeds) combines with lemon juice and fresh herbs, plus a splash of water for consistency, in this easy dip that’s a yummy ranch alternative for dipping raw or grilled veggies or for drizzling over salads and grain bowls.

This is a non-creamy dip that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for anything grilled, from pork chops to squash. For an extra layer of flavor, grate in some fresh ginger.

My kids adore shrimp cocktail; it’s their go-to request for a “fancy” dinner, and we find that homemade cocktail sauce is so much tastier than the store-bought version and extremely easy to make. Feel free to skip the hot sauce and scale back the horseradish if you need a tamer version for younger palates.

Raising Cane’s fans, this one’s for you: the creamy, tangy, peppery Cane’s sauce you love in the comfort of your own kitchen. Just add chicken tenders!

My teenage son swears by this recipe, which is like a dippable version of alfredo sauce, so good for dunking pizza crusts, chicken wings, or even using as a salad dressing.

Now when your kids ask you for fast food, you can actually tell them, “We’ve got McDonald’s at home,” thanks to this Big Mac sauce recipe. Spread it on your homemade burgers and blow their minds.

This cool, creamy Greek cucumber-yogurt sauce is good for more than just gyros (though it’s great for those, too). Try it on french fries, falafel, or alongside this Greek salmon.

Especially in the summer, when basil is abundant, you basically have to make a batch or two of classic pesto. Use it on easy pasta dishes or chicken quesadillas. You can make your pesto even more dippable by mixing in a dollop of mayonnaise.

If your kids are ready to branch out from the typical ranch dressing, try this tahini version of the dipping sauce, which is excellent as a salad dressing or for any of the applications where you’d normally use ranch — french fries, pizza crusts, chicken tenders, you name it.

Luscious and creamy without a drop of cream, this avocado dressing is fresh and vibrant — great for dipping quesadillas, veggies, or chips.

Ketchup is a classic, of course, but once your kids try dipping their fries in garlic aioli, they may never look back. It’s also delicious on sandwiches or folded into chicken or tuna salad for an extra layer of flavor.

This creamy peanut sauce is such a win for noodle bowls, lettuce wraps, or dipping baked tofu. Adding a little water helps this sauce achieve the perfect pourable consistency.