Parmesan Dip is a creamy, tangy dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, malt vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. Serve it with chicken wings, chicken tenders, vegetables, fries, or warm bread. For more party favorites, try my Caramelized Onion Dip and Smoked Salmon Dip.

Parmesan Dip for Chicken Wings

This easy cold dip comes together in minutes and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for game day, holiday parties, and casual gatherings. Malt vinegar is the unexpected ingredient that distinguishes it from a traditional Parmesan dipping sauce.

Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty flavor, while mayonnaise and sour cream create a rich, creamy base. Malt vinegar cuts through that richness with a distinctive tang, and garlic, basil, and oregano add a savory Italian-inspired finish.

Kelly’s Recipe Notes

I discovered this Parmesan dip after traveling to Vancouver, British Columbia, where my coworkers loved taking me to Earls. I found the recipe in Earls The Cookbook and was intrigued by its use of malt vinegar. That unexpected ingredient gives the creamy dip a deeper, tangier flavor that pairs especially well with chicken wings and other fried foods.

What is Malt Vinegar?

Malt vinegar is made from malted barley and has a robust, slightly toasted flavor. It is best known as a condiment for fish and chips, but its sharp acidity also balances rich, creamy ingredients. In this Parmesan dip, it creates a distinctive tang. Distilled white vinegar can provide acidity, but it will not reproduce the same malty flavor.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, smooth base for the dipping sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the mayonnaise.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides the dip’s signature salty, nutty flavor. Finely grated Parmesan will distribute most evenly.
• Malt Vinegar: Cuts through the creamy base with a robust, distinctive tang.
• Milk: Thins the dip to a smooth, dippable consistency.
• Sugar: Softens the acidity without making the dip noticeably sweet.
• Garlic: Adds fresh, savory flavor. Mince or grate it finely so it blends evenly.
• Dried Basil: Adds a mild herbal sweetness.
• Dried Oregano: Provides an earthy Italian-inspired flavor.

How to Make It

Note: This is a quick overview of the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list, exact measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

Step 1. Make the creamy base. Whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream together in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 2. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the Parmesan, malt vinegar, milk, sugar, garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano until thoroughly combined.

Step 3. Adjust the consistency. Add an additional splash of milk if needed to create your preferred dipping consistency.

Step 4. Chill. Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5. Serve. Stir the Parmesan dip before transferring it to a serving bowl. Serve chilled with chicken wings, vegetables, fries, or your favorite dippers.

Recipe Tips

• Use finely grated Parmesan so the cheese distributes evenly throughout the dip.
• Mince or grate the garlic finely to prevent large pieces of raw garlic in the finished sauce.
• Add milk gradually because it is easier to thin the dip than to thicken it again.
• Chill the dip before serving to give the garlic, herbs, and malt vinegar time to flavor the creamy base.
• Stir before serving because the dip may thicken slightly in the refrigerator.
• Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream if desired, but expect a slightly tangier flavor.
• Use roasted garlic for a mellower variation with less of raw garlic’s sharp bite.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store Parmesan Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Stir it well before serving.
• Serving safety: Do not leave the dip at room temperature for more than two hours. Discard any dip left in a communal serving bowl rather than returning it to the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise and sour cream may separate and develop a grainy texture after thawing.

What to Serve with Parmesan Dip

Chicken and other savory foods:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken tenders or nuggets
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fried pickles
• Jalapeño poppers
• Pizza slices

Vegetables:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Bell pepper strips
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Fried mushrooms
• Breaded zucchini

Bread and crunchy dippers:

• Baguette slices
• Pita bread or pita chips
• Pretzels
• Bagel chips
• Tortilla chips

Serving Suggestions

1. Hollowed Vegetable Bowl: Hollow out a bell pepper or small cabbage and fill it with Parmesan dip to create an edible serving bowl.
2. Bread Bowl: Create a bread bowl by hollowing out a round loaf of bread, such as sourdough bread. Cut the removed bread into bite-sized cubes and arrange them around the bowl for dipping.
3. Dip Platter: Arrange an assortment of dips in individual bowls on a platter and surround them with complementary dippers such as fresh vegetables, breadsticks, and chicken tenders.
4. Charcuterie Board: Add Parmesan dip to a snack board with vegetables, crackers, bread, and cured meats. My Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas includes more inspiration for arranging the platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy, tangy Parmesan Dip is an easy way to give chicken wings, vegetables, fries, and other party foods an unexpected flavor boost. The combination of nutty Parmesan and sharp malt vinegar makes this simple dipping sauce especially memorable for game day or casual entertaining.

I created a pin below for you to save to your dip recipes or game-day appetizers board on Pinterest so you can easily find this recipe again.

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