Nacho Average Nachos

These were such a fun way to vary taco night. We had different chips, different cheeses, and beans. I topped them with pickled onions and then we had salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and elote street corn.

Nacho Average Nachos
Ingredients: (for 4)

flavored tortilla chips (mine were some local ones at my grocery store El Nacho – Hot Honey, Mango, & Lime)
Refried black beans
1/4 cup white queso dip
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
pickled onions
salsa

Directions:
Warm the black beans and add a splash of water to make it spoonable.
Preheat the oven to 400-degrees.
Spread a layer of chips and top with shredded cheeses, queso, spoonfuls of beans.

Put into the oven for just 2-3 minutes to melt.
Remove from the oven, and build another layer. Add it back to the oven to melt and crisp.
Repeat for another layer and top with salsa and extra cheese.

Add pickled onions and any toppings you choose!
Enjoy!

These were really good. 3 out of 4 of us ate them. We had street corn, some tiny quesadillas, and more chips so there was something for everyone – always the goal. Later I thought about a spicy ranch drizzle which would be fun! I’d also for for chopped tomatoes.

These chips are amazing. They were a touch sweet but not spicy to us. Sometimes we get the tortilla chips made in house at the grocery store. The layers getting a quick chance to melt is the key to good nachos so there aren’t all naked chips at the bottom!

Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip with Honey & Pistachios

No need to like cottage cheese for this – I sure don’t! This dip is smooth, the way it should be. There’s honey and crunchy pistachios. Swap in hot honey or any nut or seeds.

Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip with Honey & Pistachios
Ingredients: (serves 4)

1 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons honey
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
dash of red pepper flakes
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped

Directions:
Add cottage cheese, half the honey, olive oil, and chili flakes to a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth.
Spoon into a bowl and top with honey and nuts.
Serve with crackers. Enjoy!

This is so good. It hits all the marks for texture, subtle spice, and sweetness.

Hot Chocolate Dip

I love dessert dips! This one was chocolate based and had some marshmallows and sprinkles on top. Add some graham grackers and you have s’mores! Swap marshmallows for peanut butter cups or a pb swirl! Ooo a raspberry swirl with chocolate would be great too. Nutella! The possibilities are endless.

Hot Chocolate Dip - The Three Bite Rule

Hot Chocolate Dip
Ingredients:

1 package of cream cheese
4 oz cool whip (1/2 of an 8oz container)
3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons chocolate ice cream topping
1 teaspoon chocolate sprinkles
1 teaspoon mini marshmallows
graham crackers or teddy grahams to dip

Directions:
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature and make the hot chocolate very concentrated and let cool.
Whip together the cream cheese, cool whip, cooled hot chocolate, and chocolate sauce.

Keep cool until serving.

Hot Chocolate Dip - The Three Bite Rule

Top with sprinkles and mini marshmallows and serve with dippers!

Hot Chocolate Dip - The Three Bite Rule

I loved this. The kids ate a solid amount and then just spooned up their leftover portion.

Greek Dip with Some Assembly Required

{originally published in 2012 and updated in 2024}

This is the easiest dip ever – no cooking involved…some assembly required. This one is a great alternative to not-as-exciting hummus. It would also be cute on cucumbers as little single bite servings!

Greek Hummus Dip
Ingredients: (serves ~4)

4 oz hummus
2 oz feta
1/2 English cucumber
2/3 cups chopped tomatoes
2 tbs Italian salad dressing
2 tsp Creamy Caesar Dressing

Directions:
Spread hummus onto a plate
Drizzle with Caesar dressing. Then sprinkle feta on top.
Chop cucumbers and tomatoes and toss with dressing.
Spoon (don’t pour) on top of the hummus
Serve with pita, pita chips, wheat thins, or your favorite crackers
Enjoy!

It is a nice alternative to other dips. It is light but filling. I’ve made the topping and assembled on-site when it was time to eat so I can attest to how portable it is.

Cost Breakdown

Hummus: $3.50
Feta $1.99
Cucumber $0.75 (English cuke $2.00)
2 plum tomatoes $1.00
Wheat thins $3.00
Total = $11.49 (for the dip & dippers to serve 6-8 for <$2.00) That’s even using an English cuke which is totally worth it not to have to peel it!

Parmesan Peppercorn Cheeseball

Cheeseballs are so easy and are best when prepped ahead. We had some apps for dinner with this cheeseball and the leftovers are great in lots of uses.

The Three Bite Rule - Parm/Peppercorn Cheeseball

Parmesan Peppercorn Cheeseball
Ingredients:

1 brick cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup grated parmesan, reserving 1 tablespoon
1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary & oregano, or Italian Seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup panko

Directions:
With a stand or hand mixer, mix together the cream cheese, parmesan, pepper, and a sprinkle of salt.

The Three Bite Rule - Parm/Peppercorn Cheeseball

Spoon onto a pice of plastic wrap and twist up into a ball. Let chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

The Three Bite Rule - Parm/Peppercorn Cheeseball

Melt and brown the butter, cooking for about 5 minutes until nutty and brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.

The Three Bite Rule - Parm/Peppercorn Cheeseball

Mix the brown butter with the panko and remaining parmesan. Roll the cheeseball in the brown butter crust.
Spread onto crackers or pieces of baguette.
Enjoy!

The Three Bite Rule - Parm/Peppercorn Cheeseball

I love the crunch. It was great on a hefty cracker. I later used leftovers on an egg and cheese sandwich and ohhmygosh, it elevated it. Put it on a burger! Spread it on toast! Use some on a turkey sandwich!

A trio of cheeseballs would be so fun with this parmesan peppercorn cheeseball, and this cheez-it crusted one, and this bacon crusted one!