DIP IT!

This holiday season, turn any moment into a celebration with everyone's favorite appetizer.

- Samantha MacAvoy

Big Dip Energy isn't just the name of Alyse Whitney's debut cookbook-it's a whole personality type. "Big dip energy is magnetic," she says. "People are drawn to you, like chips to a bowl of dip." The Cosmopolitan food columnist and TV host believes anyone can tap into this trait if there's dip around. Dip is a communal, interactive food and a natural conversation starter, she explains. It can help even the biggest wallflower join the party. Alyse points to herself as proof: "I used to be more reserved at some get-togethers. But I realized that if I brought a dip, everyone would ask me about it. People were drawn to it-and to me." Here, Alyse shares four fun dip recipes to make for your next bash (hello, NYE!). No party on the calendar? No problem! Get one started with a delicious bowl of dip.

PIZZA YOUR WAY DIP

ACTIVE 25 MIN. ◆ TOTAL 50 MIN. PLUS COOLING ◆ SERVES 4

For white pizza dip

2 Tbsp olive oil

6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1 15-oz container whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese, at room temp

3 Tbsp Knorr Garlic & Herb Sauce Mix (half of 1.6-oz pkg.)

2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup plus 2 Tbsp) and divided

8 oz mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated (2 cups) and divided

1/4 cup basil leaves, for garnish

For red sauce pizza dip

Everything above plus 1 cup marinara sauce of your choice (mine is Rao's) For both An assortment of toppings, like pepperoni, thinly sliced onions, cooked crumbled sausage, broccoli, anchovies, or...pineapple Store-bought garlic knots, crostini, or pita chips, for serving

1 Heat oven to 425°F. Heat oil in small skillet on medium-low. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to brown, 1 to 2 min. Add oregano and crushed red pepper; cook until fragrant, 30 sec.