5 Easy Ways To Take Gourmet Dips Beyond The Humble Cheese Board

Gourmet dips are a must-have fridge staple in our kitchens. Whether you're pulling together a last-minute cheese board, levelling up a toastie or looking for an easy way to elevate weeknight dinners, a quality dip does the heavy lifting.

Hailing from the beloved South Melbourne Market, Black Swan Dips have long been a favourite in the Urban List office—and now there's even more to love. The family-founded brand has just launched four new flavours in its Premium Crafted range, adding to its line-up of gourmet dips that span everything from smooth and creamy to fresh and zesty.

The Urban List team has already put the new flavours to the test, sharing how they dip, dollop and spread them to elevate everything from weekend brunches to grilled seafood.

Spice Up Breakfast 

There's no reason dips should be reserved for lunch and dinner. Project Manager Ellie Healan Smith says the new Crafted Basil Pesto with Cashews and Parmesan is the secret to an elite weekend brunch.

“We like to make breakfast bruschetta: pesto dip smeared on Turkish bread with a poached egg, haloumi and bacon, served with a salad mix of rocket, red onion and tomato on weekends,” she shares. 

Our Commercial Content Editor Bridget O'Donohue also loves to bake with it, using the dip as the filling for fluffy homemade savoury scrolls. With aromatic basil, rich parmesan and crunchy cashews, it's a shortcut to big flavour.

Top Up Savoury Bowls

A dollop of dip is the easiest way to finish a grain or protein bowl.

“I love using dips as a little dollop on savoury bowls, like a burrito bowl with the caramelised onion dip on top of the beef mince,” says Ana O’Keefe, WA Account Manager. “Or I like doing beef mince and sweet potato bowls; to be honest, all of these dips would be so yum on that.” 

Made with caramelised onion, balsamic vinegar, chickpeas and tahini, the Crafted Caramelised Onion and Balsamic dip adds sweetness, richness and a subtle tang without any extra prep.

Ellie agrees: “The caramelised onion also slaps on a homemade burger. Now I want one.” 

Put A Twist On Italian 

There's nothing better than a homemade pizza or comforting bowl of pasta on a cool winter's night, and the Crafted Chargrilled Capsicum and Sundried Tomato makes both even easier. 

Blending smoky chargrilled capsicum, sweet sundried tomatoes and crushed cashews, it's a simple way to add a hit of spice to any Italian dish. Spread it over a pizza base in place of tomato sauce or swirl it through freshly cooked pasta for a rich, flavour-packed finish.

Elevate Grilled Seafood

Whether you're firing up the barbecue or throwing together an easy midweek dinner, the Crafted Sweet Chilli and Lime adds a bright, creamy finish to seafood dishes.  

“The sweet chilli and lime flavour is so good with grilled prawns. I serve it as a dipping sauce or dollop it over fish tacos with avocado and slaw. It does all the work for you," says Isabella Jeffrey, Commercial Content Producer.  

Brighten Sides And Salads 

The basil pesto dip isn't just for brunch. Head of Commercial Operations Sally Herbert mixes it through homemade salad dressings whenever she doesn't have fresh basil on hand. 

“My husband basically uses this for any recipe that has basil in it, when we don't have it fresh,” she says. 

Urban List CEO Jacqui La'Brooy also recommends spooning it over grilled vegetables. “Try lemony asparagus with torn burrata, olive oil and the basil pesto dip dolloped around,” she says. Or for some extra kick, a generous dollop of the Crafted Sweet Chilli and Lime. You won’t regret it. 

Feeling inspired to get creative in the kitchen? Shop Black Swan Dips’ new flavours at Coles supermarkets and independent grocers.  

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Black Swan Dips and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.  

Images: Supplied.