Slow Cooker Dirty Martini Dip

📝Shopping list

To make this easy dirty martini dip,  you will need these simple ingredients:

• whipped cream cheese
• mozzarella cheese shredded
• blue cheese crumbles
• green olives with pimentos chopped
• sour cream
• green onions sliced
• olive juice
• garlic powder
• lemon zest optional garnish

🔪Instructions

This great recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing your slow cooker

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking

• 🍸 Add all ingredients except optional garnish to a greased slow cooker
• 🍸 Mix thoroughly
• 🍸Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, high for 1 hour (or until the cream cheese mixture is fully melted).
• 🍸Stir again and top with lemon zest (if using)
• 🍸Turn to warm and serve right out of slow cooker

🍽Serving suggestions

This savory dip is great served with:

• pita chips
• fresh veggies
• bagel chips
• tortilla chips
• pretzel thins
• crackers
• toast points
• sourdough bread
• soft pretzels

🔁Substitution ideas

• Not an olive fan?  Pretzel dip, creamy corn dip, or Texas trash dip may be for you.  
• For a lighter version crowd-pleasing appetizer swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a reduced fat cream cheese.  Swap mozzarella with a part skim version (the final product won't be as creamy).  
• Not a blue cheese fan? You can reduce the flavor by just using half of the blue cheese in the recipe. Or, swap with a milder cheese such as feta.

😉Hints & hacks

1. Freshly shredded cheese melts slightly better than store shredded.  But we all know I am way too lazy to shred it myself!  This dip is delicious with packaged shredded cheese!  I opt for a mozzarella blend that says it melts well.
2. To prep this party appetizer in advance, simply mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  You can store this in the refrigerator for a day or two prior to adding it to your slow cooker.  
3. Each crockpot is different. The first time you make this smooth cream cheese dirty martini dip watch closely to make sure nothing is burning. I have not personally experienced any burning issues when making this recipe, but better safe than sorry.
4. I generally recommend using a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up! They are not overly pretty, though, so I skip them when I am serving guests.
5. In the market for a new slow cooker?? I love mine!
6. Always double-check that your slow cooker is plugged in and turned on!  Nothing is worse than a cold crockpot! 🤪