Dirty Martini Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

This creamy olive and cheese dip is a perfect combination of rich flavors and tangy olives. Ideal for any gathering, this dish is a delightful blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, and pimiento-stuffed olives.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 fluid ounces gin, divided
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups sliced green pimiento-stuffed olives, plus 3 tablespoons olive brine, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Carefully pour 1 1/4 ounces of gin into the skillet and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, blue cheese, sour cream, and the shallot mixture from the skillet. Alternatively, use a hand mixer for this step.

Step 4: Beat the mixture on medium-low speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add 1 1/4 cups of sliced olives and 1 1/2 tablespoons of brine to the mixture. Mix just until incorporated.

Step 6: Stir in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: While the dip chills, prepare the olive topping. In a small bowl, combine the remaining olives with the remaining olive oil, gin, brine, and black pepper. Stir well and let it sit until ready to serve.

Step 8: When ready to serve, drain off some of the liquid from the olive topping, and spoon it generously over the chilled dip.

Step 9: Serve with crackers or crostini for the perfect appetizer!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	307
Total Fat	26g (33% DV)
Saturated Fat	13g (66% DV)
Cholesterol	58mg (19% DV)
Sodium	724mg (31% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	7g (3% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (5% DV)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	9g (18% DV)
Vitamin C	26mg (28% DV)
Calcium	220mg (17% DV)
Iron	1mg (7% DV)
Potassium	192mg (4% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Dirty Martini Dip is a playful and delicious appetizer that brings the flavors of a classic dirty gin martini to the table in a creamy, dipable form. This dip combines the briny, tangy, and salty notes of gin, green pimento-stuffed olives, and blue cheese, offering an indulgent twist on the iconic cocktail. Its an excellent choice for anyone who loves martinis and is looking for a unique dip to impress guests at parties or casual gatherings.

History of the Dirty Martini Dip

The Dirty Martini Dip likely originated as a creative variation of the popular dirty martini cocktail. The term "dirty" in a martini refers to the inclusion of olive brine, giving the drink a salty, briny flavor. As the popularity of dips and spreads grew in American cuisine, it was only a matter of time before the iconic martini flavors found their way into a dip form. Over the years, chefs and home cooks alike have experimented with turning their favorite cocktails into appetizers, and the Dirty Martini Dip emerged as one of the most popular and flavorful innovations. It combines the familiar flavors of a martini into a creamy, spreadable format, perfect for sharing.

Regional Variations

While the Dirty Martini Dip is most commonly associated with American cuisine, regional variations can occur based on local preferences. In areas where olives and gin are particularly popular, such as California or the Mediterranean, the dip may feature more robust, artisanal olives or regional gin varieties. Some variations even swap out gin for vodka or add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. However, the core of the dip remains consistent: a blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, olives, and gin, making it a universally appealing appetizer.

How It Differs from Similar Dips

What sets the Dirty Martini Dip apart from other savory dips is its strong flavor profile, influenced by the olive brine and gin. Most cheese-based dips lean heavily on creamy textures and mild flavors, but this dip embraces a salty, tangy, and slightly boozy flavor, reminiscent of its cocktail inspiration. Unlike typical creamy dips, which are often served with a variety of vegetables or chips, the Dirty Martini Dip stands out as a martini-inspired spread, making it a conversation starter at parties. The addition of blue cheese also adds a pungent, savory kick that other creamy dips dont typically have.

Where to Serve Dirty Martini Dip

Dirty Martini Dip is ideal for serving at cocktail parties, casual gatherings, or any event where a fun, themed appetizer is appropriate. Its bold flavors make it a perfect match for crackers, crostini, or even vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with other appetizers like shrimp cocktails or charcuterie boards. The dip can also be served as part of a larger spread during holiday gatherings, especially around the holidays when people indulge in both cocktails and savory treats. Because its so unique, it often becomes the star of the appetizer table.

Interesting Facts

• The term "dirty" in a martini refers to the inclusion of olive brine, which gives the cocktail its signature salty flavor.
• Olives have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
• Blue cheese, a key ingredient in this dip, has a strong, tangy flavor that complements the briny olives and gin, creating a distinct taste thats hard to forget.
• In recent years, cocktail-inspired dips like the Dirty Martini Dip have gained popularity on social media, with people posting their own unique takes on these boozy appetizers.

Whether youre hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just looking to try something new, the Dirty Martini Dip is a memorable and flavorful option that will have your guests talking. It combines the best of a classic cocktail with the creamy texture of a dip, creating a unique, tasty treat thats perfect for any occasion.

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