Dirty Martini Dip
Le Menu Noir
A dirty martini needs a salty accompaniment.
Serve this dip in a cheeky serving bowl as your guests arrive, like this cowboy hat. It’s an instant ice breaker and a welcome distraction if you’re shaking martinis to order. Or, make a batched martini so nobody has to wait.
You don’t need to follow this recipe to a T. I always find certain recipes are more of a guideline, much like ordering a martini. Adjust the ratios to your taste and the ingredients you’re using.
For instance, if the blue cheese is a little sharp or bitter, add a pinch of sugar to balance. Want it “dirtier”? Back off on the alcohol to make room for more brine. More savory? Add an extra splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce.
I’d also recommend tasting the dip with a potato chip. The chip adds salt and you can find the perfect balance.
Dirty Martini Dip
Serves 4-6
The most important tip: have a martini in hand. I don’t make the rules:)
Shopping List
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
4 oz sour cream or crème fraîche
6 oz blue cheese or gorgonzola, divided
zest of one lemon
1 oz gin, or as needed
½ oz vermouth, or as needed
1 oz olive brine, or as needed
a splash of Worcestershire
5-6 oz pitted castelvetrano olives
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
kettle chips or your favorite potato chips
Equipment
food processor
rubber spatula
microplane
Preparation
Combine the cream cheese and crème fraîche in a food processor. Blitz until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Pulse in the liquid a little at a time, alternating between the gin, vermouth, and the olive brine. You may not need all of it. Adjust the consistency as needed, tasting as you go.
Pulse in about 3-4 oz of the blue cheese. Blend until smooth or keep a little chunky, your preference.
Season the dip with Worcestershire, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Adjust with additional brine or salt as needed.
Spoon the dip in a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with the remaining blue cheese crumbles, pitted olives, and a crack of black pepper. Serve with potato chips and a gin martini.
