If there’s a bag of Italian Meat Mix from the Italian Meat Mix Module in the freezer, this delicious Slow Cooker Hot Italian Cheese Dip takes only 5-10 minutes to assemble in the slow cooker. As slow cookers go, it even cooks fast – 2-3 hours. It can be finished even faster in the event of unexpected guests by turning the slow cooker to high; it will be ready in about an hour (just make sure it’s stirred often).

This easy dip captures some of the most loved Italian flavors – mushrooms, cheese, olives, and red pasta sauce – in a dip that is scooped up with either crusty breadsticks or slices of a baguette from the bakery. If there’s time, Quick and Easy Breadsticks can be made at home; they’re easy with an automatic bread machine but can also be made the conventional way in a mixer. Store-bought crisp breadsticks, found in the grocery aisle with the crackers or on the aisle with the Italian foods are also good dippers.

Serve this cheesy hot dip year round; include it as an appetizer at a summer barbecue while the main dish grills, a snack at a Superbowl party, or as part of a holiday buffet. Since it's orange in color, why not include it on the next Halloween "Boo-ffet?" The ghosts and goblins, along with everyone else, will love it!

12 Servings

2 cups Italian Meat Mix from the Italian Meat Mix Module
1 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 pound finely chopped mushrooms
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
4 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 2 1/4 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup sliced pimento stuffed green olives, drained

1. Mix the Italian Meat Mix (thawed) in the crock of a small (2-3 quart) slow cooker. If it’s frozen, microwave for a minute or two while the other ingredients are assembled
2. Stir in the spaghetti sauce.
3. Add the mushrooms, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese; stir well
4. Stir in the black and green olives.
5. Cover the slow cooker, set the heat to low, and let cook 2-3 hours, stirring about every 30 minutes, until the mixture is hot and the cheeses are melted.
6. Once the dip is done, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting and stir often.
7. Serve with fresh crusty breadsticks or baguette slices.

Note: For a thinner, saucier dip, add an additional jar of spaghetti sauce.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 285 Calories from Fat 190
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 67% Protein 18% Carb. 15%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 21 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 61 mg
Sodium 877 mg
Total Carbohydrate 11 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 13 g

Vitamin A 24% Vitamin C 13% Calcium 0% Iron 5%