Fiesta Dip with Garlic Knots: A Festive Slow Cooker Appetizer
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, this Fiesta Dip with Garlic Knots Slow Cooker Recipe is the perfect choice. The creamy, savory dip combines vegan ingredients like pepper jack shreds, corn, and bacon bits with a medley of spices, all slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. Paired with freshly baked, golden garlic knots brushed with a buttery herb topping, this dish is ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Fiesta Dip with Garlic Knots: A Festive Slow Cooker Appetizer
6
servings15
minutes3
hours135
kcalIngredients
For Fiesta Dip
1 (8-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) tub vegan chive cream cheese or plain vegan cream cheese + 1 tablespoon chives
1/2 tub vegan sour cream
1 (12-ounce) bag vegan pepper jack shreds
1/2 cup vegan bacon bits
2 cups frozen corn
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Green onion (for topping)
For Garlic Knots (Dough)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons fast-rising yeast
4+ cups flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
For Garlic Knots (Buttery Topping)
3 tablespoons vegan butter
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon parsley
Directions
- Fiesta Dip
- In your slow cooker, combine the petite diced tomatoes, vegan chive cream cheese (or plain vegan cream cheese with 1 tablespoon chives), vegan sour cream, vegan pepper jack shreds, vegan bacon bits, frozen corn, garlic salt, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, and black pepper. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Once done, stir the dip again, top with chopped green onions, and serve warm with garlic knots.
- Garlic Knots
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and fast-rising yeast. Whisk together and let sit for about 10 minutes, until the yeast is dissolved and begins to bubble.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Mix well.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. The dough should be soft but not so sticky that it clings to your finger when touched. Add more flour as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then form it into a ball.
- Grease a large stainless steel bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and toss it to coat completely in oil. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly dust a large surface with flour and place the risen dough on it. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a rounded rectangular shape about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the dough vertically into strips about 1 inch wide (approximately 12 strips). Then, cut horizontally two more times to create about 36 smaller strips. Gently roll and stretch each strip until it’s 4-5 inches long, then tie into a knot. Place the knots on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each knot lightly with olive oil and bake for 12-16 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned on top.
- While the knots bake, prepare the buttery topping by mixing melted vegan butter, garlic salt, oregano, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Remove the knots from the oven and brush with the buttery herb topping. Transfer to a plate or platter, sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese, and serve alongside the fiesta dip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fiesta Dip with Garlic Knots is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. The dip’s creamy texture and bold spices pair wonderfully with the warm, garlicky knots, creating a combination that’s both comforting and festive. The slow cooker makes the dip preparation effortless, while the homemade garlic knots add a special touch that elevates this dish for any occasion. It’s a vegan-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it a hit with all kinds of eaters.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fiesta dip hot from the slow cooker with the garlic knots arranged around it for easy dipping. This dish is perfect as a centerpiece for a party spread, alongside other appetizers like vegetable trays or guacamole. For a heartier meal, pair it with a light salad or soup. The dip also works well with tortilla chips or veggie sticks if you want additional dipping options.
Tips for Success
- For the dip, stir well before serving to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined after slow cooking.
- When making the garlic knots, check the dough’s consistency while kneading; add flour gradually to avoid a sticky dough.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough for the garlic knots in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise, then shape and bake when ready.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the dip for a subtle smoky note.
This Fiesta Dip with Garlic Knots Slow Cooker Recipe is a delightful way to bring bold, festive flavors to your table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy snack, this dish is sure to impress with its rich dip and warm, buttery knots.
