5 crock pot party dips you can make--and carry--easily

It's no secret that I think the crock pot is a miracle machine for busy family cooks, and not just for weeknight meals. Crock pots are also great for keeping big quantities of food at just the right temperature when you're entertaining, or especially when you're transporting goodies elsewhere. On behalf of our sponsor Crock-it Lock-it, I've put together 5 of my favorite, deliciously warm party dip recipes that are ready to take on the go. Crock-it Lock-it is very clever if you're a crock pot fan; it helps you seal up and carry your 4-8 quart crock pot easily, right along with the cord and a ladle. That means you keep all that dip deliciousness inside, and not all over your car. (Been there.) Then, when you get to where you're going, just take it off, plug in your crock pot, and set it to warm to keep your dip at the right temperature all party long. Even if you close the party out. What better way to start a round up of warm dip recipes than with this Hot Crab Dip (above) by Heidi from Foodie Crush spied on Go Bold With Butter. Anything that combines Old Bay, worcestershire, and melted cheese is okay in my book. I would skip the panko breadcrumbs on top since they'll get soggy during transport, but I guarantee this dip is so delicious that nobody will miss it.

Another party classic, this Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Dip from Spoon Fork Bacon will make you and your crock pot the guest of honor at any party. Instead of baking this dip, toast the topping ingredients in a pan on the stove top or on a cookie sheet in the oven until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Then scatter the crunchy topping over the dip in your crock pot when it's time to serve.

Not only is the crock pot perfect for warm queso dip, it's essential to keep the cheese melted throughout a party. Pepperjack is my favorite cheese so this version of Warm Queso Dip from Two Peas and Their Pod is calling my name. Packed with poblanos, cilantro, tomatoes, this dip is sure to disappear in a flash.

This hot White Bean Dip with Bacon from Our Best Bites looks totally mouthwatering and is pretty healthy, too. You know, relatively speaking. And if you want to kick the health factor up a notch or go vegetarian,  it's easy to skip the bacon all together. Though don't count on me to do that!

French onion dip has been a party staple since the beginning of time, or at least since those soup packets came to market. I can't resist a homemade version and this warm Sweet Onion Dip from White On Rice Couple will never make you take a shortcut again. In fact, it's been dubbed "crack dip" because of how addictive it is. Know that you're not likely to get a super crunchy top when making this in the crock pot instead of the oven, but the flavors will come together, in all their addictive glory, just the same.

Grab the Crock-it Lock-it crock pot carrier with one or two ladles (how big is that holiday party again?) on their site.