Warm & Zesty Baked Olive Dip Recipe for Party Perfection

Warm, gooey cheese and a baked olive dip recipe create the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each creamy bite.

Olives bring a tangy richness that makes this dish irresistible.

The combination of herbs and melted cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.

Guests love how simple yet sophisticated this appetizer appears.

Serve this dip with crispy bread or crackers for a delightful starter that sparks conversation.

One taste and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 296 kcal

Servings: 9

What Makes Cheesy Olive Dip So Addictive

• Full Fat Cream Cheese: Provides rich, smooth foundation for the dip with luxurious texture and tangy flavor; select high-quality brand for best results.
• Full Fat Sour Cream: Adds silky consistency and subtle tang; room temperature ensures smooth blending.

• Garlic: Delivers sharp, aromatic punch that complements olive's saltiness; fresh cloves offer more intense flavor than pre-minced options.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste; use sparingly as olives already contain natural saltiness.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and depth; freshly ground provides more robust flavor profile.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Create irresistible cheesy layers with melty texture and nutty undertones; shredded varieties melt more evenly.
• Black Olives, Green Olives: Contribute briny, Mediterranean-inspired taste; choose pitted options for convenient preparation and smooth eating experience.

Tools You’ll Need to Bake Cheesy Olive Dip

• Mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for blending ingredients smoothly.
• 9×9 baking dish: Essential for baking and serving the dip.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for grating fresh Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cutting board: For chopping parsley and slicing olives.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping herbs and slicing ingredients.
• Spatula: For folding olives and spreading mixture evenly.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Creating a Warm Cheesy Olive Dip Easily

• Olive Dip Preparation

Get ready to create a mouth-watering appetizer that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. This cheesy olive dip is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or just because you deserve a delicious treat.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together a dreamy mixture of tangy and rich dairy goodness. Combine the ingredients until they’re silky smooth, creating a base that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Olive Magic

Gently fold in a colorful array of sliced olives, letting their briny flavor weave through the creamy mixture. The contrast of textures will make this dip absolutely irresistible.

• Baking Brilliance

Pour the heavenly concoction into a baking dish, sprinkling an extra layer of cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. The oven will work its magic, transforming the dip into a bubbling masterpiece.

• Final Touches

Once the dip is hot and gloriously bubbly, give it a quick broil to create a crispy, golden topping. Sprinkle some fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve alongside crispy bread and watch it disappear in minutes.

Olive Dip Tweaks for Bold, Savory Flavor

• Expert Tips and Flavor Twists
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta to create unique flavor profiles that surprise your taste buds.
• Mix various olive types such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or stuffed olives to add complexity and depth to your dip's taste and texture.
• Sprinkle dried Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, or za'atar before baking to infuse the dip with aromatic Mediterranean flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick that transforms the creamy dip into a zesty appetizer.
• Prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, then bake just before serving for maximum convenience and taste intensity.

Serving Cheesy Olive Dip at Any Gathering

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange this dip as the centerpiece of a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer board with cured meats, crackers, and fresh vegetables.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crispy French baguette into thin rounds and toast lightly for an extra crunch that perfectly complements the creamy, tangy dip.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve warm in a decorative ceramic dish surrounded by tortilla chips, pita wedges, and crisp vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack during sports events or movie nights.
• Brunch Elegance Boost: Pair with a light salad and charcuterie selection for a sophisticated weekend brunch spread that will impress your guests with minimal effort.

Storing Cheesy Olive Dip Without Losing Quality

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dip maintains its creamy texture when sealed properly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the dip in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original melty goodness. Microwave works too, but might slightly change the cheese texture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire mixture a day before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop into the oven when ready to serve. This technique intensifies the flavor blend.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap the unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Creamy Olive Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Mediterranean olive dip emerges as a perfect appetizer for gatherings. Salty olives and smooth cream cheese combine to create an irresistible starter you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) full fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 oz (226 g) full fat sour cream, room temperature
• 8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella, divided
• 2 oz (57 g) shredded Parmesan, divided
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) can pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) can pitted green olives, halved or sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Whisk sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and fully blended.
2. Olive Integration: Fold black and green olives into the creamy base, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Baking Dish Setup: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
4. Cheese Layering: Pour the olive-cheese mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface and topping with additional mozzarella and Parmesan for a luxurious cheese crust.
5. Oven Transformation: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and edges begin to bubble, then broil for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, crispy top.
6. Resting and Finishing: Allow the dip to rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley to enhance visual appeal and add a fresh herbal note.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately with sliced French baguette, inviting guests to indulge in this warm, decadent appetizer.

Notes

• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheeses for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Olive Preparation: Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery and compromising texture.
• Broiling Caution: Monitor closely during the final 1-2 minutes to prevent burning, as cheese can quickly transition from golden to charred.
• Serving Suggestion: Warm dip creates optimal taste and texture, so serve immediately after removing from oven for maximum enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 296
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg