Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen arsenal. Trust me, once I made this dip, it became a staple for every game day, casual get-together, and even those surprise guests who drop by. It’s rich, loaded with olives, and topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust that’s just irresistible. Keep reading, because I’m going to walk you through every step so you nail it on your first try!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe uses simple ingredients that each play a vital role. By picking quality dairy and canned olives that pack a punch, you’ll get a harmonious blend of creaminess and savory bites.

• Full fat sour cream: Adds tang, rich creaminess, and helps keep the dip light yet smooth.
• Full fat cream cheese: The thick, tangy base that holds everything together; room temp helps it mix easily without lumps.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic injects a punch of flavor to brighten up the creamy dip.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving stringy, gooey texture inside and on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and a perfect golden crust when baked.
• Canned black and green olives: Their briny, slightly bitter notes cut through the richness, keeping the dip balanced.
• Kosher salt and cracked pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving the Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe can be, so feel free to play around with it to suit your taste buds. You can swap cheeses, adjust the olive quantities, or add in extras for a personal twist that makes it feel like your own masterpiece.

• Variation: I’ve tried adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet contrast, and it’s a fantastic addition that brightens the whole dip.
• Dietary tweak: Use lactose-free cream cheese and sour cream if you need to avoid lactose, but watch the melting quality.
• Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes kicked it up a notch during my last party, and guests loved the subtle heat blended with cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

Step 1: Soften Your Dairy For Smooth Mixing

Start by leaving your cream cheese and sour cream out at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes. I usually do this while prepping everything else—having them soft is a game-changer for a lump-free, creamy base. Trust me, rushing this part can leave you with clumpy dip, which no one wants!

Step 2: Mix Base Ingredients Thoroughly

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of your shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, plus a few generous pinches of kosher salt and a pinch of fresh cracked pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend it until it’s silky smooth and everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Olives

Now for the stars of the show—the olives. Slice or halve your black and green olives if needed, then fold them gently into the creamy mixture. I like to reserve a few whole olives aside for garnish, especially if I’m serving guests—it looks super inviting on top once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Transfer your olive-cheese mix into a greased 9×9 baking dish or a medium cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Slide it into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly. For that irresistible golden crust, turn on the broiler for just 1-2 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as it’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and pop on those reserved olives for a visual and flavor boost. Serve warm alongside sliced French baguette—or anything you love to dip, really—and get ready for endless compliments!

How to Serve Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by fresh chopped parsley for garnishing—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I also toss on a few reserved whole olives for that rustic, inviting look. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you’re into a little heat.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with sliced French baguette, sturdy crackers, or crunchy veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers. For a heartier spread, I like serving it alongside charcuterie boards—think cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit. It balances everything out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented this dip in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl which makes for a dramatic centerpiece. Another fun idea is to swirl in a bit of pesto or hot sauce before baking to add surprise layers. Presentation-wise, a rustic wooden board with plenty of accompaniments is always a winner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your first round, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it keeps well for up to 3 days, though the olives and cheese flavors deepen over time—sometimes even better! Just cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with good results. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container, but be aware the texture might shift slightly—especially the olives which can get a bit softer. Still, it’s great to have on hand for spontaneous gatherings.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warm and bubbly again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven does a better job keeping that cheese from turning rubbery. Add a quick broil for a minute or two if you want to revive that melty top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe is hands-down one of my favorites to bring everyone together around a table. It’s simple but sophisticated, easy to prep, and delivers big on flavor every single time. The creamy texture paired with the tang of sour cream, the melty cheese, and that hit of olives? Honestly, it’s addictive. Next time you want an easy appetizer that feels fancy and homemade, give this recipe a go—you’ll be glad you did, and so will your friends!

Print