Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

ByAmanda
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 21 reviews

If you love cheesy, savory dips that are perfect for any get-together, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, loaded with melty cheese, and studded with both black and green olives that give it a brilliant burst of flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it every time you need a crowd-pleaser or even a cozy snack for one!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy Balance: The blend of sour cream and cream cheese gives the dip a luxuriously smooth texture that’s rich but never heavy.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella and Parmesan combine for a melty, gooey top with a sharp kick that pulls everyone in for seconds.
  • Olive Variety: Using both green and black olives layers salty, slightly tangy flavor and keeps the dip interesting with every bite.
  • Simple Prep, Big Flavor: This recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients but delivers a standout dip that’s perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
Cheesy Olive Dip, easy savory cheese dip, olive appetizer dip, creamy cheese dip with olives, party appetizer recipes - A white rectangular baking dish is filled with a dish topped with a thick, even layer of shredded pale yellow cheese covering everything below. The dish itself is placed on a white marbled surface, and next to it is a striped white and gray cloth. The overall look is clean and shows the cheese layer ready to be baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe lies in choosing quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully, plus a couple of pantry staples that pack big flavor. I always make sure my cream cheese and sour cream are at room temp to get a creamy, uniform base that blends effortlessly.

Cheesy Olive Dip, easy savory cheese dip, olive appetizer dip, creamy cheese dip with olives, party appetizer recipes - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh full fat sour cream on a simple white ceramic plate, a thick slab of natural cream cheese on a white ceramic dish, two whole cloves of garlic with papery skins intact placed next to each other, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, another small white ceramic bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese, a few glossy black medium-sized pitted olives halved revealing their texture scattered near the bowl rims, a few shiny green medium-sized pitted olives halved showing their interior, a small handful of fresh bright green parsley sprigs arranged neatly, coarse Kosher salt crystals and freshly cracked black peppercorns sprinkled lightly in symmetrical dots on the surface, all ingredients positioned with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Sour Cream: Adds tang and smooths out the richness of cream cheese, making the dip less dense.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives the dip body and that signature velvety texture you want in a baked dip.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic injects a punch of flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Its meltiness brings stretch and gooey comfort to every bite.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that balances the mozzarella’s milder flavor.
  • Black Olives: These bring a mellow, briny sweetness and lovely contrast in color.
  • Green Olives: Slightly sharper and tangier, they brighten the flavor and add texture.
  • Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the components together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your preference, making it your own signature dip.

  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños gives the dip a fun heat — I tried it last game night and it was a crowd favorite!
  • Herbed Version: Fresh chopped basil or oregano stirred in adds a delightful herbal note, perfect for summer parties.
  • Dairy-Free Option: You can use vegan cream cheese and sour cream alternatives — just be mindful the texture might be slightly less creamy but still tasty.
  • Extra Crunch: Toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking add a lovely crisp contrast to all that melty cheese.

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

Step 1: Soften the Creamy Base

I always pull the cream cheese and sour cream out ahead of time so they’re at room temperature — usually about 30-60 minutes, depending on the weather. This is a little trick I picked up to help them blend perfectly smooth, without lumps in the dip.

Step 2: Mix All the Creamy Ingredients

Into a bowl, add your sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, plus salt and pepper. I start mixing with a sturdy spoon but sometimes switch to a hand mixer for an ultra-smooth blend. Just be careful not to overmix—you want it creamy but still with some body.

Step 3: Add in the Olives Gently

Fold in both the sliced black and green olives carefully so you don’t break them too much. I like to keep some whole or halved to save for garnishing—adds a nice visual and hint to what’s inside!

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Transfer your mixture to a greased 9×9 baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. For that irresistible golden-crisp finish, broil it for 1-2 minutes watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Don’t rush this step—it really makes a difference in how smooth the dip mixes.
  • Olive Size Matters: Slice or halve your olives uniformly for a pleasing texture and balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Broil With Care: Keep your eye on the broiler—it only takes a couple minutes to get perfectly golden and melty.
  • Presentation Tip: Hold some olives back to scatter on top after baking; it’s a simple trick that wows guests and highlights the olive flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

Cheesy Olive Dip, easy savory cheese dip, olive appetizer dip, creamy cheese dip with olives, party appetizer recipes - A rectangular white baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with some darker brown crisp spots scattered unevenly. Beneath the cheese, hints of creamy sauce can be seen bubbling at the edges. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth on the left side. The texture of the melted cheese appears smooth with bubbly areas, covering the whole top evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note that lifts all the rich flavors. Sometimes I also add a few reserved olive halves for visual appeal and that little extra olive punch.

Side Dishes

This dip shines with sliced French baguette or crunchy pita chips. For a heartier spread, I love pairing it with grilled veggies or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. If I’m hosting, I’ll add a charcuterie board alongside it to round out the snack lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to bake this dip right inside a rustic cast iron skillet and place it front and center on the table. Surround it with colorful veggies and a variety of breads for dipping. Another fun touch is serving individual portions in small ramekins with toothpicks and olive garnishes—so cute and perfectly portioned for mezze-style snacking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cheesy Olive Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you do this, the flavors actually have time to meld together even more overnight, which I find makes the dip taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Although I don’t freeze this dip often, it does freeze well for up to 2 months if you want to prep it ahead of time. Just thaw it gently in the fridge overnight before reheating. The texture might be a bit softer but the flavor stays intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a small baking dish covered with foil at 325°F to warm evenly without drying out. About 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. For a quick fix, zapping it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes works well, just stir halfway through to keep it creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best melty, bubbly texture.

  2. What can I use if I don’t like green olives?

    No problem! You can just use all black olives or swap in Kalamata olives for a richer flavor. The dip will still be delicious and cheesy with your olive preference.

  3. Is this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe good for parties?

    Definitely! It’s one of my go-to party dips because it’s quick to make, can be served warm or at room temperature, and appeals to a wide range of palates. Serve with bread or veggies, and you’re set.

  4. How do I prevent the dip from drying out while baking?

    Make sure to bake the dip uncovered to get the golden top but avoid overbaking. Also, spreading the dip evenly and not too thin helps keep that creamy texture throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those comforting dishes you can rely on anytime you want something delicious without fuss. I love that it’s simple but feels special, cheesy but balanced, and versatile enough to make it your own. I hope you get as much joy out of making and sharing it as I do. So next time you’re craving a dip that hits all the right notes, give this one a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Made with full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a mix of black and green olives, it’s baked to golden perfection and served warm with crusty French baguette slices.

Ingredients

Dip Base

  • 8 oz full fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 8 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella, divided
  • 2 oz shredded Parmesan, divided

Olives

  • 1 (6 oz.) can pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
  • 1 (6 oz.) can pitted green olives, halved or sliced

Seasoning

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Sliced French baguette, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded Parmesan, a few hearty pinches of kosher salt, and a pinch of fresh cracked pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  3. Fold in Olives: Gently fold the sliced black and green olives into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the olives.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a medium sized cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. Transfer the olive cream cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dip to create a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly.
  7. Broil for Color: Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes until the top mozzarella cheese turns dark golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with sliced French baguette for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy olive dip!

Notes

  • Ensure both the cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest consistency; letting them sit for 30-60 minutes works well.
  • For a prettier presentation, reserve a handful of olives before folding them into the dip and scatter them on top before baking or garnish after baking with parsley.
  • This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for varied serving options.
  • Adjust salt carefully as the olives and cheeses already contribute saltiness to the dip.
  • Use full-fat dairy for best texture and flavor; low-fat versions may result in a less creamy dip.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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