Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you love a dip that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe. I promise, it’s simple to whip up but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Trust me, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something snackable and satisfying, this dip will become your new go-to. Let’s dive into the magic of melted cheese and olives meeting in the most delightful dance you’ve ever tasted!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy, Tangy Base: The combo of cream cheese and sour cream brings a velvety texture with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the salty olives.
  • Balanced Cheese Blend: Mozzarella’s meltiness pairs beautifully with the sharpness of Parmesan, creating layers of flavor.
  • Olive Variety: Using both black and green olives adds complexity and keeps every bite interesting.
  • Simple But Stunning: Minimal ingredients mean it’s quick to make, but the result feels fancy and crowd-pleasing.
Cheesy Olive Dip, cheesy olive dip, olive cheese dip, creamy olive dip, party dip 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

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that beautifully play off each other. And here’s a quick tip — letting your dairy ingredients come to room temperature really makes mixing them easier and the dip creamier in the end.

Cheesy Olive Dip, cheesy olive dip, olive cheese dip, creamy olive dip, party dip 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 creaminess; using full fat keeps the dip rich and smooth.
  • Cream cheese: The base of our dip that creates that classic, velvety texture, best softened to room temp for easy blending.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor that wakes up the whole dip.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Offers a melty, gooey texture with mild flavor, perfect for the top and mixed inside.
  • Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty notes that deepen the flavor profile.
  • Black and green olives: Using both types gives a delightful mix of briny, salty flavors and textures.
  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: To season and bring all the flavors 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.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or who I’m serving it to. Feel free to make it yours with a few simple swaps or additions — this dip is incredibly forgiving!

  • Variation: I once stirred in a handful of chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky twist my friends adored.
  • Heat it up: Adding chopped jalapeños or some red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick if you’re into spicy dips.
  • Dietary tweaks: You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Make it extra cheesy: Feel free to add a little shredded cheddar or gouda to taste for complexity.

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

Step 1: Soften and Mix the Creamy Base

Start by taking the cream cheese and sour cream out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before you want to mix up the dip. This little step makes blending way easier and smoother — no lumps! Once softened, mix them together with the minced garlic, half of your shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, plus a few generous pinches of kosher salt and a good crack of fresh pepper. I usually use a handheld mixer or just whip it vigorously with a spatula to get it perfectly combined.

Step 2: Fold In the Olives Gently

Next, fold in your black and green olives. I slice mine in half so they distribute throughout the dip nicely without overwhelming any single bite. Be gentle here — you want to mix them in without mashing them, so you keep their lovely texture intact.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your creamy olive mixture to a greased 9×9 baking dish or cast iron skillet—both work beautifully here. Smooth it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. I always finish with a quick 1-2 minute broil to get that irresistible golden-brown crust on top — just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Room Temp is Key: Softened cream cheese and sour cream blend effortlessly, resulting in a silky dip.
  • Olive Presentation: Keep a few olives aside and add them on top after baking for a pretty garnish and an extra hit of salty flavor.
  • Watch the Broiler: The broil step goes fast — stay close and remove it as soon as the cheese bubbles and browns beautifully.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really makes a difference versus powder; the flavor pops!

How to Serve Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

Cheesy Olive Dip, cheesy olive dip, olive cheese dip, creamy olive dip, party dip 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 top this dip with some fresh chopped parsley — it adds a little color pop and a mild, fresh note that cuts through the richness just right. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the dip even more.

Side Dishes

French baguette slices are my all-time favorite for dipping—crispy on the outside but soft inside. But don’t stop there! Crunchy pita chips, sturdy crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks like cucumber or bell peppers work perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

When I serve this for parties, I sometimes put the dip in a rustic, shallow cast iron skillet and surround it with an assortment of dippers on a large wooden board. It looks super inviting and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. Another fun touch is to place some olives and herbs artistically on top for a gourmet vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cheesy olive dip, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to meld and actually taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with decent results. Just make sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir when reheating, as the texture might firm up a bit. It rarely tastes quite as fresh as when made fresh, but it’s a good option if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or warm it in a low oven until heated through. I recommend stirring every minute or so to keep the cheese from separating and to warm it evenly. Avoid high heat to prevent the dip from drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of olives in the Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe?

    Absolutely! While black and green olives provide a classic balance, you can experiment with kalamata, stuffed olives, or even tapenade for different flavors. Just keep in mind the saltiness and texture of alternative olives to maintain harmony in the dip.

  2. Is there a way to make this dip dairy-free?

    You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives made from cashews or coconut. The texture and flavor may shift a bit, but with good-quality dairy-free products, you’ll get a tasty, creamy dip that suits dairy-free diets.

  3. How long does the dip take to bake?

    The dip bakes in about 25-30 minutes at 350°F, just until bubbly and heated through. Then a quick 1-2 minute broil browns the cheese on top, giving it that perfect golden crust.

  4. Can I make the dip ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add the top cheese layer right before putting it in the oven to keep it fresh and melty.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels effortless but impresses every time. I’ve shared it with friends who always beg for the recipe, and honestly, it’s just plain comforting and fun to eat. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, invite a few friends over, and enjoy this golden, gooey, olive-studded delight — you’ll thank me later!

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Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for entertaining. It combines full-fat sour cream and cream cheese with garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a mix of black and green olives. Baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh parsley, it’s delicious served warm with sliced French baguette.

Ingredients

Dairy

  • 8 oz. full fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 8 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 oz. shredded mozzarella, divided
  • 2 oz. shredded Parmesan, divided

Produce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Pantry

  • 1 (6 oz.) can pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
  • 1 (6 oz.) can pitted green olives, halved or sliced
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • fresh cracked pepper to taste

Other

  • Sliced French baguette for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
  2. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Add the olives: Gently fold in the halved or sliced black and green olives into the creamy mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking apart.
  4. Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a medium-sized cast iron skillet. Spread the olive mixture in an even layer in the dish.
  5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the dip.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and set.
  7. Broil to finish: Turn on the broiler and broil the dip for 2 minutes or until the mozzarella on top turns dark golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with sliced French baguette for dipping.

Notes

  • Let the cream cheese and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy base.
  • Reserving a handful of olives to add on top after baking adds a nice presentation touch and highlights the olive flavor.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a rustic presentation option.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as it tastes best warm.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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