Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, creamy, and irresistibly savory dip, you’re going to love this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I’ve whipped up countless times for gatherings—simple enough to make in under an hour, and every time it’s a hit. Imagine warm, melty cheese mingling with briny olives and a hint of garlic—that combo always wins me over, and I bet you’ll feel the same.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe plays a key role to make it creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Here’s what you need to know when grabbing your ingredients and why I love them all together.

• Full fat sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture, which balances the richness of the cream cheese beautifully.
• Full fat cream cheese: The rich and creamy backbone of the dip that melts into dreamy goodness.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves give just the right hint of savory depth—don’t skip this part!
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into stringy, gooey perfection and creates a luscious layer on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to contrast with the mild mozzarella.
• Black olives (pitted): Their mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the sharper green olives.
• Green olives (pitted): Bring a briny punch that wakes up every bite.
• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Seasoning is key—these help bring all those flavors into harmony.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making a recipe your own—and this Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe is perfect for that! You can easily adjust it based on what you like or have on hand. I usually toss in extras that catch my eye or swap cheeses depending on my mood.

• Variation: Once, I added a bit of chopped roasted red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness—it was a total crowd-pleaser and super easy!
• Dietary Mod: For a lighter dip, try replacing half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt; just expect a slightly tangier taste.
• Seasonal Change: In cooler months, adding a pinch of smoked paprika gives this dip a cozy, smoky warmth that feels just right.

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

Step 1: Bring dairy to room temperature

This little step makes a huge difference. Take your sour cream and cream cheese out 30-60 minutes ahead so they soften nicely. If you try mixing cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, you’ll fight a lumpy mess. Trust me, the dip blends so much easier when all your dairy is soft and easy to stir.

Step 2: Mix your base with garlic and cheese

In a bowl, combine the softened sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of your shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer here to get it really well combined, but a sturdy spatula works too.

Step 3: Fold in the olives gently

Now, gently fold in the sliced black and green olives. Be gentle here to keep some of those olive slices intact—they make the dip look so inviting once baked.

Step 4: Bake and broil for perfection

Transfer your dip to a greased 9×9 baking dish or a nice cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and hot through. For that irresistible golden brown, broil on high for 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. That toasty cheesy top? Pure magic.

How to Serve Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—its bright color freshens up the rich dip and adds just a hint of herbal brightness. Sometimes I toss on those reserved olives too for that extra “wow” factor when guests walk in.

Side Dishes

For dipping, nothing beats a crusty sliced French baguette. Soft pita chips and crunchy crackers work beautifully too. And if I’m feeling fancy, I serve alongside sliced fresh veggies like cucumbers and red bell peppers for a nice textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a game day party, I baked the dip right inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf—guests loved tearing off the bread chunks dipped in cheesy goodness. It’s a clever way to serve, cuts down on dishes, and looks way fancier than it is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy olive dip keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When refrigerated, it’ll firm up a bit but still tastes amazing. Before storing, let it cool completely to avoid condensation messing with texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip once, but I recommend only freezing for up to a month. The texture changes slightly—expect it to be less creamy once thawed, but still delicious when reheated. Freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before popping it back in the oven for that fresh baked feel. Avoid microwaving when possible—it can make the cheese separate a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Olive Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s wonderfully simple yet so impressive. I’ve served it at everything from casual movie nights to holiday parties, and it always gets asked for seconds. Give it a try next time you want an effortless appetizer that comforts like a hug and impresses like you spent hours. I’m confident you’ll find it becoming your go-to dip too!

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