Irresistibly Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe For Game Day

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this cheesy baked olive dip as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that sparks instant conversation.

Warm olives mingle with melted cheese, creating a rustic sensation that beckons hungry guests.

Creamy textures blend effortlessly with sharp, briny notes from carefully selected olive varieties.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising a memorable starter that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Sharp cheese and rich olive flavors intertwine, delivering a sensory experience that transports you to sunny coastal regions.

Quick preparation means minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Why This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Is Always a Hit

• Dive into this Cheesy Baked Olive Dip recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
• Whip up this dazzling appetizer in just 10 minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute cravings.
• Suitable for game nights, potlucks, and casual parties, this dip offers a tangy, cheesy experience that appeals to both olive lovers and skeptics.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes to create a hot, bubbling dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking impressive results.
• Easily customize with different olive varieties or adjust spice levels, ensuring this recipe adapts to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for the Baked Olive Dip

Main Ingredients:

Cheese Base: – Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy foundation that provides rich texture and melty goodness, choose full-fat versions for best flavor and consistency.

Olives: – Green Olives, Black Olives: Briny, salty stars of the dip that add intense flavor and interesting texture, select pitted and well-drained olives.

Binding Ingredients: – Mayonnaise, Olive Brine: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and adds extra tangy moisture, use quality mayonnaise for best results.

Seasoning Ingredients: – Garlic Powder, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide depth of flavor and subtle heat, opt for dried herbs for consistent taste.

Optional Garnish: – Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that add color and light herbal notes, freshly chopped for maximum flavor.

Baking Up a Cheesy Olive Dip to Impress

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to 375F and grab a small baking dish or skillet. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive brine

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Introduce Olive Party

• Green olives
• Black olives

Mix until olives are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and smooth the top. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and the center looks bubbly and hot.

Step 5: Garnish And Devour

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tips for Melty, Flavor-Packed Olive Dip

• Boost Creaminess: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and better blend of ingredients.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, adding more for extra kick or reducing for mild flavor.
• Enhance Olive Flavor: Reserve a few whole olives for topping before baking to create visual appeal and intensify olive taste.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with foil if edges brown too quickly, ensuring even heating and preventing overdried edges.
• Serve Smart: Select sturdy dippers like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crisp crackers that can handle the dip's rich texture.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat This Dip

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm the dip at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• If the dip seems dry after reheating, stir in a small splash of olive brine or mayonnaise to restore its original creamy consistency.

What to Serve Alongside Olive Dip

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly cut through the dip's richness, offering a refreshing contrast to the salty, cheesy flavors.
• Toasted baguette slices, crusty sourdough, or herbed focaccia provide delightful crunch and absorb the dip's creamy texture.
• Serve alongside marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, or cured meats like prosciutto to complement the olive-based flavor profile.
• Prosecco or dry champagne add elegant bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, tangy dip.

Flavor Variations for a New Twist on the Dip

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and vegan mozzarella. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Swap oregano with za'atar spice blend. Add chopped fresh mint and roasted red peppers for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Serve with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or low-carb crackers instead of traditional bread.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Increase red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños. Mix in chipotle powder for a smoky heat that elevates the dip's flavor complexity.

Olive Dip FAQs You Might Be Wondering About

• Can I use different types of olives in this dip?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix green, black, kalamata, or stuffed olives to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.

• Is this dip good for a party appetizer?

Yes, this cheesy olive dip is perfect for gatherings. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and can be prepared ahead of time. Guests love its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• How can I make this dip spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

• What are the best dippers for this olive dip?

Crusty bread, pita chips, crackers, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell peppers work wonderfully with this creamy, savory dip.

Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean Cheesy Baked Olive Dip brings zesty flavors straight from Greece’s coastal kitchens. Creamy cheese and tangy olives meld into an irresistible appetizer that beckons you to gather friends and share delicious moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Cheese-Related Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (112 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Olive and Flavor Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup chopped green olives
• ⅓ cup chopped black olives (or kalamata)
• 1 tablespoon olive brine (optional, for extra flavor)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish and Serving (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
• Crackers, baguette slices, or veggies, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a small oven-safe dish with a light layer of cooking spray, ensuring even coverage and preventing sticking.
2. Create a creamy base by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise into a smooth, uniform mixture using a whisk or spatula.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating garlic powder, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the cheese blend.
4. Introduce a tangy dimension by mixing in the olive brine, which will intensify the overall taste and provide a subtle saltiness.
5. Gently fold chopped green and black olives into the cheese mixture, ensuring they are well distributed and suspended throughout the dip.
6. Transfer the olive-studded mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing the dip to transform into a bubbling, golden-edged delicacy over 20-25 minutes.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to settle and cool slightly.
9. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
10. Serve immediately with an array of dipping companions like crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

• Select high-quality olives for a more robust flavor profile that enhances the overall dip experience.
• Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery and losing its creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or mixed Mediterranean olives for unique taste variations.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and better ingredient integration.
• For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese.
• Kick up the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers.
• Prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during gatherings.
• Gluten-free option: Serve with vegetable sticks, gluten-free crackers, or grain-free chips for dietary accommodations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg