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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a small oven-safe dish with a light layer of cooking spray, ensuring even coverage and preventing sticking.
- Create a creamy base by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise into a smooth, uniform mixture using a whisk or spatula.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating garlic powder, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the cheese blend.
- Introduce a tangy dimension by mixing in the olive brine, which will intensify the overall taste and provide a subtle saltiness.
- Gently fold chopped green and black olives into the cheese mixture, ensuring they are well distributed and suspended throughout the dip.
- Transfer the olive-studded mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
- 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.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to settle and cool slightly.
- Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
- 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