Looking for a crowd-pleasing, creamy appetizer that’s easy to prepare ahead of time? This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip combines the briny goodness of black and green olives with a rich, cheesy base, making it an ideal make-ahead dip for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a casual get-together, this olive cheese dip is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip
This dip is the epitome of comfort food, blending full-fat sour cream and cream cheese with minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The addition of both black and green olives provides a delightful contrast in flavor and texture. Best of all, it’s a make-ahead dip—you can assemble it up to five days in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. This flexibility makes it a go-to creamy appetizer for busy hosts
Ingredients
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8 oz (226 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
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8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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2 oz (57 g) shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
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1 can (6 oz / 170 g) pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
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1 can (6 oz / 170 g) pitted green olives, halved or sliced
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
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Add Olives: Gently fold in the sliced black and green olives, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
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Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish or medium cast iron skillet. Spread into an even layer.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
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Optional Broil: For a deeper golden brown top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with reserved olives and fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with sliced French baguette or crackers.
Tips for the Perfect Olive Cheese Dip
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the sour cream and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
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Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
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Olive Varieties: Mixing black and green olives adds depth, but you can use your preferred type. Kalamata olives, for instance, can provide a more robust flavor.
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Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the dip up to five days in advance and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, then bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time if needed.
What to Serve with Cheesy Baked Olive Dip
This creamy appetizer pairs well with a variety of dippers:
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Sliced French baguette
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Assorted crackers
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Pita bread
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Vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers
For a more substantial offering, consider serving it alongside other appetizers like Garlic Butter Steak Bites or Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread.Midwest Foodie+2Midwest Foodie+2Midwest Foodie+2
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.
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Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture may become grainy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat dairy products?
While full-fat sour cream and cream cheese provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, you can substitute with low-fat versions. Keep in mind that the dip may be slightly less creamy.
Is it possible to make this dip spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking to introduce some heat.
Can I add other ingredients to the dip?
Yes, feel free to customize the dip by adding ingredients like chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for additional flavor and texture.
This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a versatile, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Its make-ahead convenience and rich, savory flavors make it a favorite among hosts and guests alike. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this olive cheese dip is sure to be a hit. Buns In My Oven
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Cheesy Baked Olive Dip: A Creamy Appetizer Perfect for Make-Ahead Entertaining
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that blends black and green olives with sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s the perfect savory dip for parties and can be made ahead for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
-
8 oz (226 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
-
8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
-
2 oz (57 g) shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
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1 can (6 oz / 170 g) pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
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1 can (6 oz / 170 g) pitted green olives, halved or sliced
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Fold in sliced olives, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
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Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish or cast iron skillet.
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
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Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden crust (optional).
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Garnish with reserved olives and fresh parsley. Serve warm with baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
Let dairy come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
Substitute cheeses or olives to suit your preference.
Make ahead up to 5 days; allow to reach room temperature before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American