Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a warm, melty, and ultra-savory appetizer that combines briny olives, creamy cheeses, and a hint of garlic and herbs for a dip that’s absolutely addictive. Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers, this dip is rich, flavorful, and easy to make—just mix, bake, and serve with your favorite crackers, bread, or veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, salty, cheesy flavor with minimal effort
• Bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in under 30 minutes
• Easy to make ahead and reheat for entertaining
• Customizable with your favorite olives and cheeses
• The ultimate crowd-pleasing party dip

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese, softened
• Sour cream or mayonnaise
• Garlic, minced
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped green olives (like Castelvetrano or manzanilla)
• Chopped black olives or Kalamata olives
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream or mayo until smooth. Stir in garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Add olives: Fold in chopped green and black olives, reserving a few for topping.
4. Assemble and bake: Spread the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with reserved olives and a sprinkle of extra cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve warm with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 as an appetizer.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Add heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it meaty: Add chopped pepperoni, bacon, or salami for a deli-inspired dip.
• Go Mediterranean: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
• Try different cheeses: Swap in fontina, white cheddar, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until warm and melty.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese base.

FAQs

What kind of olives work best?

A mix of green and black olives gives great flavor and color. Use your favorites!

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Is this dip salty?

It has a bold, briny flavor. You can reduce salt by using low-sodium olives or balancing with milder cheese.

Can I use only one type of olive?

Absolutely—stick with green or black, depending on your preference.

What should I serve with this dip?

Crackers, pita chips, crostini, sliced baguette, or raw veggies all work well.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best hot and melty, but you can eat leftovers cold—it’ll have a cream cheese spread consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1–2 hours until melted and heated through.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.

How do I make it look extra fancy?

Top with extra olives, a sprinkle of herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil after baking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is the ultimate savory party dip—salty, creamy, melty, and packed with olive goodness in every bite. It’s easy to make, always a hit, and endlessly customizable for your flavor preferences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together or just want something warm and cheesy to share, this dip is a must-have on your appetizer menu.

Print