Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhile flipping through my recipe book one evening, I stumbled upon a gem that caught my eye: the 30 Minute Cheesy Baked Olive Dip. With its creamy texture and robust olive flavor, this appetizer promises to be a hit at any gathering. What’s more, it can be prepped up to five days in advance, giving you the freedom to enjoy the party rather than being tethered to the oven. Whether you’re stirring it together for a cozy night in or to impress guests, this dip is a perfect crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire. Ready to whip up a dish that’s sure to steal the show? Let’s dive in! Why Will You Love This Dip? Creamy, Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sour cream and cream cheese creates a silky texture that simply melts in your mouth. Briny Goodness: Packed with two varieties of olives, this dip offers a distinctively tangy flavor that elevates your appetizer game. Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings without sacrificing flavor. Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare it up to five days in advance—a game changer for entertaining friends, letting you focus on enjoying their company, much like with delicious Baked Garlic Parmesan. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether served with fresh veggies or crusty bread, this dish promises to leave a lasting impression at any event! Versatile Variations: Feel free to mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for a unique twist, making every batch your own. Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Ingredients • Get ready to create a crowd-favorite! For the Dip 8 oz. full fat sour cream – Creaminess and tanginess; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. 8 oz. full fat cream cheese – Adds richness and body; also best at room temperature for smooth blending. 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances flavor; feel free to substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable. 8 oz. shredded mozzarella, divided – Provides stretchy, gooey texture; can use low-fat cheese for a lighter version. 2 oz. shredded Parmesan, divided – Adds savory depth; substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino. 1 (6 oz.) can pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced – Briny flavor; can swap for green olives if desired. 1 (6 oz.) can pitted green olives, halved or sliced – Additional briny taste; optional to increase/decrease based on preference. Kosher salt – Balances flavors; adjust based on the saltiness of olives. Fresh cracked pepper – Adds subtle heat; optional as per taste preference. Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Aesthetic appeal and fresh flavor; optional. Enjoy crafting this delightful Cheesy Baked Olive Dip that’s guaranteed to impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown top. While the oven warms up, gather your mixing bowl and spatula, preparing for the next steps. Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature sour cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Use your spatula to mix until the ingredients are smooth and well blended, taking about 2-3 minutes. As the mixture becomes creamy, fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan, creating a delightful cheesy base for your dip. Step 3: Incorporate the Olives Gently fold in the sliced black and green olives into the creamy mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. Take care to keep the texture light and fluffy, avoiding over-mixing. This step enhances the overall briny flavor profile of your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip, making it irresistibly delicious. Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish Transfer the olive mixture to a greased 9×9 baking dish or a medium cast iron skillet, ensuring it’s spread evenly across the bottom. This step allows for even heating and a beautiful presentation once baked. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before moving on to the next step! Step 5: Add the Topping Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top of the olive mixture. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey layer that’s hard to resist. Make sure it’s evenly covered to achieve that picture-perfect golden finish when baked. Step 6: Bake the Dip Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start bubbling and the top turns a lovely golden brown. During this time, the aromas will surround your kitchen, making your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip a temptation for anyone nearby. Step 7: Broil for the Perfect Finish To achieve that irresistible crust, switch to the broil setting for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning; you want the cheese to caramelize to a dark golden brown. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to your dip. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once finished, carefully remove the Cheesy Baked Olive Dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an appealing touch of color. Serve warm alongside crispy crostini, sliced baguette, or veggies to soak up all that creamy goodness! What to Serve with 30 Minute Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Imagine a cozy gathering where everyone dips into the creamy bliss of your oven-baked olive dip, creating moments filled with laughter and joy. Crispy Crostini: The perfect base for this dip, crostini adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully. Buttery Crackers: Their mild flavor and satisfying crunch make buttery crackers an inviting choice alongside the dip, enhancing every bite. Fresh Veggie Sticks: Crisp cucumber or bell pepper sticks provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the dip while offering a healthy option. Sliced French Baguette: Warm, crusty baguette slices evoke a French café ambiance, inviting your guests to scoop up the dip with rustic charm. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully, cutting through the creaminess and elevating the entire experience. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: With their earthy flavor and hearty texture, stuffed mushrooms bring a warm, savory touch to your appetizer spread, creating harmony with every flavor. Mini Caprese Skewers: These vibrant, bite-sized treats offer a delightful burst of freshness with tomatoes and mozzarella, making them a colorful addition to your table. Chocolate Fondue: For a sweet finale, a chocolate fondue can create an exciting contrast, inviting a playful and indulgent end to the gathering. Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dip mixture up to 5 days in advance by following the first five steps of the recipe, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This way, the flavors have time to meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste when baked. Just remember to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed for 25-30 minutes, then broil for a crunchy finish. This convenient prep method saves you time, so you can focus on enjoying your gathering! Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe as you explore exciting twists that will delight your taste buds! Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to elevate the flavor and make it aromatic. The freshness enhances every bite and makes your dip even more inviting. Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you’re craving a touch of heat. This vibrant twist will get your taste buds dancing and add an exciting layer to your dip. Creamy Pesto: Incorporate a few tablespoons of pesto sauce for a rich, herby twist. This addition not only boosts flavor but also gives your dip a gorgeous green hue, making it visually striking as well. Vegetarian Delight: Blend in some spinach or artichokes for a nutritious spin on this classic. These ingredients will bring extra texture and a pop of color, making your appetizer even heartier. Cheesy Cauliflower: Substitute half of the cream cheese with cauliflower puree for a lighter version. This swap keeps the dip creamy while adding a veggie boost, perfect for health-conscious guests. Mediterranean Vibes: Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. The brininess pairs wonderfully with olives, creating a flavor explosion. Protein-Packed: For a heartier option, fold in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey. This variation makes it a fulfilling dish—great for gatherings or game day snacks! You can experiment with these variations just like you might with a comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli or a delightful Baked Pesto Salmon. The key is to find the perfect combination for you and your guests. Let’s have fun in the kitchen! How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Fridge: Store any leftovers of your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze the dip, prepare it in advance but do not bake it. Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, allowing it to stay preserved for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen for an additional 10–15 minutes at 350°F, or thaw in the fridge overnight before baking until warmed through and bubbly. Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare the dip up to 5 days in advance; just remember to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake! Expert Tips for Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for a flawless blend and creamy texture in your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip. Visual Appeal: Reserve a few olives to sprinkle on top of the dip before baking for a beautiful, appetizing look that will impress your guests. Make-Ahead Magic: Prep your dip up to five days in advance, making entertaining stress-free. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh before serving. Draining Olives: Drain your olives well to prevent excess moisture from making the dip watery. This will keep the texture creamy and cohesive. Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to swap the cheeses based on your preference or dietary needs—try low-fat options or different hard cheeses for a unique twist. Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe FAQs What is the best way to choose ripe olives for the dip? Absolutely! When selecting olives, look for ones that are firm and plump, without any dark spots or blemishes. The olives should not be overly soft or mushy. If you prefer brinier flavors, opt for Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives—they add a delightful tang! How should I store the leftover Cheesy Baked Olive Dip? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to retain its creamy texture and flavors. Just reheat it in the oven until bubbly before serving once more! Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Olive Dip without compromising its flavor? Yes! To freeze, prepare the dip but do not bake it. Place the unbaked dip in an airtight container, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen for about 10-15 additional minutes, or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking until heated through. What if my dip comes out too watery? No worries! If your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip turns out watery, it might be due to excess moisture from the olives. To fix this, next time, drain the olives well before folding them into the mixture. Additionally, ensure that your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother texture. Is this dip suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Definitely! This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is vegetarian-friendly, and you can make it gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks. If you have guests with dairy allergies, consider using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives; just make sure to check the labels for any potential allergens. How long can I prepare the dip in advance? This dip can be made up to 5 days in advance, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests without the last-minute rush in the kitchen. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and you will have the perfect appetizer ready to bake fresh before serving! Indulge in Cheesy Baked Olive Dip: A Creamy Delight! Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a creamy appetizer featuring olives, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dip8 oz full fat sour cream Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.8 oz full fat cream cheese Also best at room temperature for smooth blending.2 cloves garlic, minced Feel free to substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.8 oz shredded mozzarella, divided Can use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.2 oz shredded Parmesan, divided Substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino.1 can (6 oz) pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced Can swap for green olives if desired.1 can (6 oz) pitted green olives, halved or sliced Optional to increase/decrease based on preference.to taste Kosher salt Adjust based on the saltiness of olives.to taste Fresh cracked pepper Optional as per taste preference.for garnish Fresh parsley Optional. Equipment mixing bowlspatulabaking dishoven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature sour cream, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth and well blended.Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.Gently fold in the sliced black and green olives.Transfer the olive mixture to a greased 9x9 baking dish or a medium cast iron skillet.Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges start bubbling and the top turns golden brown.Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a perfect finish.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature. Reserve a few olives to sprinkle on top for visual appeal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months without baking. 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