Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for a party-perfect creation that’s so much more than just another dip. This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: bold, briny olives mingling with two kinds of gooey, tangy cheese, and a subtle garlic kick, all bubbling together under a golden lid. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven on cozy nights in or trot it out as a centerpiece at your next gathering, it delivers flavor, nostalgia, and a crave-worthy richness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those wonderful recipes where the ingredient list is straightforward, but every item plays an essential role. We’re keeping it simple, making sure that the flavors shine—each bite is creamy, briny, and impossible to resist, with just the right hit of garlic and cheese.

• Full-Fat Sour Cream (8 oz.): Adds creaminess and a gentle tang, helping the dip stay scoopable and rich.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese (8 oz.): Ensures the base is decadently smooth and thick; let it come to room temperature for easiest mixing.
• Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A pop of aromatic flavor that wakes up the cheeses and olives.
• Shredded Mozzarella (8 oz., divided): The melt-master! It creates those glorious cheesy pulls and browns beautifully on top.
• Shredded Parmesan (2 oz., divided): Adds a savory, nutty depth and crisps up for that signature golden finish.
• Canned Pitted Black Olives (6 oz., halved or sliced): Their earthy, mellow saltiness rounds out the briny notes.
• Canned Pitted Green Olives (6 oz., halved or sliced): Give a more vibrant, tangy kick—using both kinds adds wonderful color and complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the creamy and savory notes; season to your taste preference.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds just the right peppery bite to balance the richness.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees. You want a good, consistent heat to ensure everything bakes up creamy inside, while the cheesy top turns irresistibly golden and bubbly. This step is quick, but crucial, so your Cheesy Baked Olive Dip gets that perfect oven-kissed finish.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and plenty of kosher salt and cracked pepper. Make sure the dairy is at room temperature so everything blends smoothly. The mixture should be dreamy and thick, speckled with little flecks of garlic and cheese.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Olives

Add in both the black and green olives, which you’ve halved or sliced. Gently fold them into the cheesy base so you don’t smash them—those bits of briny goodness should stay intact to deliver big flavor pops in the finished dip.

Step 4: Assemble the Dip

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 baking dish or a medium-sized cast iron skillet. Spread it into an even layer that reaches the edges. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. This extra layer guarantees a cheesy crust that gets gorgeously bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, give it a quick blast under the broiler—just 1 to 2 minutes—until the top is dark golden brown and begging to be scooped.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the hot, bubbly dip with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with slices of French baguette, though crackers or crudités work well too. Dive in while it’s still warm for maximum cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

Garnishes

For a vibrant and appetizing finish, nothing beats a scatter of fresh chopped parsley over the Cheesy Baked Olive Dip. If you want to up the ante, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dusting of finely grated lemon zest for a pop of brightness that cuts through all the creamy, cheesy layers.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing here is crunchy, oven-toasted baguette slices, which soak up every molten bit. But this dip also shines alongside an array of crispy crackers, warm pita chips, or snappy raw veggies like bell peppers and celery that offset its richness. It’s hearty enough that all you need is a cheerful salad or sparkling drink to round out a party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by spooning portions into individual ramekins for personalized servings—perfect for outdoor parties or picnics. You can even hollow out a round loaf of sourdough, fill it up with Cheesy Baked Olive Dip, and bake until the bread bowl is crusty and warm. Or, for a rustic twist, bake it right in a cast iron skillet and serve straight from the oven to table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare event!), let the Cheesy Baked Olive Dip cool completely. Cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight—sometimes it’s even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal since creamy cheeses can sometimes separate when thawed, but it is possible. Transfer the cooled dip to an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge; know that the texture may be slightly less creamy, but still totally tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, spoon the dip into an oven-safe dish and warm, covered, at 325 degrees until heated through—about 15 minutes. A quick stint under the broiler will bring back that golden, melty top every time. For single servings, the microwave works well; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use light or low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat?

You can swap in lighter dairy versions, but the Cheesy Baked Olive Dip gets its signature richness and creamy texture from full-fat ingredients. The fat content helps prevent curdling and ensures that smooth, luxurious consistency everyone craves.

What kind of olives work best in this dip?

Traditional black and green canned olives are budget-friendly and melt beautifully into the dip, but you can absolutely experiment with Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives for a more gourmet edge—just pit and chop them to bite-size first.

How far in advance can I assemble Cheesy Baked Olive Dip before baking?

You can fully assemble the dip up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it bakes evenly, then proceed as usual.

Can this dip be served at room temperature?

It’s best enjoyed hot and bubbly straight from the oven, but it’s plenty tasty even as it starts to cool. Just note that the cheese will firm up a bit; a quick reheat brings it back to its gooey glory.

What are the best breads and dippers for serving?

Crusty French baguette takes the prize, but pita wedges, sourdough toasts, crackers, or hearty vegetable sticks (think celery, carrots, or even roasted potatoes) are all delicious with this Cheesy Baked Olive Dip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming up your next gathering or just want a warming treat on a quiet night, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Baked Olive Dip. It combines everything a great dip should be: creamy, cheesy, delightfully salty, and endlessly scoopable. Give this recipe a whirl, and watch it disappear in a flash—your friends and family will be asking for it again and again!

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