Cheesy Dream: The Irresistible Gooey Baked Olive Dip Recipe

Creamy cheese blends with tangy olives in this irresistible baked olive dip that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every bite of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

The rich, melted texture beckons hungry guests to dive right in.

Salty olives provide a delightful contrast against smooth, velvety cheese.

Each scoop delivers a burst of robust flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Serve this dip warm and watch as it becomes the star of your next party spread.

Prepare to be the culinary hero who brings this addictive appetizer to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes Into This Cheesy Olive Dip

• Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, velvety texture and rich tangy flavor that binds the dip together.
• Mozzarella: Delivers that irresistible stretchy, melty quality with a mild, smooth taste.
• Parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty depth and enhances overall savory profile of the dip.
• Mayonnaise: Creates silky consistency and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.

• Garlic Powder: Infuses warm, aromatic punch without raw garlic intensity.
• Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbal note with subtle earthy undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers optional subtle heat and vibrant color kick.
• Olive Brine: Intensifies briny, tangy essence and adds unexpected complexity.

• Green Olives: Contribute bright, sharp flavor with pleasant meaty texture.
• Black Olives: Offer deeper, more robust olive taste and visual contrast.
• Parsley, Chives: Provide fresh, crisp herbal garnish with elegant green pop.

Tools You’ll Need for That Golden Bubbly Top

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining cheese and seasonings.
• Baking Dish: Small oven-safe skillet or ceramic dish for baking the dip.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: To chop olives and herbs for garnish.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for freshly grating Parmesan if needed.

How to Pull Off This Baked Olive Crowd-Pleaser

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Sprinkle in garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of red pepper flakes for some kick. Splash in some olive brine and blend everything until it’s smooth and dreamy.

• Introduce the Olives

Chop up those green and black olives and gently fold them into your creamy mixture. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the olive-studded mixture into your prepared dish. Smooth out the top and slide it into the hot oven. Let it bubble and turn golden around the edges for about 20-25 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your bubbling dip and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Serve it hot and watch your guests dive in with crackers, bread, or veggie sticks.

Make It Yours: Ideas to Switch It Up

• Before baking, add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for a rich, Mediterranean flavor boost and golden-brown surface.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of oregano to create unique flavor profiles that complement the olives.
• Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve for a stress-free appetizer.
• Swap cream cheese and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo to make the dip suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat, or replace with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky undertone without intense spiciness.

Serving This Dip Like a Pro

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange an array of crunchy crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks around the hot dip for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Pair this cheesy olive dip with warm pita bread, cucumber rounds, and a sprinkle of extra herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired snacking experience.
• Game Day Glory: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, soft pretzels, and beer-friendly finger foods for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports gatherings or movie nights.
• Cocktail Hour Charm: Elevate your appetizer spread by offering this dip with artisan crackers, charcuterie selections, and a glass of crisp white wine for an elegant pre-dinner nibble.

Storing & Prepping This One for Game Day

• Refrigerate leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm refrigerated dip in microwave for 30-45 seconds or in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Stir gently to restore creamy consistency.
• Wrap unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to original baking time.
• This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of dip. Perfect for small gatherings or as a weekend snack. Best enjoyed within 48 hours for optimal flavor and texture.

Gooey Baked Olive Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent cheesy baked olive dip brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table with creamy, tangy goodness. Rich cheese and briny olives create an irresistible appetizer perfect for sharing with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup chopped green olives
• ⅓ cup chopped black olives (or kalamata)
• 1 tbsp olive brine (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
• Crackers, baguette slices, or veggies, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and gently coat a compact baking vessel or cast-iron skillet with a thin layer of cooking spray.
2. Blending: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise until smooth. Incorporate garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and olive brine, stirring until ingredients meld seamlessly.
3. Olive Integration: Gently fold chopped green and black olives into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.
4. Baking Transformation: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that indicates perfect doneness.
5. Presentation: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by an array of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités for dipping.

Notes

• Add olive brine gradually to control saltiness, tasting as you mix to prevent overwhelming flavor.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smoother blending and even distribution of ingredients.
• Drain olives completely before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the dip watery.
• Let dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to stabilize consistency and prevent burning your mouth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg