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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Olive Integration: Gently fold chopped green and black olives into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.
- 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.
- 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