Cheesy Baked Olive Dip: A Savory and Irresistible Appetizer

If you’re searching for the perfect appetizer that’s both rich and full of flavor, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Olive Dip. This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with savory black and green olives, making it a hit at any gathering or a delightful treat for a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this dip pairs perfectly with sliced French baguette or your favorite crackers.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. full fat sour cream, room temperature
• 8 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella, divided
• 2 oz. shredded Parmesan, divided
• 1 (6 oz.) can pitted medium black olives, halved or sliced
• 1 (6 oz.) can pitted green olives, halved or sliced
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when you finish preparing the dip.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded Parmesan, a few hearty pinches of salt, and a pinch of fresh cracked pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The combination of sour cream and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy base for the dip.

3. Add the Olives

Gently fold in the sliced black and green olives. The olives add a wonderful briny flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy cheese mixture.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 baking dish or a medium-sized cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.

5. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the dip. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust once baked.

6. Bake the Dip

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. The cheese on top should be melted and golden.

7. Broil for Extra Crispiness

For an extra golden and crispy top, broil the dip for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dip warm with sliced French baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8 servings

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the sour cream and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy dip.
• Customize Your Olives: Feel free to experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano, to add variety to the flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: While this dip is excellent with sliced baguette, it also pairs well with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or any time you’re in the mood for something savory and indulgent. With its creamy base, cheesy topping, and briny olives, it’s a dish that’s sure to disappear quickly. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this dip is bound to become a favorite in your appetizer rotation.

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