Cheesy Baked Olive Delight

Featured in Simple Sides to Complete Any Meal.

This cheesy baked olive dip is a savory blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, green olives, and black olives, all baked to bubbly perfection. With its creamy and tangy flavors, enhanced by garlic powder, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for mild heat, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to prepare. Serve it warm with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh veggies, and garnish with parsley or chives for extra flair. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy evening treat!

Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:02:54 GMT
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Cheesy Baked Olive Dip | mellierecipes.com

This cheesy baked olive dip transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that balances creamy, savory, and briny flavors. The mix of olives provides both color and depth, while the blend of cheeses creates that perfect stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves in a warm dip.

I first made this dip for a last-minute game night when friends dropped by unexpectedly. With just pantry staples and whatever cheese I had on hand, this bubbling masterpiece saved the evening and has been requested at every get-together since.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the mix of different olives. My grandmother was Greek and always had at least three varieties of olives in her refrigerator. This dip reminds me of Sunday afternoons at her house, when appetizers were always on the table and conversation flowed as freely as the food.

Make-Ahead Magic

Olive Varieties Worth Trying

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip up to one day in advance by assembling it and refrigerating. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

→ What dippers work best with this dish?

Crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh veggies such as celery and carrot sticks all pair well with this cheesy olive dip.

→ Can I customize the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! Add or omit the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a smoky kick, try adding smoked paprika.

→ What type of olives can I use?

This recipe works best with a mix of green and black olives, but you can also substitute kalamata olives for a bold flavor.

→ Can this dish be doubled for larger groups?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for big gatherings. Use a larger baking dish to accommodate.

Cheesy Baked Olive Appetizer

A warm, creamy olive dip with cheesy, briny flavors. Great for entertaining or weeknight indulgence.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Easy Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cheese and Dairy

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Condiments and Spices

04 1/2 cup mayonnaise
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 1 tablespoon olive brine (optional, for extra flavor)

→ Olives

09 1/3 cup chopped green olives
10 1/3 cup chopped black olives (or kalamata)

→ Optional Garnish and Serving

11 Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
12 Crackers, baguette slices, or veggies, for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Add garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and olive brine. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Fold in chopped green and black olives.

Step 04

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm with your choice of dippers.

Notes

  1. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 1 day in advance; bake just before serving.
  2. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped roasted red peppers.
  3. Easily doubled for a crowd!

Tools You'll Need

  • Small baking dish or oven-safe skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g