Olive Cheese Dip Recipe

Rich, gooey, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Olive Cheese Dip is the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food. Each bite delivers creamy, tangy cheese with a punch of briny olives and just a hint of heat, perfect for scooping up with your favorite crackers or toasted bread. Whether you’re hosting game night, book club, or just need a little something extra to brighten a weeknight, this Olive Cheese Dip is guaranteed to get everyone around the table for one more taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how a few simple, well-chosen ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Every component adds character – from the creaminess of cheese to the brightness of olives, and a kick of spice for good measure.

• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): This is the creamy base that gives the dip richness and helps it stay smooth when melted.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups): Monterey Jack melts beautifully for unbeatable gooeyness and a mild, buttery flavor.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and tang, ensuring the dip isn’t too dense.
• Green Olives (1 cup, diced): Brings an appealing saltiness and zip, plus a pop of color in every bite.
• Black Olives (1 cup, diced): These mild olives add depth and soften the sharper green olive notes, creating balance.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough pungency to keep the flavors bright and lively.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tablespoon): Offers a subtle but satisfying heat that elevates every bite.

How to Make Olive Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by getting your oven ready—set it to 350º F so it’s nice and hot when your dip is assembled. This ensures even baking right from the start, guaranteeing the Olive Cheese Dip will be perfectly bubbly and golden.

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, mayonnaise, both types of olives, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to dive in and really mix—keep going until everything is thoroughly combined, and you see flecks of olive throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, taking a moment to smooth out the top with a spatula. A gentle press ensures even melting and baking, giving the Olive Cheese Dip those beautiful golden edges.

Step 4: Bake

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, the mixture is hot throughout, and the edges start bubbling invitingly.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let the dip sit for just a minute or two—enough to avoid burning your tongue, but not so long that it loses its luxurious gooeyness. Then dig in! Olive Cheese Dip is at its best served piping hot.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Dip

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or chives over the top. A handful of sliced olives or a dusting of extra red pepper flakes can make it look irresistible and let your guests know exactly what flavors they’re about to dive into.

Side Dishes

Olive Cheese Dip is made for dunking! Serve it with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even crisp veggies like carrots and cucumbers. It plays well with all kinds of crunchy accompaniments that hold up to the gooey cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the dip into individual ramekins for a party-friendly touch, or hollow out a loaf of crusty bread and serve your Olive Cheese Dip inside for a stunning centerpiece. For a Mediterranean flair, surround it with grilled flatbread or focaccia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover dip can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Olive Cheese Dip! Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the dip back in a 350º F oven until thoroughly warmed and bubbling at the edges. Stir halfway through for even heating, and you’ll bring that just-baked, melty quality back every time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in Olive Cheese Dip?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even provolone for part (or all) of the Monterey Jack. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that signature oozy texture.

What’s the best way to chop the olives?

A quick, coarse dice works best—you want pieces large enough for a satisfying bite, but not so chunky that they overwhelm the dip. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced olives to speed up prep.

How spicy is this dip?

With half a tablespoon of red pepper flakes, Olive Cheese Dip has a noticeable but not overwhelming warmth. If you’re heat sensitive, start with less and taste. Spice lovers can add more on top before serving.

Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes! Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When guests arrive, just bake as directed—allowing a few extra minutes to compensate for the cold start.

Is Olive Cheese Dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve alongside. Toss in gluten-free crackers, crostini, or fresh veggie dippers to keep it fully gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something irresistibly cheesy, a little zesty, and always a crowd-pleaser, give this Olive Cheese Dip a try! It’s so simple to make, so easy to love, and sure to become a favorite at every get-together. Dig in and watch it disappear!

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