The Ultimate Olive Dip
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Create the perfect appetizer with this simple olive dip recipe! This dip combines the rich flavors of green olives, cheddar, and spices in a creamy, irresistible spread. You can serve it at your next family dinner or as a sophisticated addition to a charcuterie board at your upcoming party.
I love olives. Always have, always will. That’s why I find it hard to believe that I haven’t thought of making an olive dip yet. Well, today I’m changing that with this delicious Ultimate Olive Dip recipe!
This easy-to-make dip is a fantastic blend of creamy texture and tangy olive flavors, making it a versatile option for any gathering. With just a few ingredients like cream cheese, green olives, and a hint of garlic, you can prepare an appetizer that is as fitting for a laid-back movie night as it is for a sophisticated cocktail party.
Not only that, it can double as a sandwich spread, a baked potato topping, a chicken breast stuffing, and so much more! I know you’re going to enjoy it as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Known for its rich and bold flavors, this dip is sure to win over anyone who tries it. It’s a perfect match for gatherings of all kinds, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations, adding a touch of gourmet flair without any fuss.
- You can whip up this dip with minimal effort. It’s all about mixing the ingredients and giving them some time to chill in the fridge. The quick prep time frees you up to enjoy more moments with your guests.
- Whether you’re spreading it on a sandwich, dolloping it onto your favorite crackers, or adding it to a vibrant cheese platter, this olive dip is remarkably versatile. It fits in just as beautifully at a casual picnic as it does at a sophisticated cocktail party.
- No matter the time of year, this olive dip will be a hit. It pairs wonderfully with summer drinks as well as cozy winter gatherings thus making it a year-round favorite.
Love appetizers dip recipes? ME TOO!! That’s why I have an entire collection dedicated to my best delicious and easy dip recipes. I’m certain you’re going to love them!
Ingredients
Before we can whip up this Ultimate Olive Dip, let’s head to the kitchen and gather up the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: This soft, mild cheese creates a creamy base for the dip.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor to balance the richness of the cheese. If you’re looking to save on calories, you can use Greek yogurt here or do half and half of each.
- Green Pimento Olives: These bring a vibrant, briny taste that’s central to the dip’s character.
- Olive Brine: A splash of brine enhances the olive flavor, making the dip even more savory.
- Cheddar Cheese: More cheese adds greater depth of flavor. I love cheddar here, but you could certainly mix it up. I think pepper jack cheese might be great too!
- Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm background note that complements the other ingredients.
- Ground Black Pepper: Use a pinch to season and bring all the flavors together.
- Crackers: Ritz crackers work beautifully with their buttery crispness but feel free to use any cracker you enjoy for dipping.
How To Make
This Ultimate Olive Dip is so simple to make. Just toss everything into a bowl and stir. (Love that!) Even so, I’ll still take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced olives, olive brine, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all of the ingredients are well blended.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with a few whole olives. Serve the dip with your choice of crackers (I like Ritz).
If you can resist and wait a bit, this dip is even better after some time in the refrigerator. You can even make it a day in advance. I like this dip just as much, if not better, the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s recommended. Making the dip at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for an even more developed taste.
What are some variations I can try with this dip?
Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist, or mix in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also try different types of cheese for a new flavor profile, such as swapping cheddar for pepper jack.
How should I store leftover olive dip?
Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to five days. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise to reduce the overall fat content (Greek yogurt is another mayo sub). However, these changes might slightly alter the texture and richness of the dip.
What are some serving suggestions?
Beyond the classic cracker pairing, this olive dip is great when spread on a wrap, used as a filling for a sandwich, or even dolloped on a baked potato. It’s also a fantastic complement to a vegetable platter.
More Irresistible Dip Recipes You’ll Love
- Out-of-this-World Corn Dip
- Hot Taco Dip
- Green Onion Dip
- Italian Hoagie Dip
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip
There you have it—a delectably easy olive dip that promises to be a winner. With its intense flavor and serving versatility, I know you’re going to enjoy it! If you try this Ultimate Olive Dip recipe and love it, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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The Ultimate Olive Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 9 ounce jar of green pimento-stuffed olives diced
- 1 tablespoon olive brine from the jar of olives
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced olives, olive brine, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all of the ingredients are well blended.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with a few whole olives. Serve the dip with your choice of crackers (I like Ritz).