The Best Olive Dip Recipe
Jul 22, 2024, Updated Nov 04, 2024
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My recipe for creamy olive dip is sure to be the hit of your next gathering. It’s a simple, flavorful appetizer that can be made in minutes. Serve this olive filled dip with your favorite crackers, toast or vegetables for a memorable dish you won’t be able to stop eating.
I know that olives are a polarizing food but I am one that could eat them everyday, especially green olives. That’s is how this dip recipe came about. I wanted to make something with olives to bring to a party that wasn’t your typical olive and cheese tray.
Cream cheese dips like crack dip, chipped beef dip, dill pickle dip, and fruit dip can be made fast and are always a crowd favorite. This green olive dip is no exception.
Why you should make this recipe
- Flavor – This is full of amazing olive flavor. Some people even refer to it as a dirty martini dip.
- Simple – Made with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile – Can be served in a variety of ways. Use as a dip, a spread, or even as a filling for a tortilla roll-up.
Ingredients
Grab a few simple ingredients to make this creamy appetizer dip.
- Green Olives: Use your favorite green olives, even kalamata olives or black olives. I typically us Manzanilla olives with pimiento. Be sure to reserve a tablespoon of the salty olive juice to add to the dip.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure to leave your cream cheese out at room temperature to soften before mixing. Full fat cream cheese adds a nice richness but you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese. ***You can also substitute with whipped cream cheese.
- Mayonnaise: Use full fat, low fat or you can even substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream.
- Cheddar Cheese: I like adding shredded cheddar cheese to this dip for more flavor and texture. You can also substitute with Colby Jack cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella or leave out the shredded cheese completely.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a little extra flavor.
How to make green olive dip
This is a super easy appetizer to make and can even be made the night before you will be serving. Check below for the full recipe plus a step-by-step video.
Step one: Gather the ingredients. Make sure to chop the olives into small pieces. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Step two: Stir the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, olives, garlic powder, and shredded cheese in a large bowl until fully combined. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step three: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you are ready to serve. This will help the cream cheese soften and make it easier to scoop.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Be sure to let the cream cheese soften before mixing. This helps make a creamy, not lumpy dip.
- You can also make this dip using a food processor. Add all the ingredients into the food processor and do a quick pulse to blend.
- This olive dip also makes a great spread for sandwiches.
How to store leftover dip
Store covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dip does not freeze well.
Serving suggestions
There are several ways you can serve this easy dip. Its great served with crackers or potato chips. You can also spread it on a sandwich or use it as a filling for a pinwheel appetizer. I also like serving in with a veggie tray.
Common questions
If you prefer black olives, feel free to substitute with the green olives or even a mixture of both. It’s tasty either way!
Yes, you can either serve the dip cold or bake the olive dip for a warm appetizer. Place the mixture in a baking dish and cook at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
Yes, this is a great dip to make ahead of time. It allows the flavors to really come together.
More easy cheese appetizers
- Chipped beef cheese ball – Cream cheese mixed with chipped beef and green onions.
- Cranberry jalapeno dip – A sweet, spicy mix of cranberries and jalapenos served over whipped cream cheese.
- Cucumber avocado dip – Cool, creamy dip filled with cucumbers and avocados.
- Cream cheese sausage pinwheels – Sausage and cream cheese mixture spread over crescent rolls.
- Chili cheese dip – A hearty dip recipe made with cream cheese and chili.
- Jalapeno popper dip – Hot, cheesy dip that taste like a jalapeno popper.
Green Olive Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 9 oz jar of green olives, diced
- 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive brine from the jar
Instructions
- Stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped olives, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and olive juice until combined.
- Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Video
Notes
- Be sure to let the cream cheese soften before mixing. This helps make a creamy, not lumpy dip.
- You can also make this dip using a food processor. Add all the ingredients into the food processor and do a quick pulse to blend.
- This olive dip also makes a great spread for sandwiches.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My grandmother used this recipe to make tea sandwhiches for her bridge parties in the 50’s and decades later, it remains a family favorite. We do not add shredded cheese but do add minced garlic which provides a nice pop of flavor. I’ve never tried it hot. We use it as a bagel schmear, on crackers, and on sandwiches.
I had something similar years ago. It was spread on toast points and broiled. I don’t think cream cheese was used. Whatever was used was delicious! Thanks for bringing back the memory, I can’t wait to try this!