This Creamy Olive Dip is a quick and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Made with a blend of green and black olives, cream cheese, and garlic, it’s rich, tangy, and full of savory goodness. Serve it with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing snack!
The Best Olive Dip Recipe
Olive Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer that combines the briny taste of olives with a creamy, tangy base.Made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, this dip is packed with chopped green and black olives, garlic, and seasonings for a perfect balance of saltiness and creaminess.The addition of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley enhances the flavors, giving the dip a refreshing finish. Its smooth yet chunky texture makes it ideal for spreading on crackers, dipping with pita chips, or pairing with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 2 tablespoon olive brine
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped green and black olives, olive brine, minced garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve chilled with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Tips and Serving Tricks for the Best Olive Dip
Olive dip is a creamy, tangy, and savory spread that brings together the briny goodness of olives with rich cream cheese and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a quick snack, olive dip is easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Here are expert tips and tricks to make your olive dip even more delicious and presentation-worthy.Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Dip
1. Use a Mix of Green and Black Olives
- Combining green and black olives creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Green olives provide a briny, slightly sharp taste, while black olives add a mild and earthy richness.
- Chop the olives finely to ensure that you get a burst of olive flavor in every bite.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Softened cream cheese blends more easily, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- If you’re short on time, microwave the cream cheese for 15-20 seconds to soften it quickly.
3. Enhance the Flavor with Seasonings
- A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill adds depth to the dip.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Lemon juice or white wine vinegar brightens the dip and balances the salty flavor of the olives.
4. Incorporate Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream for Creaminess
- Adding Greek yogurt or sour cream creates a lighter, more balanced dip.
- This also makes the dip easier to spread and dip without being too thick.
5. Don’t Overmix
- Stir the ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the olives.
- You want to maintain some texture so the dip isn’t too smooth.
- Fold the ingredients together until just combined for the perfect consistency.
Serving Tricks for Olive Dip
1. Serve with a Variety of Dippers
- Crackers – Buttery Ritz, wheat crackers, or crisp water crackers work well.
- Vegetables – Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips.
- Bread – Warm pita bread, crostini, or toasted baguette slices are excellent choices.
- Chips – Thick-cut potato chips or tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch.
2. Garnish for Visual Appeal
- Sprinkle chopped olives and fresh parsley or dill on top for color and texture.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the dip before serving to enhance the flavor and shine.
- A dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper adds a professional touch.
3. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature
- Olive dip is best served slightly chilled, but letting it sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving enhances the flavor.
- If you’ve made it ahead of time, give it a quick stir before serving to ensure even consistency.
4. Make It a Spread or Filling
- Spread olive dip on sandwiches or wraps for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor boost.
- Use it as a filling for stuffed cherry tomatoes or mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers.
- Mix it into pasta salads or potato salads for a creamy, tangy twist.
5. Pair with Complementary Flavors
- Serve with cured meats like salami or prosciutto for a charcuterie-style snack.
- Pair with marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean platter.
- A glass of dry white wine or a light rosé pairs beautifully with the salty and creamy flavors of olive dip.
