Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a flavorful and creamy appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Combining roasted garlic, mixed olives, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses, it offers a rich and irresistible bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 head garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup green olives, roughly chopped
• 1 cup black olives, roughly chopped
• 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 (14-ounce) cans quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 ball mozzarella (about 11 ounces / 340 grams), cubed
• ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place it cut side up in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven for 25 minutes, or until soft and lightly browned. Remove and let cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, yogurt, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, drained artichoke hearts, cubed mozzarella, chopped roasted red peppers, cayenne, and sea salt.
3. Step 3: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves from the head and add them to the bowl. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until hot, bubbling, and the cheese has melted.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh oregano leaves, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic for less time or use garlic powder instead of fresh roasted garlic.
• Swap the mozzarella for Monterey Jack or fontina for a different melt and taste.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the dip’s flavors.
• Try serving this dip warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven to ensure even heating.

Can I use jarred garlic instead of roasting fresh garlic?

While jarred garlic can be used in a pinch, roasting fresh garlic adds a sweeter, deeper flavor that enhances the dip’s overall taste.

Cheesy Baked Olive Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Olive Dip is a flavorful appetizer featuring roasted garlic, mixed olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfect for entertaining, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh oregano for a bright finish.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Garlic

• 1 head garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Dip Ingredients

• 1 cup green olives, roughly chopped
• 1 cup black olives, roughly chopped
• 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 (14-ounce) cans quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 ball mozzarella (about 11 ounces / 340 grams), cubed
• ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or place the garlic in the oven before preheating). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place it cut side up in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Remove and let cool.
2. Mix ingredients: While the garlic roasts, combine green olives, black olives, yogurt, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, drained artichoke hearts, cubed mozzarella, roasted red peppers, cayenne, sea salt, and fresh oregano in a large bowl. Once the garlic is cool, squeeze the soft cloves out and add to the mixture. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
3. Bake the dip: Transfer the combined dip mixture into an ovenproof dish. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheeses have melted thoroughly.
4. Garnish and serve: Remove the baked dip from the oven, sprinkle with additional fresh oregano leaves, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

• Roasting the garlic before adding gives the dip a rich, mellow garlic flavor without harshness.
• Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess; Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
• The marinated artichoke hearts add tang and texture—make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne slightly to taste.
• This dip is best served warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked olive dip, cheesy dip, roasted garlic dip, appetizer, party dip, artichoke dip, creamy dip