Name: Olive Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz. full fat sour cream, room temperature; 8 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temperature; 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried minced onion; 1 tablespoon olive brine; 5.75 ounce jar olives, drained and chopped (slice a few for garnish before chopping the rest); Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Pita crackers, for serving

Print Recipe·4 from 11 reviews

If you adore bold flavors and creamy textures, this Olive Dip Recipe is about to become your new go-to appetizer. It beautifully blends tangy sour cream and rich cream cheese with savory Parmesan and briny olives for a dip that’s irresistibly smooth yet packed with personality. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something delightful to snack on, this olive dip brings a perfect balance of zest and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with crunchy pita crackers. Trust me, once you try this Olive Dip Recipe, it will quickly win a special spot in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with a thick layer of creamy white mixture. On top of this base, there is a pile of chopped green olives mixed with small bits of red pimentos, creating a colorful mound centered in the bowl. The olives are unevenly cut, showing a rough texture and varied sizes, covering part of the cream layer beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Olive Dip Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing creaminess, that distinctive savory bite, or a punch of briny goodness to brighten every mouthful.

8 oz. full fat sour cream: Adds creamy tang and a smooth base to balance the stronger flavors.
8 oz. full fat cream cheese: Brings lush richness and a velvety texture that holds the dip together perfectly.
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty depth that elevates the overall taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon dried minced onion: Adds gentle sweetness and mild onion flavor for complexity.
1 tablespoon olive brine: Boosts the olive flavor and adds a pleasant salty tanginess.
5.75 ounce jar olives, drained and chopped: Central to the dip, these give the recipe its signature briny bite and texture.
Kosher salt: To taste, enhancing all the flavors without masking them.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a hint of heat and bright spice to balance the creamy base.
Pita crackers: Your perfect vehicle for scooping and enjoying every delicious bit.

How to Make Olive Dip Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

Start by placing the cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried minced onion, and olive brine into a medium bowl. Adding a couple of large pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper at this stage is key to building a solid flavor foundation. The cream cheese and sour cream need to be at room temperature to blend seamlessly and create that wonderfully smooth base you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Whip Until Smooth

Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture until it becomes silky and creamy. This step ensures the dip isn’t lumpy and achieves that luscious, spreadable texture that makes it so irresistible. The Parmesan cheese melts in beautifully during this process, contributing to the dip’s subtle nutty undertone.

Step 3: Fold in the Olives

Gently fold in the chopped olives, taking care not to break them down too much so you still get nice little bursts of briny flavor in each bite. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed—this is the moment to get it just right before serving.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For a beautiful finishing touch, slice a few olives to sprinkle on top as a garnish. Serve your Olive Dip Recipe with crunchy pita crackers or your favorite dippables. The creamy, tangy, and lightly salty flavors are guaranteed to get everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Olive Dip Recipe

Inside a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there are six different ingredients neatly placed in separate sections. In the top left, there are white cream cheese cubes with a soft texture. To the right, there is a smooth mound of white sour cream. Below the cream cheese, there is a pile of finely shredded pale yellow cheese. Near the center, there is a small mound of beige powder. Next to it, some coarse white salt is placed. Finally, there is a sprinkling of black pepper near the salt. The ingredients are arranged carefully without mixing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few halved or sliced olives on top makes the presentation pop and gives a sneak peek of what’s inside the dip. You can also sprinkle a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added color and aroma. These simple garnishes elevate the dip from humble to stunning with very little effort.

Side Dishes

This Olive Dip Recipe pairs exceptionally well with warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell peppers, and even crunchy breadsticks. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to charcuterie boards, adding a creamy contrast to meats and cheeses while bringing a Mediterranean-inspired flair to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or individual ramekins for easy portion control at parties. You can also spread it on crostini topped with a slice of sun-dried tomato or roasted pepper for a fantastic appetizer. These simple presentation ideas will impress guests and make your Olive Dip Recipe the star of any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Olive Dip Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, so it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving again to bring back its creamy consistency.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dip, note that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy ingredients separating upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to reincorporate any separation.

Reheating

This dip is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently heat it in short increments at low power in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid curdling. However, enjoying it chilled will give you the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of olives in this Olive Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! While green olives bring a classic briny flavor, you can try black or Kalamata olives for a deeper, fruitier taste. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the dip.

Is it possible to make this dip dairy-free or vegan?

With some ingredient swaps, yes. You can replace the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan cream cheese alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The olive brine and olives add fantastic flavor, so the dip will still be delicious.

How long does Olive Dip Recipe last once made?

Stored properly in the fridge, the dip stays fresh for about 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered tightly to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. In fact, making the Olive Dip Recipe a few hours or a day ahead allows the flavors to combine beautifully. Just stir it before serving and add any fresh garnishes then.

What are some good substitutes for pita crackers if I don’t have any?

Try sliced baguette, veggie chips, breadsticks, or even sturdy crackers. The key is to have something with a good crunch to complement the creamy dip texture.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Dip Recipe is one of those versatile, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels special but comes together in a flash. Its creamy consistency and vibrant flavors bring a wonderful touch to any appetizer spread or casual snack time. Don’t hesitate to whip it up and share it with friends and family—the rave reviews will surely follow. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a beauty worth making again and again.

Olive Dip Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need