Creamy Olive Dip
📝 Description
Bold, briny, and totally irresistible! This rich and creamy olive dip blends tangy green olives with smooth cream cheese and a hint of garlic for a perfectly savory spread. The slight crunch of bell pepper and optional black olives round it out beautifully. Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies at parties, game nights, or anytime you want a flavor-packed snack.
🧾 Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped green olives (pimento-stuffed preferred, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives (optional, adds contrast and color)
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (any color, red adds sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: whole olives, a drizzle of olive oil, or chopped parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
- Blend the base:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and fluffy (use a hand mixer or stir vigorously). - Add the mix-ins:
Stir in the chopped olives, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. - Taste and adjust:
Add more garlic or seasoning to taste. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon of milk or olive brine to loosen. - Chill (optional):
Let the dip chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. - Serve:
Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with whole olives or a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crackers, pita, or cut veggies.
🧠 Notes & Tips
- Make ahead: This dip can be made 1–2 days ahead. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
- Texture preference: For a smoother dip, pulse the mixture in a food processor briefly. For a chunkier texture, hand-mix.
- Low-fat option: Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Flavor twist: Add a few chopped capers or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
- Serving ideas: Serve inside a hollowed bread bowl for presentation or use as a sandwich spread.
🍽️ Servings
Makes about 2 cups
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per 1/4 cup serving, approx.)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sugars: <1g
- Sodium: ~400mg (varies based on olives used)
🌟 Benefits
- 🫒 Rich in healthy fats – Olives and cream cheese provide monounsaturated fats.
- 🧄 Flavor-packed with minimal carbs – Great for low-carb or keto lifestyles.
- 🌈 Micronutrients – Bell peppers add vitamin C, and olives contain vitamin E and antioxidants.
- 🥬 Customizable – Easily adaptable to be lower-calorie, spicier, or dairy-free.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended — cream cheese tends to become grainy when thawed.
Q: Can I use only black olives?
A: You can, but green olives bring the signature briny punch. Consider blending both for depth.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
A: In a small bowl surrounded by an olive medley, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like cucumber, celery, or mini bell peppers.