Baked Cheesy Olive Dip

Ingredients

1 cup black olives, chopped roughly

1 cup green olives, chopped roughly

8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp Garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated or shredded

Green onions, freshly chopped (if desired)

Crackers and vegetables for dipping

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350*

In a bowl combine the Softened cream cheese and the mayonnaise until smooth

Stir in the onion powder and the garlic powder

Season with Salt and pepper

Add in the green olives, the black olives and ½ cup Cheddar Cheese

Step 2:

Transfer into an 8×8 baking dish

Top with the remaining cheese

Step 3:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving

Enjoy!

Notes:

Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the mayonnaise and other ingredients, avoiding lumps in the dip.

Olive Varieties: The recipe uses both black and green olives for a mix of flavors. If you prefer, you can use just one type of olive or substitute with kalamata olives for a different taste.

Cheese Options: Sharp Cheddar adds a tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a cheese blend if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Baking Dish: Use an 8×8 baking dish as specified to ensure even baking. If you use a different size dish, the dip might cook unevenly.

Cooling Time: Allow the dip to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set a bit and makes it easier to scoop without it falling apart.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for dipping.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly.

Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can experiment with different cookies for the crust.

Graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers are commonly used alternatives to Oreos for making crusts in dessert recipes.

Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream in the recipe?

While heavy whipping cream provides a rich and creamy texture, you can substitute it with whipped topping or whipped topping alternatives for a lighter version of the dessert.

Can I use homemade hot cocoa mix instead of instant hot cocoa envelopes?

Yes, you can use homemade hot cocoa mix in place of instant envelopes.

Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of chocolate flavor.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can make this dessert in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

In fact, it’s often recommended to let it set for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How should I store any leftovers of this dessert?

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other odors in the fridge.

Can I use homemade hot cocoa mix instead of instant hot cocoa envelopes?

Absolutely, you can use homemade hot cocoa mix if you have a favorite recipe.

Adjust the quantity to maintain the desired level of chocolate flavor.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy whipping cream for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute whipped topping or whipped cream alternatives for the heavy whipping cream for a lighter version of the dessert.

Can I omit the mini marshmallows if I’m not a fan of them?

Certainly, you can omit the mini marshmallows from the recipe if you prefer.

You can customize the dessert to suit your taste and preferences.