Creamy Olive and Blue Cheese Party Dip
If you’re an olive lover, this Creamy Olive and Blue Cheese Party Dip is about to become your new favorite appetizer. It’s rich, tangy, and irresistibly savory — a smooth, creamy dip bursting with the briny goodness of green olives and the bold flavor of blue cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing twist inspired by the famous “dirty martini,” but made completely alcohol-free and family-friendly.
Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in, this dip pairs beautifully with crispy crostini, crunchy breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of creamy, salty, and slightly citrusy notes that keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No alcohol – All the flavor of a dirty martini, without the gin or vermouth.
- Rich and creamy – Made with cream cheese and blue cheese for a luxurious texture.
- Easy to make ahead – It actually tastes better after the flavors have blended in the fridge.
- Crowd favorite – Serve it at any gathering and watch it disappear fast!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, drained and sliced in half (or use regular green olives if you prefer)
- ⅓ cup olive brine, from the jar of olives
- 3 strips lemon peel (about 3 x 1 inch each)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (from 2 [8-ounce] packages)
- 4 ounces creamy blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Crostini, breadsticks, or fresh veggie sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the olives:
In a small jar or airtight container, combine the olives, olive brine, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Seal and shake well to mix. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 day) to let the flavors infuse. - Strain the mixture:
Drain the olives, reserving both the olives and the brine mixture in separate bowls. - Make the dip:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, blue cheese, salt, pepper, and 5 tablespoons of the reserved brine mixture using a hand mixer on medium speed (about 1 minute) until creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more brine mixture if you prefer a thinner consistency. - Assemble and serve:
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, then add the marinated olives. Finish with another drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of parsley, and a touch of black pepper. Serve with crostini, crackers, or crisp veggie sticks.
Tips and Variations
- Use different olives: Try a mix of green and black olives for a more complex flavor.
- Add spice: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving so it softens perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dip goes beyond crostini!
- With veggies: Serve with celery, cucumber, or bell pepper slices for a fresh, crunchy option.
- As a sandwich spread: Add a layer to your next turkey or veggie sandwich for a tangy upgrade.
- Stuffed mushrooms: Spoon some dip into mushroom caps and bake until golden and bubbly.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dip to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again for the best texture and flavor.