Name: Creamy Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip for Every Occasion
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Cream Cheese (Provides a creamy base; you can substitute with Neufchâtel for a lower fat option.); 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (Adds richness and moisture; Kraft is highly recommended for the best flavor.); 6 oz Crumbled Feta Cheese (Contributes a tangy and creamy texture that elevates the dip.); 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Offers a mild heat; adjust to your own taste preference for spice.); 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Enhances the overall flavor profile and brings depth.); 0.5 tsp Dried Rosemary (Provides an aromatic herb flavor; substituting fresh rosemary can intensify this taste.); 6 oz Medium Pitted Black Olives (Introduces a briny flavor and chunky texture; feel free to increase the amount for a saltier dip.); 7 oz Pimiento-Stuffed Green Manzanilla Olives (Adds a distinct green olive flavor and vibrant color to the dish.); 13.75 oz Quartered Artichoke Hearts (Brings a soft, earthy balance to the dip that complements the other ingredients beautifully.)

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As I spread the dip across a party platter, the enticing aroma of olives and artichokes wafts through the air, instantly beckoning friends to gather around. This Tangy Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip is not just another appetizer; it’s a creamy, salty masterpiece that’s so easy to whip up, making it the highlight of your holiday table or game night extravaganza. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dip that pairs perfectly with hearty crackers, especially Triscuit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that promises to keep hungry guests coming back for more and is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their snacking game without the fuss. Ready to dive into this delightful blend of flavors?

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Why is This Dip a Must-Try?

Simplicity: This Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip requires minimal effort with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for even novice home cooks.

Creamy & Tangy: The luscious mix of cream cheese and feta creates a delightful texture that will have your taste buds dancing, while the olives provide that ideal briny punch.

Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a festive holiday party or a casual game night, this dip effortlessly complements any occasion, enticing everyone to gather around the snack table.

Versatile Pairings: While it’s perfect with sturdy crackers like Triscuit, feel free to serve it alongside fresh veggie sticks or pita chips for a healthier twist!

Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This dip is sure to impress your guests and can easily become the star of your appetizer lineup, much like my famous Bruschetta Dip Italian.

Prepare to be the host with the most when serving this irresistible dip that keeps everyone asking for the recipe!

Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip Ingredients

For the Dip

8 oz. Cream Cheese – Provides a creamy base; you can substitute with Neufchâtel for a lower fat option.
1/2 cup Mayonnaise – Adds richness and moisture; Kraft is highly recommended for the best flavor.
6 oz. Crumbled Feta Cheese – Contributes a tangy and creamy texture that elevates the dip.
1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes – Offers a mild heat; adjust to your own taste preference for spice.
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper – Enhances the overall flavor profile and brings depth.
1/2 tsp. Dried Rosemary – Provides an aromatic herb flavor; substituting fresh rosemary can intensify this taste.
6 oz. Medium Pitted Black Olives – Introduces a briny flavor and chunky texture; feel free to increase the amount for a saltier dip.
7 oz. Jar of Pimiento-Stuffed Green Manzanilla Olives – Adds a distinct green olive flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
13.75 oz. Can of Quartered Artichoke Hearts – Brings a soft, earthy balance to the dip that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

This flavorful Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip is just waiting to impress at your next gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip

Step 1: Blend the Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz. of room temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious foundation of your Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip, so ensure there are no lumps remaining for a velvety texture.

Step 2: Incorporate the Feta and Seasoning
Next, add 6 oz. of crumbled feta cheese, 1 tsp. of red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp. of dried rosemary to the creamy mixture. Blend on low speed for another 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are well combined. The feta will add tanginess, while the spices enhance the flavor profile, bringing your dip one step closer to perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Olives
Take 6 oz. of medium pitted black olives and 7 oz. of jarred pimiento-stuffed green Manzanilla olives. Drain and blot them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Roughly chop half of the black olives while keeping the rest whole. Carefully fold the olives into your cheese mixture to add a delightful briny burst in your Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip.

Step 4: Fold in the Artichoke Hearts
Open a 13.75 oz. can of quartered artichoke hearts, drain them, and chop into small pieces. Gently fold the artichokes into the mixture, being careful not to break them up too much. This step adds a soft, earthy balance to your dip, enhancing the overall flavor while maintaining a lovely chunky texture.

Step 5: Chill for Flavor Development
Transfer the completed Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully together, creating a more enjoyable taste experience. If you can, let it chill longer for even better flavor development!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, take the dip out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for optimal texture. Serve it alongside hearty crackers like Triscuit or fresh vegetable sticks. The Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip is now ready to be the star of your appetizer spread!

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What to Serve with Tangy Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip

Elevate your appetizer game by pairing this irresistibly creamy dip with sensational sides that entice every palate.

Hearty Crackers: The classic pairing! Serve with Triscuit crackers for their sturdy texture that perfectly holds the dip without breaking.
Veggie Sticks: Crisp cucumber, carrot, or bell pepper sticks provide a fresh crunch, balancing the dip’s creamy richness.
Pita Chips: Their light, crunchy goodness complements the tangy feta and briny olives, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
Toasty Bread: Offer slices of toasted baguette as a rustic alternative, perfect for scooping up every last bit of dip.
Cheese Platter: Pair with an assortment of cheeses, adding variety and sophistication to your spread—it creates a feast for both the eyes and taste buds!
Refreshing Salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can brighten the table, providing a refreshing contrast to the dip’s savory flavors.
Sparkling Wine: Complement this dip with a chilled sparkling wine, which cuts through the creaminess and heightens the celebration atmosphere.
Chilled Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, serve refreshing lemonade; its brightness enhances the dip’s flavors, making the experience even more delightful!

Make Ahead Options

This Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade flavor without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the entire dip up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the instructions until just before chilling. After mixing, transfer the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. The flavors will develop beautifully as it sits! To serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and taste. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a delightful appetizer ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip

• Room Temperature Matters: Allow the cream cheese and mayonnaise to soften before mixing; this ensures a smoother texture in your dip.

• Taste as You Go: After mixing in the olives, taste your dip! If it needs more saltiness, adjust with additional olives gradually for the perfect balance.

• Flavor Boosting: Adding fresh herbs like basil or another pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile of your Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip.

• Sturdy Crackers: Always serve with thick, sturdy crackers like Triscuit. They provide the structure needed to hold the rich dip without breaking apart.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dip a day in advance. The chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and become even more delicious!

• Keep It Fresh: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note the flavor may intensify as it sits.

Storage Tips for Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip

Fridge: Store the dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s covered tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any absorption of other fridge odors.

Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dip for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, then allow to come to room temperature for best texture.

Reheating: If serving warm, gently reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy consistency of the Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip.

Prepping Ahead: Make the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better when served later!

Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dip and explore exciting variations that will spark your taste buds!

Olive Twist: Switch up the olives by adding Kalamata olives for a bolder flavor that adds an extra layer of richness. This simple swap can elevate your dip to new heights.
Herb Explosion: Replace dried rosemary with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a refreshing twist. Fresh herbs will give your dip a vibrant flavor that’s perfect for spring gatherings.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to ramp up the heat level. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance, and know that a bit goes a long way in igniting your palate!
Creamy Upgrade: Substitute sour cream for half of the mayonnaise to create a tangier, even creamier version. This offers a delightful twist while keeping the dip rich and flavorful.
Add More Veggies: Incorporate some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a textural boost and a hint of sweetness. This addition not only intensifies flavors but also creates beautiful colors.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese for an additional creamy element and a flavor boost. The combination of feta and cheddar is simply irresistible!
Flavor Infusion: Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder for a subtle yet delightful depth of flavor. These classic additions can complement the existing ingredients beautifully.
Nutty Texture: Consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy surprise element. This little touch gives a wonderful texture contrast and a nutty flavor that rounds out the dip.

Pair this versatile Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip with sturdy crackers like Triscuit or fresh veggie sticks for a fantastic gathering treat—you might even enjoy it alongside my famous Sausage Egg Cheese for an unforgettable spread!

Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right olives for this dip?
Absolutely! When selecting olives, look for fruits that are plump and firm, free from dark spots or blemishes. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose the pimento-stuffed green Manzanilla olives; for a stronger taste, go with Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives. I often mix different varieties to create a delightful flavor profile that caters to everyone’s taste.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store your Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly to keep the dip fresh and prevent any unpleasant fridge odors from creeping in. Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to enhance its creamy texture.

Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Of course! In fact, I highly recommend preparing the dip a day in advance. Allowing it to chill in the fridge gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, making for an even tastier experience. Just be sure to keep it covered in an airtight container!

How do I freeze the Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip?
Great question! To freeze this dip, first, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the dip overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to regain its creamy consistency. If you’re planning to serve it warm, gently reheat it in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re concerned about calories, you can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. For dairy-free considerations, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just be cautious when selecting olives, as some may contain allergens; checking labels for cross-contamination is always a good idea!

What if my dip is too thick?
Very! If you find your Olive & Artichoke Feta Cheese Dip too thick after mixing, you can easily adjust the consistency. Simply stir in a tablespoon of milk or additional mayonnaise until you achieve a creamier texture. This little trick will make the dip even more scoopable and enjoyable with those hearty snacks.