Print

Roasted Garlic and Olive Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 12 reviews

A rich and flavorful roasted garlic and olive dip combining creamy roasted garlic, tangy sour cream and Greek yogurt, with a vibrant topping of olives, peppers, nuts, and herbs. Perfect as a savory spread or appetizer served with bread, crackers, or pita.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Garlic

  • 1 head of garlic
  • Olive oil (as required for roasting)
  • Salt (as required for roasting)

For the Olive Topping

  • Small splash olive oil
  • to ½ cup olives, diced
  • ¼ to cup peppers, diced
  • ¼ cup scallions, chopped
  • Oregano, to taste
  • Chilli flakes, to taste
  • ¼ cup coriander, chopped
  • ⅓ cup toasted almonds, diced
  • ⅓ cup toasted pistachios, diced

For the Roasted Garlic Base Dip

  • Roasted garlic cloves, mashed until smooth and creamy
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2-3 tbsp mayonnaise or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped scallions or parsley, to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp diced jalapeños (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Slice off the tip of a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle a little salt over the exposed garlic, then wrap in foil or place in a small baking dish. Roast in the oven until the garlic is golden and caramelized, around 35-45 minutes. Let it cool, then squeeze out the soft roasted garlic cloves. Alternatively, sauté peeled garlic cloves in a small pot with enough oil to cover until soft and golden brown, then strain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Olive Topping: Heat a small splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced olives, diced peppers, chopped scallions, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir and cook briefly until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add chopped coriander, toasted diced almonds, and toasted diced pistachios. Mix well until the olives turn lightly golden, then remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Roasted Garlic Base Dip: Mash the roasted garlic cloves until smooth and creamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed garlic with sour cream and Greek yogurt. If desired, add mayonnaise or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in chopped scallions or parsley, and diced jalapeños if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Assemble the Dip: Spoon the roasted garlic dip into a serving bowl, smoothing the surface. Generously top with the prepared olive mixture to create a colorful, textured topping.
  5. Serve: Serve the roasted garlic and olive dip with fresh bread, crackers, or pita for dipping and spreading.

Notes

  • You can roast garlic on the stovetop as an alternative to oven roasting for a quicker option.
  • The mayonnaise or cream cheese in the dip is optional and can be omitted for a tangier, lighter dip.
  • Feel free to customize the topping with your favorite nuts or herbs for varied flavors.
  • The dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve the dip at room temperature for the best flavor experience.