Festive Scallion Olive Party Dip Cheese Wreath: An Easy & Impressive Holiday Appetizer

Prepare to impress your guests this holiday season with an appetizer that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat! This incredible Scallion Olive Party Dip, a cherished family recipe, transforms effortlessly into a show-stopping Christmas cheese wreath. Forget complicated culinary creations; this recipe is renowned for its simplicity, fantastic flavor, and elegant presentation, making it the perfect choice for any festive gathering.

This post was first published April 2013 and updated December 2019 for photos and content, ensuring you have the best, most festive version of this beloved dip.

This Scallion Olive Party Dip holds a truly special place in my heart, marking one of my earliest culinary successes. Before mastering staples like Tuna Noodle Casserole or even basic egg salad sandwiches, this dip was my first foray into the kitchen, a recipe passed down through generations that quickly became a personal favorite. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its unforgettable taste, but also in the fond memories it evokes.

I distinctly remember my first encounter with this dip as a child. Whether I was a wide-eyed youngster or an inquisitive teen, the details of the age escape me, but the location is crystal clear: my grandparents’ sailboat, basking in the sun on a perfect day. My mom had brought this new creation, and when she listed the ingredients, particularly mentioning olives, my young palate immediately recoiled. Olives simply weren’t my thing. However, the promise of crackers – a canvas for anything cheesy in my book – convinced me to give it a cautious try. And oh, what a revelation it was!

It was love at first bite. What seemed like an odd combination of flavors on paper – black olives and green onions – somehow transformed into a symphony of taste when blended with cream cheese and butter. This isn’t just a dip; it’s culinary alchemy. The olives, usually a deterrent for me, play a supporting role, adding a subtle briny depth that perfectly balances the sharp, fresh notes of green onion and the rich, creamy base. It truly is a magical blend of flavors that creates an undeniably addictive spread.

The beauty of this Scallion Olive Party Dip lies in its deceptive simplicity. You might hear “scallions and olives” and raise an eyebrow, but trust me, this combination works wonders. It’s a flavor profile that has captivated my family for years, earning its spot as a long-time favorite for gatherings big and small. Beyond its incredible taste, its ease of preparation is a major bonus. You can whip up a batch in minutes, serve it in a simple bowl for any occasion, or, come December, elevate it into a stunning Christmas cheese wreath that will be the talk of your holiday party.

The appeal of this dip isn’t just its nostalgic charm or its unique flavor; it’s also incredibly versatile. While a simple bowl presentation is perfectly acceptable and delicious, the holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to get creative. Forming the dip into a festive cheese wreath elevates it from a casual snack to an elegant centerpiece. Imagine the vibrant green of the scallions, the subtle purple hues of the olives, all encased in a creamy, spreadable cheese, adorned with bright bell pepper “holly” – it’s an edible work of art that effortlessly captures the spirit of Christmas.

The Surprisingly Simple Ingredients for This Iconic Scallion Olive Party Dip

You’ll be amazed at how such an irresistible dip can be made from such a short and sweet list of ingredients. The magic truly lies in the combination and quality of these simple components:

• Neufchâtel Cream Cheese (or regular cream cheese): Softened to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Neufchâtel offers a slightly lighter, tangier profile, but regular cream cheese works beautifully too.
• Unsalted Butter: Also softened, butter adds richness and contributes to the dip’s spreadable consistency.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Freshly chopped, these provide a crisp, slightly pungent flavor that is key to the dip’s unique taste.
• Canned Black Olives: Chopped, these provide that distinctive briny note without overpowering the other flavors. Use standard canned black olives for the best results.

And that’s genuinely all you need! No need for extra salt, garlic powder, or any other seasonings. The natural flavors of these four ingredients meld together perfectly, creating a balanced and utterly delicious dip that requires no embellishment. Its inherent goodness speaks for itself.

Effortless Preparation: Steps to Make This Delightful Party Dip

If you’re looking for an appetizer that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found it. The process of making this party dip is refreshingly straightforward:

1. Combine All Ingredients: Simply place your softened cream cheese, softened butter, chopped green onions, and chopped black olives into a single mixing bowl.
2. Mix Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer for the easiest and most efficient blending, or a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease will work too. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dip is smooth and creamy.

Yes, that’s truly all there is to the basic dip! The simplicity of this recipe is one of its greatest assets. It’s so easy, in fact, that it was one of the first recipes I ever learned, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. Once mixed, the dip is ready to be served in a bowl or transformed into our festive Christmas wreath.

Essential Tools for Your Scallion Olive Party Dip and Christmas Wreath

You won’t need an array of specialized gadgets to create this fantastic party dip and its stunning wreath presentation. The necessary tools are likely already in your kitchen:

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping the green onions and black olives, and later, for cutting decorative bell pepper garnishes.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl will suffice to combine all your dip ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula: Crucial for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated, and indispensable for gently smoothing and shaping your cheese wreath. You won’t want to leave a single delicious bit behind!
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): While not strictly mandatory, an electric mixer makes the blending process incredibly quick and ensures a perfectly smooth, airy consistency for your dip. If you don’t have one, a strong arm and a sturdy spoon will work, just allow a little more time.
• Drinking Glass: This is your secret weapon for forming the perfect ring shape of the cheese wreath.
• Paper Towels: For neatening up the serving plate after forming the wreath, ensuring a clean and professional presentation.

The Convenience of Make-Ahead: Preparing Your Dip in Advance

One of the many reasons this Scallion Olive Party Dip is a host’s dream is its fantastic make-ahead potential. Yes, absolutely! You can prepare this delicious dip up to three days before you plan to serve it. This allows you to tackle your holiday to-do list with one less worry, knowing a star appetizer is already prepped and waiting.

In fact, making it ahead isn’t just about convenience; it actually enhances the flavor. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, chilling the dip in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or even overnight) allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen. The green onions and olives infuse their essence into the creamy base, creating a more harmonious and pronounced taste experience. So go ahead, get it done early, and enjoy the anticipation of an even more flavorful dip!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Scallion Olive Party Dip

While the dip itself is the star, the right dipper can truly elevate the experience. Crackers are undoubtedly the classic choice, and over the years, I’ve conducted extensive (and delicious) research to find the very best pairings:

• Pepperidge Farm Trio Crackers: A fantastic all-rounder, offering a satisfying crunch and a neutral flavor that lets the dip shine.
• Pillbury Toasted Party Pack: These small, sturdy toasts are perfect for scooping and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Keebler Club Crackers (Original or Multigrain): Their buttery, flaky texture is a match made in heaven for this creamy dip.
• Triscuit Thins Crackers: For those who prefer a more robust, whole-grain option, Triscuit Thins provide a great base without overpowering the dip.
• Town House Pita Crackers with Sea Salt: The subtle saltiness and crispness of these pita crackers complement the dip beautifully.
• Town House Club Crackers: Similar to Keebler Club, these are another excellent buttery, flaky option.

In a pinch, you can certainly reach for Wheat Thins or even tortilla chips, and they’ll do the job. However, for the ultimate experience, I highly recommend sticking to the cracker varieties listed above – they truly allow the unique flavors of the Scallion Olive Dip to shine. I haven’t yet tried Stacy’s Pita Chips with it, but the thought alone sounds absolutely divine!

Crafting Your Epic Scallion Olive Party Dip Christmas Cheese Wreath

This is likely the moment you’ve been waiting for – the secret to creating a festive Christmas cheese wreath that will undoubtedly be the highlight of any holiday celebration. Despite its impressive appearance, this is one of those culinary tricks that looks far more difficult than it actually is. Rest assured, it’s incredibly easy, and with these simple steps, you’ll master it in no time!

1. Center Your Glass: Place an empty drinking glass (or a small round cookie cutter) in the very center of your chosen serving plate. This will act as your mold for the wreath’s opening.
2. Spoon the Dip Around: Using two spoons (this helps prevent stickiness and allows for more precise placement, much like dropping cookie dough), carefully spoon dollops of the Scallion Olive Party Dip around the base of the glass, forming a ring.
3. Shape and Smooth the Wreath: Once all the dip is on the plate, gently remove the glass by twisting it slightly. Now, take your rubber spatula and begin smoothing out the dip to form a continuous, even ring. Shape it into a beautiful wreath.
4. Clean and Garnish: Use a paper towel to carefully wipe away any smudges or stray bits of dip from the plate, creating a clean, professional edge around your wreath. Finally, add your festive garnish – typically bell pepper cutouts shaped like holly leaves and berries for that classic Christmas look.

I’ve made this wreath dozens upon dozens of times, and its ease never ceases to amaze me. The key to its success is often found in the simplest techniques.

My TOP TIP for forming the perfect wreath is this: as you spoon the dip around the glass, aim to build it up vertically rather than spreading it out horizontally. Think “spoon up, not out.” The reason for this approach is that as you use your spatula to smooth and refine the shape, the dip will naturally settle and spread outwards. If you start with a flat, wide ring, you’ll end up with an even flatter, wider wreath once you apply pressure to smooth it. By starting with a taller, narrower ring, you allow yourself room to shape and compress the dip into a beautifully sculpted, generously sized Christmas wreath that truly stands out.

Once you’ve mastered this simple shaping technique, you’ll effortlessly create a gorgeous centerpiece that tastes as fantastic as it looks. The vibrant green of the scallions peeking through the creamy base, combined with the subtle dark flecks of olives, provides a visual appeal that hints at the deliciousness within. Adding the bell pepper holly leaves and berries is the final touch, transforming a simple dip into an exquisite holiday decoration that is completely edible and endlessly enticing.

So there you have it, folks! A delicious, truly special Scallion Olive Party Dip that easily transforms into a beautiful and impressive Christmas appetizer. It’s a recipe that embodies ease, flavor, and festive charm, guaranteeing smiles and satisfied palates at your holiday table. This dip isn’t just a snack; it’s a tradition in the making, ready to create new memories for you and your loved ones.

For more delightful Christmas recipes, be sure to explore my Christmas Soup, the indulgent Christmas Croissant Breakfast Casserole, and my savory Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. And for a year-round favorite, don’t miss the Best Stuffing Ever!

~✿♥✿~