These roasted olives with herbs, garlic, citrus, and a touch of sweetness transform ordinary olives into a standout appetizer in no time. Baking them intensifies the olive flavor while infusing them with aromatic herbs and garlic, creating Mediterranean-inspired bread dunking goodness.

I made this recipe for our neighbors that came over for dinner a few weeks ago when I wanted to elevate olives in a quick and easy way, rather than just adding them as is to the vegan platter. And, I might add, they loved them!

What I love about it is that you can prep it well in advance and pop them in the oven as your guests arrive. I marinated them for about 5-6 hours. It helps the flavors to infuse even more. Not a necessary step, but if you have the time, I would recommend it.

Roasted Olives with Herbs & Garlic close up in a bowl.

Variations

If you’re looking to customize this recipe:

Citrus swap: You can swap the lemon for orange zest for a sweeter flavor profile.
Use your fave olives instead: Try different olive varieties for varied tastes and textures. I’d suggest using olives that come in brine; that way, you can control the flavor.
Like heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat.
Herb swap: You can try other hearty herbs like thyme and marjoram. I don’t recommend delicate ones like basil, parsley, and cilantro, as they might burn.

Ingredients

Storage

These roasted olives are best consumed within a couple of hours of baking. If you have any leftover, be diligent to store it in the fridge. They will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Marinade Instead of Bake

For a longer-lasting option, you can add everything to a jar (instead of baking), fill it with olive oil, and create a wonderful marinated olive jar that you can keep in the fridge for up to one week. I would leave the maple syrup out if you choose to do this.

Keep in mind that if you marinade them and refrigerate that the olive oil might solidify – this is completely normal, and the oil will return to liquid at room temperature.

You can, of course, still transfer it to a baking dish and follow the timing below. Just reduce the amount of oil that goes into the baking dish. The oil can also be used to add to other dishes, as it will have a wonderful aroma.

Close up of the Roasted Olives with Herbs & Garlic.

TIP: Olives with pits retain more of their flavor, but you can use pitted olives for convenience.

Serving Ideas

These versatile roasted olives can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas for you!

Serve with bread: Perfect for scooping up with bread, soaking up all the flavorful juices.
Make it fancy: Served as a dip on a bed of hummus or vegan whipped feta.
Turn it into a single-serve snack: Chop them to make an olive bruschetta (use pitted olives for this option).
Elevating a platter: Add them to a Mediterranean-inspired platter or charcuterie board.
Ready to party? Served alongside cocktails for an elevated appetizer experience.
Add cheese goodness to the mix: Add a vegan feta in the middle of the baking dish once you take it out of the oven, and spoon some of the roasted olive mix on top before serving. Alternatively, add some bocconcini!

Roasted Olives with Herbs & Garlic on a bed of hummus & bread.

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