If you’re looking for a delightful and versatile appetizer to brighten up your snack table, this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the briny punch of chopped green olives, this spread is bursting with bold flavors yet surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a savory treat to complement your everyday meals, this spread brings a perfect balance of creaminess, zest, and savory notes with a hint of fresh herbs that will keep everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial part in layering flavors and textures. From the smooth base of cream cheese to the tang of Dijon mustard and the freshness of parsley, every element enhances the final spread in a special way.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides the creamy, luscious foundation that makes the spread irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 cup green olives (pitted and chopped): Adds a briny, slightly salty contrast with texture, making every bite interesting.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional): Boosts the creaminess and richness for an extra velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and subtle spiciness that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Injects a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the spread visually and in flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mild, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the richness nicely.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and savory background notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Infuses a bright, zesty lift that brings all the flavors to life.
- Salt to taste: Enhances and balances all the ingredients so nothing feels flat.
How to Make Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This step is key for achieving that luscious, easily mixable texture that will make your spread perfect. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before you begin or give it a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds, but don’t let it melt!
Step 2: Chop the Olives and Parsley
While the cream cheese softens, finely chop your pitted green olives and fresh parsley. The olives provide the essential salty, tangy contrast, while the parsley adds fresh green bursts that lighten up the spread both visually and in taste.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, parsley, mayonnaise if using, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in salt a little at a time. Use a spoon or hand mixer to thoroughly blend everything until you have a smooth, cohesive spread with visible bits of olive and herbs throughout.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor and Chill
Taste your spread and tweak the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Once satisfied, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to marry and intensify, creating an even more irresistible spread.
How to Serve Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a few sliced green olives, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil elevate your spread’s appearance and flavor. They add vibrancy and hint at the tasty ingredients within, tempting guests even before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese & Olive Spread pairs beautifully with an array of sides: crispy crackers, warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even as a topping for toasted baguette slices. Each option offers a fun textural counterpoint that highlights the creamy, tangy complexity of the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party platter, serve the spread in a shallow dish surrounded by colorful arrays of fresh veggies, nuts, and sliced cured meats. Alternatively, use the spread as a flavorful sandwich filling or dollop on baked potatoes for a quick, tasty upgrade. The versatility of this recipe means you can get as creative as you want!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time for your next gathering or snack craving.
Freezing
While freezing cream cheese-based spreads isn’t always recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze this spread if necessary. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When thawing, expect a slight separation; simply give it a good stir before serving to regain the best consistency.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and may alter the texture. Just bring any refrigerated leftovers out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving for optimal softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Absolutely! Black olives will give the spread a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to green olives’ tangy punch. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite olive variety for the spread.
Is mayonnaise necessary in this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe?
Mayonnaise is optional and primarily boosts creaminess, but the spread is delicious even without it. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip it without sacrificing much flavor.
How long does this spread keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this spread stays fresh for up to 5 days. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before consuming leftover spread.
Can I make this spread vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the mayonnaise and mustard are vegan-friendly. While the texture and taste will differ slightly, it remains a tasty option.
What are some other ways to use this spread besides as a dip?
This spread is fantastic as a sandwich or wrap filling, a dollop on baked potatoes, or even as a flavorful layer on crackers topped with fresh herbs or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe, it’s likely to become one of your go-to appetizers or snack staples. The balanced flavors, creamy texture, and simple ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the love with friends and family—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
Print
Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and savory Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is a quick and delicious appetizer or snack option that combines tangy cream cheese with chopped green olives and a medley of flavorful seasonings. Enhanced with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and fresh parsley, this spread is perfect for serving on crackers, bread, or as a sandwich filling. Ready in just 40 minutes, it offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Spread Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup green olives (pitted and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes until it becomes soft and spreadable. This step ensures easier blending of ingredients.
- Prepare the Olives: Pit and finely chop the green olives to release their flavors evenly throughout the spread.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, mayonnaise (if using), Dijon mustard, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, lemon juice (if using), and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a smooth spread.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the spread and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Chill the Spread: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least 15 minutes before serving. Chilling helps meld the flavors together and firms up the texture slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled spread to a serving dish and enjoy with crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables, or as desired.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
- The mayonnaise and lemon juice are optional but add extra creaminess and tanginess respectively.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try variations by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick snack at home.
