Tangy Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe for Fresh Snacking

Whipping up a delightful cream cheese and olive spread can turn ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary moments.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with briny olive notes for an unexpected flavor profile.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a rich, smooth companion to crackers or fresh bread.

Casual gatherings suddenly feel more sophisticated with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Home cooks often underestimate how quickly such a spread can impress guests.

Professional chefs appreciate the elegant simplicity of combining just a few quality ingredients.

Experiment boldly and watch your next party spread become the talk of the evening.

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe

• Instant Crowd-Pleaser: This spread delivers bold flavors that will wow guests at any gathering, making it a perfect appetizer that requires minimal effort and maximum taste impact.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Combining just a few simple ingredients transforms ordinary cream cheese into a delightful, tangy spread that comes together in mere minutes with basic kitchen tools.
• Versatile Flavor Bomb: Adaptable to multiple serving styles, this recipe works brilliantly as a dip for crackers, a sandwich spread, or a zesty topping for vegetables, giving you endless culinary possibilities.
• Minimal Ingredient Wonder: Using pantry staples like cream cheese, mayonnaise, and olives means you can create a gourmet-tasting spread without a complicated shopping list or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese & Olive Spread

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy dairy product that provides a rich and creamy foundation for the spread.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Olive Brine: Introduces a salty and briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the spread.

• Green Olives, Black Olives: Sliced olives that contribute a salty, briny texture and provide bursts of Mediterranean flavor throughout the spread.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the spread.

How to Prepare Cream Cheese & Olive Spread

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab your hand mixer and combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and olive brine. Blend these ingredients until they transform into a silky, luxurious mixture with a consistently smooth texture.

Keep mixing until all components merge into a delightful, creamy spread.

Step 2: Incorporate Olive Chunks

Carefully fold the sliced olives into the creamy base using a spatula.

Gently stir to ensure the olive pieces are evenly distributed throughout the spread. This technique helps maintain the spread’s light and airy consistency while adding bursts of briny flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Transfer the olive cream cheese spread to a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and gives the spread a firmer texture. Serve chilled with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as a delicious sandwich spread.

Pro Tips for Creamy Olive Spread

• Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the spread watery.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Chill the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Experiment with different olive varieties like kalamata or green olives for unique taste variations.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and quality.

Variations to Customize Olive Spread

• Mediterranean Herb Spread: Replace olive brine with fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to create a fiery, tangy cream cheese spread with extra kick.
• Low-Fat Alternative: Substitute regular cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese to lower calorie and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Vegan Olive Dip: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based brine to create a completely plant-based version of the spread.

Pairing Ideas for Cream Cheese Spread

• Crisp Cracker Companion: Serve this spread on thin, crispy water crackers or buttery ritz crackers to provide a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the olive spread.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this tangy spread with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully balance the rich and briny flavors of the olives and cream cheese.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Incorporate this spread as a standout element on a charcuterie board, nestled alongside salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and some sharp aged cheeses to create a sophisticated appetizer experience.

Storage Tips for Olive Spread

Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving a small space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Best enjoyed cold, but if desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften. Stir gently to restore original consistency.

Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and spreadability. Use a clean knife or spatula each time to maintain freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of olives?

Yes, you can substitute green, black, or kalamata olives based on your preference. Just ensure they’re finely sliced for even distribution.

• Is this spread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not ideal for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. Individuals with specific dietary needs should check ingredient compatibility.

• How can I enhance the flavor of the spread?

Consider adding herbs like dill, chives, or a pinch of garlic powder to introduce additional depth and complexity to the spread’s taste profile.

• What are some recommended serving options?

This spread works great as a dip for crackers, a sandwich filling, or a topping for toasted baguette slices. Its versatile nature makes it perfect for various appetizer and snack scenarios.

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Mediterranean olive spread delights palates with its rich blend of tangy cream cheese and briny olives. Smooth textures and bold flavors invite you to savor this simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings or quiet moments of culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup sliced green olives with pimiento

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons olive brine

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese, mayonnaise, and olive brine using an electric mixer until the consistency becomes silky and uniform, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully incorporate sliced olives into the creamy base, gently folding to ensure even distribution without breaking the olive pieces.
3. Transfer the spread to a serving dish, using a spatula to smooth the surface and create an attractive presentation.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to set before serving with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable crudités.
5. Store the olive spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop further over time.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Drain olives well to prevent excess liquid from making the spread too runny.
• Experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or green olives for unique flavor profiles.
• Chill the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a firmer consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg