If you are looking for a vibrant, tangy, yet creamy spread to elevate any gathering or snack time, this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe is your next kitchen hero. Packed with the briny allure of green olives and the silky smoothness of cream cheese, it strikes the perfect balance between savory and refreshing. It’s simple to whip up but delivers layers of flavor that make it taste like it took hours to perfect. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a quick indulgence, this spread never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe plays a vital role, providing a unique texture, flavor, or color that brings the whole dish to life. From the creamy base to the fresh herbs, everything combines beautifully to deliver an unforgettable bite.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The rich, smooth foundation for the spread, providing a luscious texture.
- Green olives (1/2 cup, pitted and chopped): Adds briny, salty notes with a delightful bite.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon, optional): Enhances creaminess and smooth texture without overpowering the olives.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle tang and depth of flavor to brighten the spread.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Introduces a burst of fresh greenery and a mild herbal touch.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers just the right amount of savory, aromatic kick without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and subtle complexity.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides sweetness and savory undertone to balance flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a refreshing citrus brightness to round out the spread.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making the spread irresistibly tasty.
How to Make Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by making sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures it mixes smoothly without lumps. While it’s softening, pit and finely chop the green olives, so their salty bursts are evenly distributed in the spread.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the mayonnaise if using. This extra step enhances creaminess and gives your spread that luscious, silky texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Elements
Mix in the Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Each ingredient enriches the spread’s complexity, balancing tanginess, herbal freshness, and mild spiciness perfectly.
Step 4: Stir in Olives and Lemon Juice
Fold the chopped olives gently into the creamy mixture, ensuring they’re evenly incorporated without breaking down too much. Add lemon juice here if you want a touch of citrus zing that brightens the overall flavor.
Step 5: Season to Taste and Chill
Taste your creation and add salt if needed. Pop the spread into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes—this allows the flavors to mingle and deepen wonderfully before serving.
How to Serve Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra chopped parsley or a few sliced olives on top before serving adds a fresh pop of color and signals the delicious olive flavors waiting inside.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs beautifully with warm, crusty baguette slices, crisp vegetable sticks, or crunchy crackers for dipping. It also makes an elegant accompaniment to charcuterie or cheese boards, where its creamy tang stands out alongside cured meats and ripe cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer, consider scooping the spread into small ramekins garnished with olives and fresh herbs. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful sandwich spread to elevate everyday lunch or stuff it inside mini bell peppers for colorful finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 5 days, preserving its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
While freezing can slightly alter the texture due to the cream cheese, you can freeze this spread if needed. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use and stir well to recombine.
Reheating
This spread is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, do so gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, stirring carefully to maintain its creamy consistency without melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Absolutely! Black olives will give the spread a different flavor profile—milder and sweeter—but still delicious. Just be sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
Is the mayonnaise really necessary?
Mayonnaise is optional and mainly adds extra creaminess. If you prefer, you can skip it for a lighter version or substitute with Greek yogurt for tang.
Can this spread be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the cream cheese and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives. Keep the other ingredients the same to maintain that olive-forward flavor.
How long should I chill the spread?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps flavors mingle and improves texture, but you can leave it longer for an even deeper taste experience.
What are some other herbs that work well?
Besides parsley, try adding fresh dill, chives, or basil to vary the herbal notes and tailor the spread to your mood or menu.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe that just makes any occasion feel a bit more special. Its creamy texture, combined with the lively olive flavor and just the right amount of seasoning, is truly irresistible. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this spread as much as I do—it’s a simple recipe with a big personality that invites everyone back for seconds.
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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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy and tangy cream cheese and olive spread combines softened cream cheese with chopped green olives, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, creating a flavorful and versatile appetizer. Perfect for serving with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables, this easy-to-make spread delivers a delicious burst of savory taste in just 40 minutes.
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 come to room temperature so that it becomes soft and easy to mix thoroughly with the other ingredients.
- Prepare the olives: Pit the green olives if not already pitted, then chop them finely to ensure they blend well into the spread.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and fresh parsley. Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice if using to enhance creaminess and tanginess. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season to taste: Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, until the desired seasoning level is reached.
- Chill the spread: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the texture firm up slightly.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients together in a food processor.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives if preferred.
- Adding mayonnaise is optional but enhances creaminess.
- Adjust garlic powder and black pepper quantities according to taste preferences.
- Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bring the spread to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
