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
Scale
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.
