If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy as it is irresistible, look no further than Cream Cheese & Olive Spread. This creamy, tangy, and delightfully briny spread brings together the lushness of cream cheese with the savory pop of olives, creating a flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and utterly addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party, jazzing up your lunch, or simply need a satisfying snack, this spread is about to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cream Cheese & Olive Spread lies in its simplicity—just a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to create a dip that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each component pulls its weight, adding creaminess, tang, or a punch of bold olive character to every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy, dreamy base that makes every bite smooth and spreadable; let it sit at room temperature so it blends like a dream.
- Green olives with pimentos (½ cup, finely chopped): These bring a tangy, salty kick and those cheerful pops of red from the pimentos.
- Black olives (¼ cup, finely chopped): For a mild, earthy flavor that rounds out the brininess of the green olives.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds an extra layer of silkiness and helps everything come together in one luscious spread.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the olives.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Provides gentle savory undertones that enhance the overall taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a burst of fresh green color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Perfect for fine-tuning the flavors exactly to your liking.
How to Make Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Grab a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer and whip them together until the mixture is silky-smooth. This step is all about creating an ultra-creamy canvas that will carry those briny olive flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Add the Olives and Seasonings
Gently fold in the finely chopped green olives (with their pimentos) and black olives, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined—this is when you’ll see the spread come alive with flecks of green, black, and red.
Step 3: Taste and Season
Now for the best part: grab a little taste! Adjust the salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the olives are naturally salty. This is your moment to personalize the Cream Cheese & Olive Spread and make it sing with just the right balance of flavors.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Transfer your finished spread to a serving dish, cover it tightly, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This quick rest gives all those wonderful flavors a chance to mingle and infuse the cream cheese, making each bite even more delicious.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is ready for its grand debut! Serve it with your favorite crackers, crunchy crostini, or a vibrant assortment of fresh veggies. Watch as it disappears in no time—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
How to Serve Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
Garnishes
Dress up your Cream Cheese & Olive Spread with a final flourish by sprinkling extra chopped parsley, a few sliced olives, or even a drizzle of good olive oil on top. These little touches add a pop of color and make your spread look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this savory spread with an antipasto platter, crusty bread, or a light salad for an easy, Mediterranean-inspired snack board. It also shines alongside roasted vegetables or as a creamy counterpoint to spicy pickles and cured meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cream Cheese & Olive Spread in a pretty ramekin, scoop it into cucumber cups, or pipe it onto crackers for an elegant appetizer. You can even use it as a sandwich filling, slather it on bagels, or tuck it into wraps for a fun lunch upgrade—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese & Olive Spread keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors only get better as they meld, so don’t be afraid to make it in advance for hassle-free snacking or entertaining.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Cream Cheese & Olive Spread for up to one month. For the best texture, store it in a tightly sealed container, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before serving. Give it a good stir once thawed to bring back its creamy consistency.
Reheating
This spread is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been stored in the fridge, simply let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving for the perfect creamy spreadability.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this spread?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well here if you’re looking to lighten things up. Just know the spread may be a bit less rich and creamy, but the flavor will still shine through.
What’s the best way to chop the olives?
For the ideal texture, chop the olives by hand with a sharp knife. If you prefer a smoother spread, you can pulse everything together in a food processor for a more uniform consistency—just be careful not to over-process.
Can I add other mix-ins to the spread?
Definitely! Chopped roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes all make fun additions. Feel free to get creative and tailor your Cream Cheese & Olive Spread to your tastes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the spread itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if you’re accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I make Cream Cheese & Olive Spread ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more. Just store it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and festive about sharing a dish like Cream Cheese & Olive Spread with friends and family. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every gathering, snack attack, or quick lunch fix. Give it a try—it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is a deliciously creamy and savory appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining softened cream cheese with chopped green and black olives, garlic and onion powders, and a touch of mayonnaise, this no-cook spread is packed with flavor and ready in just 10 minutes. Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for an easy and crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add olives and seasonings: Stir in the finely chopped green olives with pimentos and black olives, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and the chopped parsley if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Season to taste: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Chill the spread: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up a bit.
- Serve: Serve chilled with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, pulse the spread mixture briefly in a food processor before chilling.
- This spread works wonderfully as a sandwich filling or as a topping for bagels.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
