Cream Cheese & Olive Spread: A Mediterranean Delight
Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is an exquisite combination of flavors that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This spread tantalizes your taste buds with its creamy, salty, and umami-rich profile, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself! In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll discover how simple it is to create this delectable spread at home. Perfect for entertaining, this dish is truly worth making, promising to elevate your appetizers to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts about Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is its ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing treat. It’s family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults, and works perfectly as a quick snack or as part of a more traditional spread at your next gathering. Additionally, it requires minimal ingredients, which means you can easily make it even on busy days without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of your spread, offering creaminess and rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup green olives with pimentos, finely chopped: Adds a tangy and savory bite.
- 1/4 cup black olives, finely chopped: Brings depth and an earthy flavor to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Enhances the creaminess and adds moisture.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a subtle kick of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds aromatic sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Introduces freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions for Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, chopped green and black olives, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Using a fork or a spatula, mix all the ingredients until smooth and well blended. This creates a creamy and cohesive texture.
After mixing, taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper as needed. This is where you can customize the flavor to your liking.
If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness and color.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Serve chilled with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight!
Tips & Tricks
Creating the perfect Cream Cheese & Olive Spread can be made easier with a few insider tips. Consider using olives from a jar rather than canned for fresher flavors. If you want to mix things up, consider adding a touch of lemon juice for brightness or spices like paprika for a smoky note. You can also experiment with different types of olives or add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an unexpected twist. Remember, the cooling period is essential, as it lets the flavors harmonize!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a beautiful presentation, serve this spread in a small bowl with an assortment of colorful crackers or placed on a vibrant veggie platter with bell peppers, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes. Pair it with a glass of sparkling water infused with fresh herbs for a refreshing drink option. It’s also fantastic when spread on a toasted bagel or served alongside antipasto platters featuring cheeses, charcuteries, and other dips.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in Cream Cheese & Olive Spread, it’s good to keep in mind its nutritional profile. The cream cheese gives a creamy texture but is calorie-dense, so moderation is key! Typically, a serving (2 tablespoons) contains approximately 100 calories, with a good source of calcium from the cream cheese. Depending on your portion size, you can enjoy this spread without guilt, especially when paired with healthy fresh vegetables.
Storing Tips & Variations for Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
For optimal freshness, store the Cream Cheese & Olive Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. If you have leftovers, it makes for a quick breakfast spread on toast! For variations, try including diced roasted red peppers or swapping the cream cheese for a dairy-free option if desired. You can even create a spicy version by adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Conclusion for Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
Don’t wait any longer to try this sensational Cream Cheese & Olive Spread! It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and visually appealing. Perfect for any occasion, your friends and family will love this Mediterranean delight. Dive into this creamy, savory spread today and elevate your snacking game.
FAQs
1. Can I make this spread in advance?
Absolutely! Making it a day ahead enhances the flavor, as it allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
2. What can I serve with this spread?
It pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
3. Can I freeze this spread?
It’s not recommended, as the cream cheese texture might change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
4. Is there a vegan version of this spread?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and the flavor will still be delightful.
5. How can I adjust the flavor?
Feel free to play around with different herbs, add spices, or include other types of olives to suit your palate!
Cream Cheese & Olive Spread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Mediterranean spread made with cream cheese and olives, perfect for entertaining or as a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, chopped green and black olives, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Using a fork or a spatula, mix all the ingredients until smooth and well blended.
- Taste the mixture and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
For optimal freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
