Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe

Quick Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe: Zesty Sandwich Joy

Creamy and tangy spreads can turn ordinary crackers into extraordinary snacks, and this cream cheese and olive spread recipe delivers pure flavor magic.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with briny olives for a quick appetizer that impresses.

Salty olive bits add unexpected texture to the smooth base.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a delightful combination that feels both elegant and approachable.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

This simple spread works perfectly as a party starter or casual weekend treat.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those moments when you need something deliciously different.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients in this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread?

The key ingredients are cream cheese, mayonnaise, olive brine, and sliced olives, creating a tangy and creamy appetizer spread.

  • Is this spread suitable for different occasions?

Yes, it’s versatile and perfect for parties, game nights, casual gatherings, or as a quick snack with crackers or bread.

  • Can I customize the olive selection?

Absolutely! You can use green olives, black olives, or a mix of different olive varieties to suit your taste preferences.

  • How long does it take to prepare this spread?

This recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 5-10 minutes to mix and prepare from start to finish.

Why Cream Cheese Olive Spread Is So Addictive

  • Craft Gourmet Dessert at Home: Professional-level chocolate salted caramel tarts that transform your kitchen into a pastry shop experience.
  • Impress Guests with Minimal Effort: Create a stunning dessert that looks complex but requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients anyone can master.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Adjust salt levels and chocolate intensity to match personal taste preferences, making each tart uniquely yours.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Elegant enough for dinner parties, yet simple enough for weekend family treats, these tarts elevate any gathering.

What Goes In a Cream Cheese Olive Spread

Dairy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and tangy base that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the spread.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and helps blend the ingredients seamlessly.
Briny Flavor Enhancer:
  • Olive Brine: Introduces a salty and briny flavor that complements the cream cheese and adds depth to the spread.
Olive Addition:
  • Sliced Olives: Provide a salty, briny crunch and visual interest throughout the creamy mixture.

Steps To Mix Up Cream Cheese Olive Spread

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab your hand mixer and combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and olive brine in a mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients together until they transform into a silky, smooth texture that’s perfect for spreading.

Step 2: Fold In Tasty Olive Bits

Carefully incorporate the sliced olives into the creamy mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to ensure the olives are evenly distributed throughout, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Serve And Savor

Transfer the spread to a serving dish. This tangy, rich spread is ready to be enjoyed with crackers, toast, or as a zesty dip for fresh vegetables.

Notes To Help With Cream Cheese Olive Spread

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
  • Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the spread too runny.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs like dill for extra depth and complexity.
  • Use as a dip for crackers, spread on sandwiches, or stuff into celery sticks for versatile appetizer options.
  • Keep spread fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Creative Styles For Cream Cheese Olive Spread

  • Mediterranean Herb Spread: Swap olives with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and add fresh basil and oregano for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix in diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to create a bold, spicy kick to the original cream cheese spread.
  • Low-Fat Alternative: Replace regular cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use low-fat mayonnaise to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Vegan Olive Dip: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version that still delivers rich, tangy taste.

Crackers and Breads to Enjoy With Olive Spread

  • Elevate Appetizer Companions: Crisp, buttery crackers provide the perfect canvas for this rich, tangy spread, offering a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture.
  • Pair with Wine Elegance: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the spread's richness and enhances its olive-forward flavor profile.
  • Serve with Fresh Veggie Platter: Arrange colorful raw vegetable sticks such as cucumber, bell peppers, and celery around the spread, creating a fresh and healthy accompaniment that balances the creamy consistency.
  • Charcuterie Board Magic: Include this spread on a mixed charcuterie board with salty cured meats like prosciutto or salami, which harmonize beautifully with the olive's briny notes.

Keeping Olive Spread Fresh in the Fridge

  • Store the cream cheese and olive spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer the spread to a freezer-safe container, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • If the spread becomes slightly dry after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of olive brine or mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.
  • Always serve the spread cold directly from the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
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Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky cream cheese and olive spread brings Mediterranean charm to your appetizer table. Savory olives blend seamlessly with smooth cream cheese, creating an irresistible dip you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup sliced green olives with pimiento

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons olive brine

Instructions

  1. Whip cream cheese, mayonnaise, and olive brine using a hand mixer until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
  2. Carefully incorporate sliced olives into the creamy base, ensuring even distribution throughout the spread.
  3. Transfer the olive-studded mixture to a serving dish, creating an elegant appetizer perfect for crackers, toast, or vegetable crudités.
  4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and enhance the spread’s overall taste profile.
  5. Serve chilled as a delightful, tangy accompaniment to your favorite snacks or as a zesty party appetizer.

Notes

  • Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the spread watery.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
  • Refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and firm up the texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 153 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 393 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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