This recipe provides instructions for making a zesty and flavorful Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread, a versatile condiment perfect for spreading on crackers, bagels, sandwiches, or serving as a dip with vegetables. This spread combines the creamy tanginess of cream cheese with the briny, savory notes of olives and the fresh, aromatic flavors of various herbs. It’s a quick and easy recipe that requires minimal preparation and delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste. The base of this spread is softened cream cheese, which provides a smooth and creamy texture. 1 Olives, typically green or Kalamata, are a key ingredient, bringing a salty, briny, and slightly fruity flavor. They are usually chopped or roughly processed to distribute their taste throughout the spread. Fresh herbs play a crucial role in adding brightness and complexity. Common choices include parsley, chives, dill, and sometimes a touch of oregano or thyme. These herbs are finely chopped to release their aromatic oils and blend seamlessly into the cream cheese. For an extra layer of flavor and a bit of tang, ingredients like capers, lemon zest, or a splash of lemon juice can be incorporated. Garlic, either fresh and minced or in powder form, can also be added for a savory kick. The preparation is incredibly simple: softened cream cheese is mixed with the chopped olives, finely chopped herbs, and any other desired flavorings until well combined and smooth. A food processor can be used for a very smooth consistency, or the ingredients can be mixed by hand for a more rustic texture with visible pieces of olives and herbs. Once mixed, the spread can be used immediately or chilled in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld further. This Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread is highly adaptable, and you can adjust the types and amounts of olives and herbs to suit your personal preferences. It’s a delightful addition to cheese boards, appetizer platters, and makes for a quick and flavorful spread for various snacks and meals. The image shows a close-up of a clear glass jar filled with a creamy, light-colored spread. Visible within the spread are chopped green olives and flecks of green herbs. Two whole green olives adorn the top of the spread, along with some additional chopped herbs. A hand is holding the jar, indicating it’s a dip or spread meant for serving.
The texture of Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread is smooth and creamy, with small, soft pieces of chopped olives and finely minced herbs distributed throughout. It should be easily spreadable.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of tangy cream cheese, salty and briny olives, and fresh, aromatic herbs. Depending on the herbs used (like parsley, chives, dill), the flavor can range from bright and grassy to slightly oniony and fresh. Optional additions like capers or lemon zest can add a zesty or briny complexity.
Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread is a simple mixture of softened cream cheese, chopped olives (green or Kalamata), and finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, dill), often with additional flavorings like capers, garlic, or lemon zest, blended together for a flavorful spread or dip.
The preparation involves softening cream cheese, finely chopping olives and herbs, and mixing all ingredients together until well combined and smooth or slightly textured.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped green olives (pitted)
- ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives (pitted)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Whole olives and extra herbs, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon (or food processor for a smoother spread)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for rinsing capers, if using)
Instructions:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients and achieve a smooth consistency. You can leave it out on the counter for about 20-30 minutes, or slightly warm it in the microwave in short intervals, being careful not to melt it.
- Prepare the Olives: Drain the green and Kalamata olives from their brine. Roughly chop them into small pieces. You can adjust the size of the chopped olives based on your preference for texture.
- Chop the Herbs: Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh parsley, chives, and dill. Finely chop them using a sharp knife. The finer the chop, the more evenly their flavor will be distributed throughout the spread.
- Prepare Optional Ingredients: If using capers, rinse them under cold water and then chop them finely. If using lemon zest, grate the zest of one lemon using a fine grater, being careful to only zest the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith. If using fresh garlic, peel and mince it very finely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Use a fork or spoon to mash it slightly to ensure it’s smooth. Add the chopped green olives, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
- Add Optional Flavorings: If using, add the chopped capers, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are evenly combined and the olives and herbs are distributed throughout the cream cheese. You can mix by hand for a more textured spread, or for a very smooth and homogenous spread, you can transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse a few times until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to over-process, as it can make the spread too thin.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Once the spread is mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper depending on the saltiness of your olives and your personal preference.
- Chill (Optional): While the spread can be used immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour will allow the flavors to meld together more fully and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread to a serving bowl or jar. If desired, garnish with whole olives and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs for visual appeal. Serve with crackers, bagels, pita bread, crudités (such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices), or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy Olive and Herb Cream Cheese Spread! It’s a versatile condiment that adds a delicious Mediterranean twist to your snacks and meals. Feel free to customize the herbs and other flavorings to create your own signature blend.