Tired of the same old appetizers? Craving something flavorful, easy to make, and utterly delicious? Look no further! This cream cheese and olive spread is the perfect solution for your next gathering, or even a simple weeknight snack. It's incredibly versatile, healthy-ish, and ready in minutes! This recipe offers a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and showcases the beauty of homemade cooking with simple ingredients. This is one of the best recipes for easy entertaining, and a delicious dish everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
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Mix Well: Stir everything together until it's thoroughly combined and smooth. Don't overmix; you want a bit of texture from the olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Season to Taste: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a bit more lemon juice or garlic depending on your preference.
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Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but highly recommended. The spread will be much more flavorful after chilling.
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Serve: Spoon the cream cheese and olive spread onto toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetables like celery sticks or carrot sticks. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese and Olive Spread:
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Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for easy mixing. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it for short bursts, or leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
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Adjust the ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you love garlic, add a bit more! Want a spicier spread? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Olive variety: Experiment with different types of olives! Castelvetrano olives would offer a milder, buttery flavor, while green olives would provide a briny bite.
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Make it ahead: This spread can be made a day or two in advance, which makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
Variations:
- Spicy Spread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby Spread: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Feta Variation: Substitute or add crumbled feta cheese for a tangier twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Fat: High (primarily from cream cheese and olive oil)
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This simple cream cheese and olive spread is a fantastic healthy meal addition that's perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that's both delicious and easy to make, proving that healthy meals can also be quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!