Get ready to fall in love with this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread—your new go-to appetizer for any gathering, snack craving, or sandwich upgrade! Imagine a luscious, creamy base blended with both briny green olives and rich black olives, all brightened up by a hint of parsley and a touch of zesty mayo. Each bite is a celebration of flavors: tangy, salty, creamy, and wonderfully fresh. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want something extra special to enjoy with crackers, this spread is astonishingly easy to whip up, but tastes like you’ve fussed over it for hours. Trust me, after one taste everyone will be demanding the recipe.

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this spread lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has an important part to play, whether providing silky softness, a burst of flavor, or an inviting pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few expert hints for best results.

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The luscious foundation—make sure it’s room temperature so it blends beautifully.
Green Olives with Pimentos (1/2 cup, finely chopped): These give a bold, briny tang and a gorgeous pop of red from the pimentos.
Black Olives (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Offer a smooth, mellow richness that balances the sharper green olives.
Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): For silkiness and just a hint of richness—use your favorite mayo here.
Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle savory backbone (fresh garlic would be too strong, so stick with the powder).
Onion Powder (1/4 tsp): Lends a mild sweetness and depth—just enough to round out the flavors.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, optional): Brings color and a hint of herbal freshness—highly recommended!
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Season just enough to make all the other flavors shine; start small and adjust at the end.

How to Make Cream Cheese & Olive Spread

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by making sure your cream cheese is nice and soft—take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes ahead or give it a gentle zap in the microwave. Meanwhile, finely chop your green olives and black olives. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll blend in and give you bursts of flavor in every bite!

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a medium bowl, add your softened cream cheese, chopped olives (both green with pimentos and black), mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. With a sturdy spatula or hand mixer, blend everything until the mixture is smooth and the olives are evenly dispersed. Don’t worry if you see colorful flecks—that’s a good sign!

Step 3: Season and Add Freshness

Now it’s time to taste. Add salt and black pepper a little at a time, stirring, then sampling. If you’re adding parsley, fold it in now for a fresh, vibrant lift. Give it a final stir to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Spoon the Cream Cheese & Olive Spread into a serving bowl, cover it tightly, and chill for at least 1 hour. The flavor improves as it sits, so don’t skip this step! Those olives will work their magic, and the spread’s texture will firm up perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give your spread a quick stir, then serve it up with your favorite crackers, slices of baguette, toast points, or an array of fresh-cut veggies. Watch how quickly this irresistible appetizer disappears!

How to Serve Cream Cheese & Olive Spread

Garnishes

The right garnish not only makes your spread pop visually but adds that final dash of flavor. Sprinkle extra chopped olives or fresh parsley on top just before serving, or try a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and depth. If you want a touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of good olive oil over the top works wonders!

Side Dishes

This Cream Cheese & Olive Spread is the ideal partner for crunchy breadsticks, your favorite artisanal crackers, or crispy crostini. It also pairs beautifully with crisp veggies like cucumber, celery, and sweet bell pepper strips, letting that creamy, briny decadence shine through with every fresh bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this spread into the life of your appetizer table by piping it into hollowed cherry tomatoes, or use it as a vibrant sandwich or wrap filling. You can also swirl it onto cucumber rounds for pretty, bite-sized canapés—perfect for parties or just a little personal snack magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cream Cheese & Olive Spread in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s just as delicious for up to 2 days after making it—perhaps even more so, as the flavors have extra time to mesh together!

Freezing

While technically possible to freeze, the creamy texture and the olives’ moisture can change after thawing, making the spread a bit watery. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated—luckily, it comes together so fast you can always whip up more if needed!

Reheating

This is a no-cook spread, so no need for reheating! If the spread firms up too much in the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring back that perfect soft, scoopable consistency.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese or mayo?

Absolutely! Reduced-fat cream cheese and light mayo work beautifully in this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread, making it a lighter option without sacrificing much of the luscious texture or flavor. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning since reduced-fat products can be slightly less rich.

How far in advance can I make this spread?

You can prepare the entire Cream Cheese & Olive Spread up to two days ahead of time. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to deepen—just keep it covered in the fridge, and stir well before serving.

Can I substitute other olives or add-ins?

Definitely! Try Kalamata olives for a robust, tangy profile, or add a few chopped capers for extra zing. Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a touch of grated lemon zest can add fun new twists to the base recipe.

Is this spread gluten-free?

Yes, the Cream Cheese & Olive Spread itself is totally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, veggie dippers, or gluten-free breads if you’re catering to those with sensitivities.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to let your cream cheese sit out, cut it into cubes and microwave on a low setting in 10-second bursts, checking frequently. You want it soft, not melted—ready to blend easily with the olives and seasonings.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Cream Cheese & Olive Spread as I am—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s hard to resist grabbing a spoonful right out of the fridge! Give it a try for your next gathering or treat yourself to a decadent snack. You’ll quickly see why it’s a staple in my kitchen!

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A creamy and flavorful Cream Cheese & Olive Spread that makes a perfect appetizer for any occasion. This easy-to-make spread combines the richness of cream cheese with the briny flavors of green and black olives, enhanced with a hint of garlic and onion powders.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese & Olive Spread:

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

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped green and black olives, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Mix until smooth and well blended.

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve chilled with crackers, toast points, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

You can adjust the ratio of green to black olives based on your taste.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light mayonnaise.
This spread can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American