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–+ servings
Cream Cheese and Olive Spread served on a plate

Cream Cheese and Olive Spread

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Softened cream cheese mixed with finely chopped olives, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs creates a tangy spread perfect for crackers or fresh vegetables. Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and firms up the texture for easy scooping. This quick no-cook spread works well for weeknight snacks and entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup mixed olives pitted and finely chopped into ⅛-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh if possible
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon fresh herbs parsley, dill, or basil, chopped finely
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 20 minutes. Press it with your finger — it should dent easily without cracking.
    8 oz cream cheese
  2. Drain olives and pat dry with paper towels, then chop into ⅛-inch pieces so they spread evenly without falling off crackers.
    0.5 cup mixed olives
  3. Mix cream cheese and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth, then stir in olive oil for a creamy, lump-free mixture.
    8 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil
  4. Fold in chopped olives, minced garlic, fresh herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until evenly distributed.
    0.5 cup mixed olives, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp fresh herbs, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the spread to firm up.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
  • Pat olives dry to prevent the spread from becoming too runny or salty.
  • Chill at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend and firm up the texture for easy spreading.

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