Olive And Cream Cheese Spread
A creamy, flavorful spread combining olives, cream cheese, and pecans, perfect for appetizers or snack platters, appealing to cheese and olive lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix well the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise.
- Add chopped olives and chopped pecans; stir well with 2 tablespoons olive juice and a dash of pepper.
- Chill for 24 to 48 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with different types of olives, such as kalamata or green olives, for varied flavors. For added zest, consider incorporating some minced garlic or herbs like dill. This spread is also great served on crackers or with fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Olive and Cream Cheese Spread is perfect for entertaining; serve it with sliced baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Ritz Bits Snacks for a fun twist. Consider adding it to a charcuterie board alongside cured meats and cheeses for an impressive spread. It also complements a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even tastier. If you want to serve it warm, gently heat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until just warm. Avoid overheating to maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive And Cream Cheese Spread contains roughly 617 calories, with 8g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it 24 to 48 hours in advance is recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve it.
What types of olives work best for this recipe?
You can use any type of olives you prefer, but green olives offer a nice contrast to the creamy texture, while black olives provide a milder flavor. Kalamata olives add a rich, briny taste. Feel free to mix different varieties to find your perfect combination.
Can I freeze this cream cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended for this spread, as the texture may change when thawed. Instead, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a week for the best flavor and consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).