If you’re searching for a spread that effortlessly balances creamy richness with a burst of Mediterranean tang, the Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant blend combines the velvety texture of cream cheese with the salty punch of feta and the briny boldness of Kalamata and green olives. It’s perfect for elevating any appetizer table, bringing bright, fresh flavors and a touch of rustic charm to your gatherings or casual snacking. Trust me, once you try this spread, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about the Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is that it uses simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. Every item on this list thoughtfully contributes, whether through creaminess, sharpness, or that signature olive brine.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): This creates the smooth, creamy base that makes the spread dreamy and easy to scoop.
- Feta cheese (4 oz, crumbled): Adds a tangy, crumbly texture that contrasts so beautifully with the cream cheese.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and chopped): These olives bring a deep, rich, fruity saltiness that defines much of the Mediterranean charm.
- Green olives (1/4 cup, pitted and chopped): Offering a slightly milder but still briny flavor, green olives balance the Kalamata’s intensity perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a luscious, silky finish and helps meld the flavors seamlessly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brings a bright zing that lifts the spread and keeps it fresh-tasting.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Provides the perfect subtle kick that adds savory depth without overpowering the spread.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): A classic herb that introduces earthy, aromatic undertones.
- Fresh black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the layers of flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Not just for looks, parsley lends a bright, herby freshness that complements the richer ingredients.
How to Make Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Cream Cheese and Feta
Start by placing your softened cream cheese and crumbled feta into a medium bowl. The key here is to mix them well until the texture turns smooth and creamy—no big chunks of cheese should remain. This creates the luscious base that holds the spread together, blending the mellow creaminess of cream cheese with the sharp, salty pop of feta.
Step 2: Stir in the Olives and Flavorings
Next, stir in the chopped Kalamata and green olives. Don’t forget to pour in the olive oil too, along with the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. These ingredients are the heart of the flavor profile, giving your spread a balanced saltiness, a hint of tang, and that unmistakable Mediterranean vibrancy. Mix everything until it’s uniformly combined.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time to add freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go, adding enough for just a gentle warmth that complements the other bold flavors. If you feel like the spread could use a brighter note, add a little more lemon juice or oregano to make it just right for your palate.
Step 4: Chill to Let Flavors Meld
This is the magic step that really takes your spread from good to unforgettable. Refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows all the vibrant flavors to marry and intensify, so you get a fuller, rounder taste with every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Prepare to Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and extra freshness. This is optional, but it truly makes the spread pop visually and flavor-wise, setting the perfect stage for your favorite dippers.
How to Serve Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you can also try a dusting of smoked paprika or a few whole olives arranged artfully on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a gorgeous sheen and deepens the flavor as well. These little touches elevate presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs beautifully with toasted pita bread, crisp crackers, or an assortment of fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips. It also makes a fantastic topping for warm grilled chicken or served alongside stuffed grape leaves for a full Mediterranean-inspired snack board.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving the Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe in small individual bowls with a variety of dippers arranged around it. Or use it as a flavorful filling in mini bagels or wraps. You could even dollop it over baked potatoes for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your spread, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or impromptu gatherings later in the week.
Freezing
This spread is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as the freeze-thaw process can affect the texture of the cream cheese and olives. However, if you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cold spread, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow any chilled leftovers to come to room temperature before serving to bring out the full depth of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives in this spread?
Absolutely! While Kalamata and green olives create the classic flavor combination, feel free to experiment with other varieties like black Castelvetrano or even stuffed olives to personalize your Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe.
Is there a way to make this spread vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives made from cashews or almonds. The texture and flavor profile will shift, but it’s a tasty alternative for those avoiding dairy.
How far in advance can I prepare the spread?
You can prepare the spread up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors actually deepen with time, so making it the day before is a wonderful idea for easy entertaining.
Can this spread be used in recipes other than a dip?
Definitely! This Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is versatile. Use it as a sandwich spread, a savory topping for baked potatoes, or stuffed inside mushrooms before roasting for a delightful appetizer.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to take the cream cheese out ahead of time, microwave it in 5- to 10-second bursts until soft but not melted, or simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is one of those recipes that’s as simple as it is stunning in flavor. It brings together a harmony of creamy, tangy, and salty notes that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a delicious snack, give this spread a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your kitchen rotation!
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Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful spread combines tangy cream cheese, salty feta, and briny Kalamata and green olives for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Enhanced with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, this easy no-cook recipe is perfect for serving with crackers or fresh vegetables. Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld for a rich and satisfying spread.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Olives
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese and Feta: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta until the texture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the cheeses are well blended.
- Add Olives and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped Kalamata and green olives, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season to Taste: Add freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lemon juice or oregano if desired.
- Refrigerate for Flavors to Meld: Cover the spread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and intensify.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve chilled with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or food processor to blend the cheeses.
- Adjust the amount of olives according to your taste preference.
- Make the spread a few hours ahead for an even richer flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair this spread with crisp vegetables or crusty bread for best results.
