Let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack that I whip up whenever I want something savory and satisfying—herbed cream cheese olive tapenade! This delightful spread combines the creamy richness of herbed cream cheese with the zesty, briny goodness of chopped olives, creating a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for a gathering; friends couldn’t get enough and kept asking for the recipe! What I love most is its versatility—it’s perfect on crackers, smeared on fresh bread, or even as a dip for veggies. Plus, it comes together in a snap! Trust me, once you try this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, so it’s easy to mix and spread)
- 1 cup mixed olives (pitted and chopped; feel free to use your favorites—kalamata, green, or even a mix for a burst of flavor!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (this adds richness and helps bind everything together)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (chopped parsley, thyme, or basil work beautifully—choose what you love best!)
- 1 clove garlic (minced; this little addition packs a punch of flavor)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for a touch of brightness that balances the richness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste; don’t be shy, season to your liking!)
How to Prepare Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade
Making this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious spread ready in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. It should be nice and creamy—no one wants a lumpy spread!
- Drizzle in the 2 tbsp olive oil. This will help bring everything together and give it that rich, smooth texture.
- Next, add the chopped olives, fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the bowl. Wow, the aroma is already amazing!
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle beautifully—use a spatula or a fork to get in there!
- Once mixed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, a little tasting goes a long way here—don’t hesitate to adjust it to your liking!
- Transfer the tapenade to a serving dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Now, here’s the important part—chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to develop and deepen.
- When you’re ready to serve, grab your favorite crackers or fresh bread, and dig in! Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious herbed cream cheese olive tapenade, which is about 2 tablespoons. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
This herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is not only tasty but also a great addition to a balanced diet! Enjoy it as a flavorful appetizer without guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for spontaneous gatherings!
- Flavorful Combination: The creamy herbed cream cheese pairs perfectly with the briny olives, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Delight: Serve it on crackers, slather it on bread, or use it as a dip for veggies—it’s great for any occasion!
- Make Ahead: This tapenade can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it a fantastic option for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or olive varieties for a unique twist each time!
- Healthy Indulgence: Packed with good fats and fresh ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat for your taste buds.
Tips for Success
To ensure your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade turns out absolutely delicious, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is nicely softened before mixing. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. You want it creamy, not melty!
- Experiment with Olives: Don’t be afraid to mix different types of olives. A combo of kalamata, green, and even some stuffed olives can add depth and surprise to the flavor!
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs will elevate your tapenade immensely. If you can, go for fresh parsley, thyme, or basil—they make a world of difference!
- Taste as You Go: This is key! After mixing, taste your tapenade and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to fit your personal preference. It’s all about making it perfect for you!
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Giving it at least 30 minutes in the fridge allows those flavors to meld beautifully. The wait is worth it!
- Serve with Flair: When you serve your tapenade, consider garnishing it with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil on top. It looks fancy and inviting!
Variations
One of the best parts about this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to inspire your creativity:
- Herb Mix-Up: Try using different combinations of fresh herbs—like dill, cilantro, or chives—for a completely new flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique twist!
- Olive Adventure: Experiment with various types of olives! Swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet flavor, or add some spicy pepperoncini for a kick. You could even mix in some marinated olives for extra zing!
- Nutty Surprise: Add a handful of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pine nuts, for a delightful crunch and a nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess.
- Cheesy Twist: For a richer spread, fold in some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese into the tapenade. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor!
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll give your tapenade an exciting, fiery edge!
- Citrus Burst: For a bright, fresh flavor, try adding some zest from a lemon or lime along with the juice. This will elevate the entire dish and make it even more refreshing!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and don’t hesitate to let your taste buds guide you. The beauty of this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is that there are no strict rules—just delicious possibilities waiting to be explored!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, it’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together!
If you find yourself with extra tapenade that you won’t finish within that time frame, you can also freeze it! Just scoop it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and it should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat this tapenade; it’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Just give it a good stir before serving to bring back its creamy consistency!
FAQ Section
Can I make this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even more. Just prepare it, chill it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests whenever you are!
What kind of olives should I use for the tapenade?
You can use any variety of olives you like! Kalamata and green olives are popular choices, but feel free to mix in some black olives or even stuffed varieties for a fun twist. The more variety, the more flavor!
Is this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade vegetarian?
Yes, it is! This tapenade is completely vegetarian and packed with delicious ingredients, making it a great option for everyone.
How can I serve this tapenade?
There are so many ways to enjoy this tasty spread! It’s fantastic on crackers, fresh bread, or toasted baguette slices. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.
Can I freeze the herbed cream cheese olive tapenade?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat; it’s delicious served cold or at room temperature!
What can I add to the tapenade for extra flavor?
If you want to get creative, you can add some crumbled feta cheese, chopped nuts, or even a hint of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment!
Cream Cheese Herb Dip is a great pairing for this tapenade, enhancing your appetizer spread.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is another delightful dish that complements the flavors of the tapenade beautifully.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken can also be a fantastic main course to serve alongside this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade.
Print
Herbed cream cheese olive tapenade: 7 Delightful Variations
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory spread made with herbed cream cheese and olive tapenade.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mixed olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil), chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and olive oil.
- Add chopped olives, fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Mix until well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving dish and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use any variety of olives for different flavors.
- Great for parties or as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: herbed cream cheese olive tapenade
