If you are craving a fresh, flavorful, and utterly addictive dip that comes together in minutes, the Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe is exactly what your snack game has been missing. This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired spread brings the tangy creaminess of cream cheese and feta together with the briny punch of kalamata olives, highlighted by zesty lemon and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s perfect for entertaining or a simple weekday treat, offering an impressive burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers, pita chips, or crisp veggies. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed appetizers without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy bases to the fresh herbs and olives bursting with flavor, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a spread that is as colorful as it is delicious.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The smooth, rich foundation that gives the spread its luscious texture.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds tang and salty depth, perfectly complementing the cream cheese.
- Chopped kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted): Packed with savory, briny notes that bring bold Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Offers a bright, herbaceous touch and a splash of green color.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances richness and helps meld the flavors smoothly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Injects a vibrant citrus zing to keep things lively.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the unmistakable warm, aromatic taste of the Mediterranean.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides subtle savory depth without overpowering the spread.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Cheeses
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a medium bowl. Using a fork or a hand mixer, blend them together until the mixture is mostly smooth but still a little chunky for texture. This step is key to balancing creaminess with a bit of bite.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Next, stir in the chopped kalamata olives, fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that the rich, salty, and zesty components marry perfectly in each bite.
Step 3: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential because it allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. It also firms up the spread so it holds well when scooped.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe is ready to shine. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with your preferred dippers and watch your guests dive in with delight!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your spread even more eye-catching and flavorful, sprinkle a few extra chopped kalamata olives and a pinch of fresh parsley on top just before serving. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or scatter some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat and flair.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs wonderfully with an array of dippers. Think crispy pita chips, crunchy fresh veggies like cucumber and bell peppers, or classic crackers. It also makes an excellent topping for toasted baguette slices or as a creamy addition to sandwiches and wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the spread in a rustic bowl surrounded by colorful vegetables and crackers on a wooden board. For an elegant touch, hollow out mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes and fill them with the spread for bite-sized appetizers your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your spread, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe because the texture can change and become a bit crumbly once thawed, but if you must, freeze in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
This spread is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a good stir if the olive oil separates or the texture firms up too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use green olives instead of kalamata olives?
Absolutely! Green olives will give a milder, less briny flavor. You can even mix green and kalamata olives for a unique twist on the classic spread.
Is this spread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, packed with plant-based flavors and dairy ingredients that fit well within a vegetarian lifestyle.
Can I make the spread ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
How can I make the spread creamier?
For a smoother texture, blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand. This creates a silky finish while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
What should I serve with this spread for a party?
This spread shines alongside an assortment of crackers, pita chips, sliced baguette, and fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes — making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you want a simple yet show-stopping appetizer that combines the best of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, the Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe is your new go-to. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a quick snack, this spread delivers on taste and ease. So grab the ingredients and get spreading — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Feta Olive Spread is a luscious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring the tangy flavors of feta and kalamata olives blended with creamy cream cheese. Perfectly seasoned with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, this no-cook spread is easy to prepare and ideal for serving with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Spread Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese. Use a fork or hand mixer to blend them until the mixture is mostly smooth but still slightly chunky to maintain texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped kalamata olives, finely chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the spread chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the spread in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.
- Substitute green olives or a mix of olives to vary the flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat.
