If you are looking for a delightful, savory dip bursting with flavor, this Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy and tangy cream cheese paired with salty, crumbly feta and briny olives creates a perfect balance that’s simply irresistible. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or just craving a quick snack, this spread is easy to make, vibrant in taste, and sure to impress every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious spread, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each component contributes something special to the taste, texture, and color, coming together in perfect harmony.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that balances the saltiness of the other ingredients.
- Feta cheese (4 oz, crumbled): Adds tangy, crumbly texture and bold flavor.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and chopped): Offers rich, fruity saltiness essential for that authentic olive character.
- Green olives (1/4 cup, pitted and chopped): Brings a slightly milder, buttery olive taste that complements the Kalamatas.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps meld all the ingredients together.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Introduces a bright, zesty tang that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses subtle pungency and depth.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Imparts a warm, herbaceous note perfect for Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Fresh black pepper (to taste): Adds mild spiciness to round out the spread.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): For a pop of green color and fresh herbal aroma when serving.
How to Make Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Cream Cheese and Feta
Begin by placing the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta in a medium bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to blend them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This rich combination forms the luscious base of your spread.
Step 2: Add Olives and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chopped Kalamata and green olives, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with a layered, savory flavor that’s both vibrant and satisfying.
Step 3: Season
Season your spread with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice or oregano depending on your preference, as these little tweaks can elevate the overall experience tremendously.
Step 4: Chill
For the best taste, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the ingredients to meld perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that’s even more delicious once chilled.
Step 5: Serve
When ready to serve, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch that makes the presentation pop. This Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is now prepped to be the star of your appetizer table.
How to Serve Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a lovely herbaceous aroma and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with the boldness of the olives and cheese. You might also try sprinkling a little smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and enhanced color contrast.
Side Dishes
This spread shines when served alongside crunchy crackers, warm pita bread, or crisp vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots. It also pairs wonderfully with a charcuterie platter where the creaminess contrasts with cured meats and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the spread inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or as a filling for cucumber boats at your next party. You can also dollop it on toasted baguette slices, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts to create a more elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover spread should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making it convenient for snacking or quick entertaining later on.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze this spread for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the cream cheese, so give it a good stir before serving.
Reheating
This spread is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to mellow the flavors even further.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives in this Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Kalamata and green olives offer the perfect balance of flavor here, feel free to experiment with black olives or Castelvetrano for different taste profiles and textures.
Is this spread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this spread is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure your feta cheese is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if that’s important to you.
Can I make this spread dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan feta-style cheese. The flavor will be different but can still be delicious and satisfying.
How long does the flavor improve when chilling the spread?
Chilling the spread for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but letting it sit overnight in the fridge can deepen the taste even more for a richer experience.
What are the best occasions to serve this Olive Spread?
This Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe is perfect for casual parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want an effortless yet crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s full of Mediterranean flair.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this incredible Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread Recipe as much as I love making and sharing it. It’s a simple, flavorful crowd-pleaser that brings a little sunshine and zest into any day or special occasion. Why not give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen too?
Print
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 Cream Cheese & Feta Olive Spread is a quick, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Combining creamy cream cheese, tangy feta, and a mix of Kalamata and green olives, it’s enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired taste. Serve chilled with crackers, pita, or fresh veggies for a delicious, easy-to-make dip.
Ingredients
Spread Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 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
- Mix Cream Cheese and Feta: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy to form the base of the spread.
- Add Olives and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped Kalamata olives, chopped green olives, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors throughout the spread.
- Season: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice or oregano if desired to balance flavors.
- Chill: For optimal flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the spread with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is sufficiently softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Chilling the spread enhances the melding of flavors but it can be served immediately if needed.
- For variation, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- This spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a mixture of black and green olives to add contrasting flavor and texture.
