Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite spread: herbed cream cheese olive tapenade! This delightful combination brings together the creamy, dreamy goodness of softened cream cheese with the briny, savory punch of olive tapenade. It’s like a Mediterranean party in your mouth! I remember the first time I served it at a gathering; everyone was raving about it, and I felt like a superstar in the kitchen! It’s not just a fabulous appetizer, but it also doubles as a perfect topping for roasted veggies or a zesty sandwich spread. The fresh herbs elevate the flavor, making it a versatile treat that fits any occasion. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients for Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and dill)
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade
Getting this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade ready is a breeze! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip it up, and trust me, the flavors get even better as it chills. Let’s break it down step by step!
Step 1: Combine Cream Cheese and Herbs
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and adding your softened cream cheese. This is key—make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing! Then, toss in your chopped fresh herbs. I love using a mix of parsley, chives, and dill, but feel free to get creative with your favorites! Mix them together until they’re combined and the herbs are evenly distributed. It should look vibrant and inviting!
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning
Next up, it’s time to add in that zesty lemon juice along with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. These little touches really brighten the whole spread! Mix everything well until the seasoning is fully incorporated. Give it a taste—if you want a little more zing, don’t hesitate to add more lemon juice!
Step 3: Incorporate Olive Tapenade
Now, gently fold in the olive tapenade. This is where the magic happens! You want to mix it just enough so that it’s all combined, but be careful not to overdo it—some swirls of tapenade peeking through add a lovely visual appeal. It’s all about that balance of flavors!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Once everything’s mixed, transfer your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade to a serving dish. Now, here’s the important part: cover it and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious! Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success with Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade turns out absolutely delightful every time!
- Experiment with Herbs: Don’t be afraid to switch up the herbs! Basil, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of thyme can give your tapenade a whole new twist. Mix and match to find your perfect flavor combo!
- Make It Ahead: This is a great recipe to make a day in advance. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, so it’s perfect for parties or potlucks!
- Check Your Tapenade: If you’re using store-bought olive tapenade, taste it first! Some brands can be saltier than others. Adjust the salt in your cream cheese mixture accordingly to keep everything balanced.
- Serve It Right: I love serving this tapenade with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggies! You can also use it as a spread in wraps or sandwiches for a tasty lunch option.
- Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s so good that it probably won’t last long!
Nutritional Information for Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! This herbed cream cheese olive tapenade is not only delicious but also fairly light. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (which is about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence in a delicious spread is totally worth it, right?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can I store the herbed cream cheese olive tapenade?
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. But honestly, it’s so tasty, you might find it disappears quicker than that!
Can I use different types of olives for the tapenade?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, feel free to use different types of olives. Kalamata, green olives, or even a mix will create a unique flavor profile that’s all your own!
What can I serve with this tapenade?
This herbed cream cheese olive tapenade pairs beautifully with an array of snacks! Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies are fantastic options. You can also spread it on sandwiches or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. It will still be delicious, and you won’t miss a beat!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
No worries! If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead—just remember to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. About a tablespoon should do the trick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up this herbed cream cheese olive tapenade, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy herbed cheese and savory olive tapenade creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible!
- Versatile Use: Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, serving it with veggies, or using it as a sandwich filling, this tapenade fits any occasion.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, this tapenade never fails to impress guests at parties or family gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your herbed cream cheese olive tapenade, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it alongside an assortment of crunchy crackers and slices of a fresh baguette for that perfect spreadable bite. It also pairs wonderfully with crisp raw veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for a healthy snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using it as a flavorful filling in wraps or sandwiches. It adds a delightful creamy texture and a burst of Mediterranean flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!
For more information on the health benefits of olive tapenade, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, consider trying Greek salad with feta and olives or Caprese salad with fresh basil!
Imprimer
Herbed Cream Cheese Olive Tapenade: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A flavorful spread combining herbed cream cheese and olive tapenade.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and fresh herbs.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the olive tapenade until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Use your favorite herbs for variation.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 2g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: herbed cream cheese, olive tapenade, spread, appetizer
