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Olive Tapenade Cream Cheese Spread

  • Author: Sophie

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this briny, garlicky spread and why each ingredient earns its place.

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened — Forms the rich, creamy base of the spread.
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted — Adds deep, savory, slightly fruity olive flavor.
  • ½ cup green olives, pitted — Adds a brighter, more piquant olive note.
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty, umami-rich depth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced — The aromatic backbone of the spread.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped — Adds fresh, herbal brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped — Adds a touch of sweet, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil — Adds richness and a fruity, Mediterranean finish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice — Adds bright acidity that balances the richness and brine.
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning — Reinforces the Italian flavor profile.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper — Adds a subtle, warm bite.
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional — Adds a gentle kick of heat.
  • 1–2 teaspoons olive brine, optional — Adds extra salty, briny depth.

For Garnishing

  • Chopped Kalamata or green olives
  • Fresh parsley or basil
  • Finely grated Parmesan
  • Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

This recipe comes together in a series of simple steps. Here’s exactly how to make it.

Step 1: Prepare the Olives Make sure the olives are well drained and pitted. Pat them lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Chop the Olives Add the Kalamata and green olives to a food processor. Pulse several times until finely chopped but still slightly chunky. Avoid processing them into a completely smooth paste.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Add the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Step 4: Blend the Spread Pulse a few more times until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy with small pieces of olive throughout.

Step 5: Adjust the Flavor Taste the spread and add a little olive brine for extra salty, briny flavor if desired. Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Step 6: Chill Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, chill for 1–2 hours.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Before serving, drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with chopped olives, fresh herbs, Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.

Pro Tips for the Best Olive Tapenade Cream Cheese Spread

  • Don’t over-process the olives. Pulsing briefly keeps a rustic, chunky tapenade texture rather than a smooth paste.
  • Pat the olives dry. Removing excess moisture keeps the spread from becoming watery.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture. Reduced-fat cream cheese also works, but full-fat gives the creamiest result.
  • Taste before adding brine or salt. Olives and Parmesan already bring plenty of saltiness, so add olive brine gradually.
  • Chill before serving. Resting allows the garlic and olive flavors to settle into the creamy base.
  • Let it soften before serving. Sitting at room temperature for 10–15 minutes makes the spread easier to spread.

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Find it online: https://yummyrelish.com/olive-tapenade-cream-cheese-spread/