Do you love cream cheese? Do you love olives? Then you will definitely love this recipe for olive cream cheese! This delicious spread is perfect for crackers, bagels, sandwiches, and more. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make your own olive cream cheese, along with some tips and tricks to make it even tastier.
Ingredients
To make olive cream cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1/4 cup chopped green olives
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Choosing Your Olives
When it comes to choosing olives for this recipe, you have a few options. You can use any type of olives you like, but we recommend a mix of black and green for the best flavor and texture. You can also use pitted or unpitted olives, depending on your preference. If you use unpitted olives, be sure to chop them finely so that you don't get any large pits in your cream cheese.
Instructions
Making olive cream cheese is incredibly easy! Here's how to do it:
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped olives, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and pulse until it is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is well blended.
Taste the cream cheese and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your taste.
Transfer the cream cheese to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Storage
You can store your olive cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's perfect for meal prep or for making ahead of time for a party or gathering.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving (2 tablespoons) of olive cream cheese:
Calories: 110
Total fat: 11g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total carbohydrate: 1g
Protein: 2g
Health Benefits
While olive cream cheese is not exactly a health food, it does contain some nutrients that are good for you. Olives are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. Plus, using cream cheese in moderation can be a tasty way to add some calcium to your diet.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your olive cream cheese even more delicious:
If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can use an immersion blender or even just a fork to mix everything together. The texture may be a little chunkier, but it will still taste great!
You can add other ingredients to your olive cream cheese to make it even more flavorful. Try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
If you're not a fan of olives, you can substitute them for other ingredients. Try using roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even bacon for a different flavor profile.
Olive cream cheese is delicious on its own, but it also makes a great addition to other recipes. Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, as a dip for vegetables or crackers, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Conclusion
Olive cream cheese is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're entertaining guests or just looking for a tasty snack, this spread is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can make your own olive cream cheese at home in no time. So give it a try and see how delicious it can be!