Savory Black Olive & Cream Cheese Spread
Elevate your appetizer game with this savory Black Olive & Cream Cheese Spread, a perfect blend of creamy texture and robust flavors. This dip combines the richness of cream cheese with tangy sour cream and the briny goodness of black olives, enhanced with the crunch of finely chopped onions and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. Ideal for parties, this crowd-pleaser can be enjoyed with crackers, fresh veggies, or as a flavorful sandwich spread. Whether you're entertaining guests or looking for a tasty snack, this dip is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
20
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup
chopped black olives
4 1/4 ounces (drained)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream. Use an electric mixer or a fork to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
2
Drain the can of chopped black olives and add them to the cream cheese mixture along with finely chopped onions, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Taste the dip and adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
5
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Serve with your choice of crackers, fresh veggies, or bread.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
1g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Black Olive & Cream Cheese Spread?
It is a creamy, savory dip that combines cream cheese, sour cream, and black olives for a robust appetizer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, chopped black olives, onion, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use full-fat sour cream instead?
Yes, you can substitute the reduced-fat sour cream with full-fat for a richer flavor profile.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 1/4 ounces of chopped black olives, which should be drained.
Can I substitute green olives for black olives?
Yes, but keep in mind that green olives will provide a saltier and more tangy flavor than black olives.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust this amount based on your heat preference.
What is the texture of this spread?
It has a smooth and creamy texture with a slight crunch from the onions and bits of olives.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes only a few minutes, though chilling for 30 minutes is recommended.
Do I need special equipment?
No, you can blend the ingredients using a standard electric mixer or simply a fork and spatula.
Is it necessary to drain the olives?
Yes, draining the olives is important to prevent the spread from becoming too watery.
How should I chop the onions?
The onions should be finely chopped so they distribute evenly and don't overwhelm the spread's texture.
Can I add extra garlic?
Certainly, you can increase the garlic powder if you prefer a more pungent flavor.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a subtle kick from the cayenne pepper, but it is generally mild unless you add more spice.
Can I make this spread in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld, improving the overall taste.
How long should it be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It is excellent with crackers, fresh vegetables, or slices of bread.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 20 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 1.5 grams of fat.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no significant fiber content.
Can this be used as a sandwich spread?
Yes, its creamy and savory nature makes it a perfect addition to sandwiches and wraps.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is approximately 0.4 grams of protein per serving.
Is this suitable for a party?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, adding fresh chives or parsley can add color and a fresh flavor to the spread.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this cream cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and sour cream may separate or become grainy.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate a larger group.