Savory Olive-Pimento Cheese Spread
Experience a delightful blend of creaminess and savory flavors with this homemade Olive-Pimento Cheese Spread. Inspired by the classic Kraft version, this recipe brings together rich cream cheese and zesty pimento-stuffed olives, enhanced with a medley of spices and seasonings. Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a midday snack, this versatile spread pairs wonderfully with crackers, Melba toast, or fresh vegetables. With the added bonus of being homemade, you can enjoy a fresher and tastier alternative that will surely impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (softened)
Pimento Stuffed Olives
7 ounces (drained and chopped; reserve 1 tbsp juice)
Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Ketchup
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic Granules
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Seasoning Salt
1/4 teaspoon (preferably Lawry's MSG-free)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Lemon & Herb Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried Onion Flakes
2 teaspoons (flakes lightly crushed)
Olive Brine (optional)
1 tablespoon (from reserved olives)
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (optional)
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by softening the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it's smooth and slightly fluffy.
2
Add in the chopped pimento-stuffed olives, chili sauce, ketchup, garlic granules, seasoning salt, black pepper, lemon and herb seasoning, and dried onion flakes.
3
Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and creamy. If needed, adjust the consistency with reserved olive brine or fresh lemon juice.
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
5
Before serving, taste the spread and adjust seasoning or texture with additional olive brine and lemon juice as desired.
6
Serve chilled with your choice of crackers, Melba toast, or use it as a tasty filling for celery and other fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
7g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
0.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Olive-Pimento Cheese Spread?
It is a creamy, savory homemade spread made with cream cheese, pimento-stuffed olives, and a variety of seasonings, inspired by the classic Kraft version.
How many calories are in a serving of this spread?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
What are the main nutritional values?
The spread contains 33g of fat, 7g of carbohydrates, 6.67g of protein, and 0.67g of fiber.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of pimento-stuffed olives, drained and chopped.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What seasonings are added to the spread?
The seasonings include garlic granules, seasoning salt, fresh ground black pepper, and lemon and herb seasoning.
Which seasoning salt brand is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Lawry's MSG-free seasoning salt.
Does the recipe include chili sauce?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of chili sauce for added flavor.
Is ketchup used in this cheese spread?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of ketchup is mixed into the spread.
What is the purpose of the dried onion flakes?
Two teaspoons of lightly crushed dried onion flakes are added to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Should I save the olive brine?
Yes, you should reserve 1 tablespoon of olive brine to adjust the consistency and flavor if needed.
Is lemon juice required for this recipe?
Fresh squeezed lemon juice is optional and can be used to adjust the texture and tanginess.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened in a mixing bowl until it is smooth and slightly fluffy before adding other ingredients.
How long does the spread need to be refrigerated?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
What should I do before serving the spread?
Before serving, taste the spread and adjust the seasoning or texture with extra olive brine or lemon juice if desired.
What are some serving suggestions?
It is best served chilled with crackers, Melba toast, or as a filling for celery and fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a party food, appetizer, and snack, making it perfect for social gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including optional items.
Can I use this as a vegetable dip?
Absolutely, it works wonderfully as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a filling for celery stalks.
What is the prep for the garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic granules.
What is the prep for the onion flakes?
The onion flakes should be lightly crushed before being added to the mixture.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What is the prep for the olives?
The olives should be drained and chopped, and you should reserve at least 1 tablespoon of the juice.
Is this spread inspired by a specific brand?
Yes, it is inspired by the classic Kraft version of olive-pimento spread.
Can I adjust the consistency?
Yes, you can use reserved olive brine or fresh lemon juice to achieve your desired creaminess.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 33 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 6.67 grams of protein per serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include spread, cheese, olive, pimento, snack, party food, appetizer, and homemade.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
The spread contains 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is it better to make this homemade?
Making it at home ensures a fresher and tastier alternative to store-bought versions without unnecessary additives.