Italian Olive Cheese Spread (Printable)
Creamy blend of cheeses, olives, and herbs inspired by Italian antipasti. Ready in minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cheeses
01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 3.5 oz ricotta cheese
03 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
→ Olives & Vegetables
04 - 3.5 oz mixed Italian olives (green and black), pitted and finely chopped
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
07 - 2 tbsp roasted red peppers, finely chopped
→ Seasonings & Herbs
08 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - Salt to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, and grated Parmesan. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
02 - Gently fold in the chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and roasted red peppers until evenly distributed throughout the cheese base.
03 - Add the olive oil, fresh basil, parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to integrate all seasonings.
04 - Mix everything together until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
05 - Transfer the spread to a serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It tastes like something you would pay sixteen dollars for at a trattoria, but it costs almost nothing to make.
- The spread improves as it sits, so you can prep it hours ahead and actually enjoy your own party.
02 -
- Do not skip softening the cream cheese or you will spend ten minutes fighting lumps instead of enjoying a smooth spread.
- The flavors deepen significantly after resting, so even a short chill in the fridge transforms the taste entirely.
03 -
- Finely chop the olives and vegetables by hand rather than using a food processor, because a chunky texture is what makes this spread feel rustic and handmade.
- Drizzle a thin stream of your best olive oil over the top right before serving for a glossy finish that signals something special.