Mediterranean Delight Cheese Spread
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this creamy and tangy cheese spread, perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a quiet night in. This versatile spread, featuring a blend of rich cream cheese and crumbled feta, is enhanced with the savory notes of kalamata olives and the sun-kissed sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Finished with minced garlic and fresh basil, it's a delightful addition to crackers, lavosh, or toasted pita bread. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve at your next gathering for a taste of the Mediterranean.
6
Servings
75
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled (about 2 oz))
kalamata olives
3 tablespoons (chopped)
sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons (chopped, packed in oil)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese until well blended.
2
Add the chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil to the bowl.
3
Stir all ingredients together until evenly mixed, ensuring that the olives and sun-dried tomatoes are distributed throughout the spread.
4
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for up to 24 hours.
5
When ready to serve, give the spread a good stir and enjoy with your favorite crackers or bread.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
3g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Cheese Spread?
It is a creamy and tangy appetizer spread made with cream cheese, feta, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What should I serve with this cheese spread?
It pairs perfectly with crackers, lavosh, toasted pita bread, or even fresh vegetable crudites.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese at room temperature makes it much easier to blend with the feta and other ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare?
The active preparation time is minimal, but the spread needs to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Can I make this spread a day in advance?
Absolutely. Chilling it for up to 24 hours allows the Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is this cheese spread gluten-free?
The spread itself is gluten-free. To keep the snack gluten-free, serve it with gluten-free crackers or sliced cucumbers.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Can I substitute the kalamata olives?
Yes, you can use black olives or green olives, though kalamata olives provide the most traditional Mediterranean flavor.
Do I need to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes, tomatoes packed in oil are preferred as they are softer and carry more flavor for this specific spread.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any remaining spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and feta can become grainy once thawed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, which is about 2 ounces.
Can I use a food processor to mix this?
You can, but mixing by hand is better if you prefer a chunkier texture with visible pieces of olives and tomatoes.
Is this spread spicy?
No, it is savory and tangy rather than spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you want a kick.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 6 grams of fat.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts would make a great addition for extra crunch.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic, depending on your personal preference.
Should I add salt to the mixture?
Feta and olives are naturally salty, so it is best to taste the spread first before adding any additional salt.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it makes an excellent spread for vegetable wraps or turkey sandwiches.
Is it better to serve it cold or at room temperature?
It is best served chilled, but letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving can make it easier to scoop.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as Mediterranean, cheese spread, appetizer, dip, savory, and party food.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, the recipe scales up very easily for larger gatherings.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides approximately 2 grams of protein.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if you do not have fresh cloves.
What gives the spread its tanginess?
The combination of crumbled feta cheese and the brine from the kalamata olives provides the signature tang.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this is a savory recipe and contains no added sugars.