Rachael Ray’s Olive and Garlic Cheese Spread: A Culinary Hug for Your Taste Buds

I still remember the first time I saw this delightful spread appear on my screen. It was during a holiday special on Food Network, and Rachael, with her signature warmth and infectious energy, was whipping up a batch of what looked like pure, unadulterated comfort. Watching her effortlessly blend those vibrant olives with fragrant garlic and creamy cheeses, I felt an immediate pull – a longing to recreate that cozy, festive feeling in my own kitchen. It was more than just a recipe; it was an invitation to share a moment of pure culinary joy, a sentiment that has stayed with me ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 spread
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a few key players to deliver maximum flavor.

• 1 cup large olives, with pimiento, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• 1 sliced whole-grain baguette
• 1 parmesan pita bread round, store-bought, cut into wedges
• 1 celery heart, cut into sticks

Ingredient Notes:

• For the olives, using pimiento-stuffed ones adds a subtle sweetness and color. If you can only find pitted olives without pimientos, that’s perfectly fine, but you might want to add a tiny pinch of sugar to the spread to balance the saltiness.
• Ensuring your cream cheese is truly softened is crucial for a smooth, lump-free spread. Leave it on the counter for at least an hour before you begin.
• Toasted hazelnuts offer a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty depth. To toast them, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
• The baguette and pita bread serve as fantastic vehicles for this spread. You can use your favorite varieties.

Equipment Needed

• Food processor
• Serving bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal fuss.

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures everything is ready for a quick toasting.

2. Process the flavor base: Place the chopped olives into the bowl of your food processor. Add the minced garlic clove.

3. Incorporate the cheeses: Add the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese to the food processor with the olives and garlic.

4. Blend into a spread: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are combined and form a fairly smooth spread. You don’t want it to be completely puréed; a little texture from the olives is desirable.

5. Transfer and top: Transfer the olive and garlic cheese spread to a serving bowl. Evenly distribute the toasted hazelnuts over the top of the spread.

6. Toast the bread: Arrange the sliced whole-grain baguette on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is lightly crisp. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

7. Assemble and serve: Arrange the toasted baguette slices around the serving bowl of spread. Add the pita crisps and celery sticks to the platter, creating an inviting presentation for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother spread, you can process the olive and cheese mixture for a bit longer. Conversely, if you like more discernible pieces of olive, pulse it for a shorter duration.
• Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, you can lightly roast the garlic clove before mincing and adding it to the food processor. This mellows its sharp bite.
• Hazelnut Toasting Hack: If you’re short on time, you can often find pre-toasted hazelnuts at specialty grocery stores. Just check the package to ensure they haven’t been seasoned.
• Make Ahead Magic: The olive and garlic cheese spread can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability, and then top with the hazelnuts just before serving. Toast the bread and cut the vegetables closer to serving time for the freshest taste and texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Olive and Garlic Cheese Spread is best served at room temperature, allowing its creamy texture and flavors to fully develop. Arrange the toasted baguette, pita crisps, and celery sticks artfully around the bowl. This appetizer is perfect for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a delightful snack.

Storage:

• Leftovers: Any uneaten spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This spread is not typically reheated, as it’s designed to be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. However, if you find it too firm after refrigeration, let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften.
• Freezing: Freezing this spread is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese and ricotta can change upon thawing, becoming watery or grainy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for this delicious spread, keeping in mind that this can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	508.5 kcal
Calories from Fat		270 g
Total Fat	30 g	46 %
Saturated Fat	13 g	65 %
Cholesterol	62.5 mg	20 %
Sodium	807.5 mg	33 %
Total Carbohydrate	45.1 g	15 %
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16 %
Sugars	1 g	3 %
Protein	16.1 g	32 %

Note: The percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the hazelnuts. For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
• Herbaceous Twist: Stir in a tablespoon or two of fresh, finely chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the spread before chilling.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the food processor.
• Different Olives: Experiment with Kalamata olives for a brinier, more intense flavor, or a mix of green and black olives for a varied profile.
• Bread Alternatives: Besides baguette and pita, consider serving this spread with sturdy crackers, crudités like bell pepper strips or cucumber slices, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this spread ahead of time?
A: Yes, the spread itself can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to top it with hazelnuts and prepare the dippers closer to serving time.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure my cream cheese is properly softened?
A: The easiest way is to leave it on the counter for at least an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes and let it soften for about 20-30 minutes, or briefly microwave it in 10-second intervals, being careful not to melt it.

Q: How can I achieve a smoother texture if I don’t like visible olive pieces?
A: Process the olive and cheese mixture in the food processor for a longer duration, scraping down the sides as needed, until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Is it important to toast the hazelnuts?
A: Toasting significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the hazelnuts, adding a wonderful nutty depth. While you can use them raw, the toasted version is highly recommended.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
A: You can finely chop the olives and mince the garlic very finely, then vigorously mix them with the softened cream cheese and ricotta in a bowl using a whisk or a sturdy spoon until well combined. It will be a bit more rustic, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

Rachael Ray’s Olive and Garlic Cheese Spread is more than just an appetizer; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that fosters connection, whether you’re sharing it at a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. The interplay of salty olives, pungent garlic, creamy cheeses, and crunchy hazelnuts is a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your guests reaching for more. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the ease of this recipe, and let the deliciousness unfold. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with your favorite dippers, and savor every flavorful bite. And when you do, I’d love to hear about your culinary adventure!