Olive Blue Cheese Pecan Spread

December 10, 2009

Olives, cream cheese and toasted pecans; such a great combination. At a bakery where I used to work we sold a spread made of these three ingredients so when I was trying to think of an appetizer to take to my cookie exchange it came to mind. Not remembering exactly how to make it, I did a search and I found this recipe for Cream Cheese-Olive Spread.
This one is a bit more like a cheese ball rather than a spread, but what is a holiday party without a cheese ball, right? I used it as a base and added a few of my other favorite ingredients to spice it up a bit. It also helped me put those Mezzetta Italian Castelvetrano Green Olives from the Foodbuzz Fest to very good use.

It was a huge hit pared with these homemade flaxseed crackers.

Olive Blue Cheese Pecan Spread
adapted from Cream Cheese-Olive Spread at myrecipes

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
½ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
1 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp olive juice
½ cup pecans, chopped and toasted
In a mixer, combine all ingredients except for the pecans. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover in the wrap and shape into a log. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll in the pecans just before serving. Serves about 10 to 12 people.
P.S. Mix the pecans into the cheese spread and you’ll have a great filling for mini party sandwiches on whole grain rolls.

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  • 5 Star Foodie December 10, 2009 at 7:18 am

    What a unique combination of olives blue cheese and pecans! Sounds super delicious, I can’t wait to try!

  • kat December 10, 2009 at 7:52 am

    I bet that was tasty with the saltiness of the olives

  • OysterCulture December 10, 2009 at 9:29 am

    This sounds so savory and tasty, I want to make this as a holiday party dip – cannot wait.

  • Kathleen December 10, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Mmmmm, I want to make this for Xmas at the in-laws’ house. I hope I can find pecans in Chile! If not, I suppose I can use walnuts??

    I also want to try your checkerboard shortbread, but I have no clue how to make it a checkerboard without visual instructions. I am scared I will mess it up!!

  • MaryBeth Hughes December 10, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    nuts, cheese and olives – my favs. thanks for the recipe. it will be great to try out over the holidays!

  • Cinnamon-Girl Reeni♥ December 10, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Such a great combo of flavors! And so perfect for the holidays!

  • Jennie December 11, 2009 at 10:58 am

    This is a great combination! I love the addition of olives! I am bookmarking this one!

  • Tangled Noodle December 12, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    My husband would love this – it incorporates two of his favorites: olives and blue cheese! Spread or ball, it sounds delicious.

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