Savory Cream Cheese and Olive Finger Sandwiches

Introduction

When it comes to quick, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly delicious snacks, few recipes can match the simplicity and flavor profile of Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwiches. These sandwiches are a testament to how minimal ingredients, when combined with thoughtful preparation, can elevate everyday bread slices into an elegant appetizer or satisfying lunch option. Perfect for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings, they offer a creamy, savory punch from the olives, complemented by the crunch of walnuts, all bound together by a luscious mixture of cream cheese and mayonnaise. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, aims to guide you through every step with detailed tips, variations, and nutritional insights to ensure your success in creating these delightful bites.

Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

This includes mixing the filling, assembling the sandwiches, trimming, and slicing. With practice, you can reduce the time further, making it a perfect recipe for last-minute gatherings or quick lunch ideas.

Additional Notes: If you prefer to prepare the filling ahead of time, it can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Needed Equipment

• Mixing bowls: Preferably two, to combine the filling ingredients and to hold the mixture during assembly.
• Chef’s knife: Sharp and precise for chopping olives and walnuts, as well as trimming sandwiches.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to chop ingredients and prepare the sandwiches.
• Spreading knives or butter knives: For spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly on bread slices.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise, and walnuts.
• Toothpick or small skewer (optional): For garnishing or holding sandwiches together if needed.
• Serving platter or plate: To present the finished sandwiches attractively.
• Paper towels or kitchen towels: For quick clean-up during preparation.
• Refrigerator: To chill the filling if needed and to store prepared sandwiches.

Tags

Appetizer, Snack, Finger Food, Party Food, Easy Recipes, Quick Recipes, Vegetarian, No-Cook, Party Pleaser, Family-Friendly

Serving Size

Approximately 2 sandwich pieces per serving, which makes for around 12 servings from the total recipe. Adjust according to your event size or appetite.

Difficulty Level

Easy — This recipe is straightforward and suitable for cooks of all skill levels. It requires basic kitchen skills like chopping, mixing, and assembling.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian — Contains no meat or fish. Suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. For vegan adaptations, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

Course

Appetizer, Snack, Light Meal

Cuisine

American, Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients

Ingredient Details

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Soft cream cheese is essential for easy mixing and a smooth consistency. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using a spatula or a mixing spoon, beat it lightly to loosen it up if needed. Then, incorporate the mayonnaise, stirring until the mixture is homogeneous and creamy. The mayonnaise not only adds creaminess but also helps bind the filling together, preventing it from becoming too dry or crumbly.

Chopping the Olives and Walnuts

While the cream cheese and mayonnaise are blending, prepare your olives and walnuts. Use a sharp chef’s knife and a stable cutting board. For the olives, drain any excess brine or liquid, then chop them finely but not into a paste; aim for small pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the filling. For walnuts, if they are whole or halves, chop them into small chunks, approximately ¼-inch pieces. Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch, then let them cool before mixing.

Step 2: Combining the Ingredients

Add the chopped olives and walnuts to the cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This step is crucial for flavor consistency, as each bite should contain a balanced amount of briny olives and crunchy nuts. Taste the mixture at this stage and adjust seasoning if desired — though traditional recipes are simply seasoned, you might consider adding a pinch of black pepper or a dash of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Step 3: Assembling the Sandwiches

Lay out the slices of bread on a clean cutting board or platter. Use a spreading knife or a butter knife to generously spread the olive and cream cheese mixture onto six slices of bread. Be sure to spread the filling evenly, reaching the edges to ensure each bite is flavorful. Top each with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches. Lightly press down to distribute the filling, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent squeezing out the filling or tearing the bread.

Step 4: Trimming and Slicing

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully trim the crusts from each sandwich. For a refined appearance and easier handling, cut off the crusts in a straight line or at slight angles. Once crusts are removed, slice each sandwich into three equal rectangles or triangles, depending on your preference or the shape of your bread. This makes the sandwiches bite-sized and perfect for serving at parties or as finger foods.

Step 5: Serving

Arrange the sliced sandwiches on a serving platter. For presentation, you may garnish with small sprigs of fresh herbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or small slices of olives placed artfully on top. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Preparation Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Customize Olives: Use a mix of green and black olives for a more colorful and complex flavor profile.
• Nut Alternatives: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or omit nuts entirely for nut-free versions.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the filling for an aromatic boost.
• Healthier Options: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese for a lower-fat alternative.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Chopping Olives: For a more uniform texture, pulse the olives briefly in a food processor before chopping, but do not turn them into a paste unless you prefer a smoother filling.
• Toasting Nuts: Toast walnuts or other nuts lightly to intensify flavor and improve crunch. Let cool completely before mixing to prevent sogginess.
• Adding Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice in the filling can brighten flavors and add a subtle tang.
• Presentation: For special occasions, serve the sandwiches cut into decorative shapes or arrange them in a colorful pattern on your platter.

Add-ons

• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese for added creaminess
• A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
• Sun-dried tomatoes for an extra savory touch

Side Dishes

• Fresh vegetable platter with hummus or tzatziki
• Mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette
• Pickles and marinated vegetables
• Fruit platter or a simple fruit salad
• Chips or crisps for added crunch

Improvements

• Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Use chopped roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes instead of olives for variety.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Extra Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of vinegar into the filling for more complexity.

Save and Store

Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for optimal freshness. If preparing in advance, store the filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reassemble the sandwiches shortly before serving to prevent sogginess. For leftovers, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and consume within 24 hours.

FAQ

Can I make these sandwiches vegan?

Yes. Substitute dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Can I freeze these sandwiches?

It’s not recommended to freeze assembled sandwiches as bread can become soggy and the filling texture may change. Prepare the filling ahead and store separately. Assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to serve.

What bread types work best?

Any soft bread works well, including white, whole wheat, multigrain, rye, or gluten-free options. For a rustic look, crusty artisan bread can be used, but it may require trimming to prevent tearing.

How can I spice up the flavor?

Add herbs like dill, parsley, or chives, or include a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce in the filling for a flavor boost.

Conclusion

Creating Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwiches is a culinary exercise in simplicity and flavor harmony. This recipe exemplifies how combining a handful of quality ingredients can produce an appetizer that is both elegant and approachable. Perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to sophisticated gatherings, these sandwiches can be customized with a range of add-ons and flavor tweaks to suit your taste preferences. Remember, the key to success lies in thoughtful preparation—softening the cream cheese, chopping ingredients uniformly, and assembling just before serving will ensure the best texture and taste. Share this delightful treat with friends and family, and enjoy the compliments that follow!

References

• “Olives: Cultivation and Processing,” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2019.
• “The Science of Nuts and Seeds,” Journal of Food Science, 2021.

This detailed guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to make and customize Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwiches, ensuring your culinary success and maximum enjoyment. For more recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes—your trusted platform for delightful and reliable cooking inspiration.