This black olive butter is going to be your next go-to quick appetizer for those moments when you just need a little something to liven up that bread you’ve got sitting around. It’s the perfect pair for my Easy 15-Minute Crostini Recipe and is just one of those things you never regret making.
A few ingredient notes
We’re sticking to the basics in this spread and using just 5 wholesome ingredients, including salt and pepper. Add the following to your next grocery list (because who doesn’t need olive butter on hand at a moment’s notice?!).
- Butter – I recommend unsalted butter over salted butter. It’ll give you full control over the saltiness of your spread and is typically more consistent in quality across brands.
- Garlic – Team fresh garlic over garlic powder here. The garlicky-flavor fresh garlic adds is untouchable on the flavor scale.
- Kalamata olives – These olives are a type of black olive native to Greece. You’ve likely seen it pop up in a few of my Mediterranean recipes like this Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza, Mediterranean Nachos, and this favorite Vegetarian Mezze Platter. If you’re looking for an even stronger boost in your olive butter, use my Easy Marinated Olives as your olives of choice.
- Bread – Okay, this isn’t an olive butter ingredient, but you won’t regret having it on hand once you whip this aromatic, buttery spread together. My favorites are a fresh baguette or warm crostini slices.
Please be sure to see the full recipe card below for measurements.
How to Make Olive Butter
Making your own butter spread from scratch couldn’t be easier. The most important thing is to use a good food processor (mini or regular-sized) or a Magic Bullet. A blender might even work if it’s got a narrow base and a pulse setting. Whatever you have that can help you puree the olive butter together is best!
Once you have your appliance ready, all we need to do is add the ingredients and process until the garlic cloves and kalamata olives are mixed into the butter and your desired texture is reached.
Then serve either at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!
How to Make Olive Butter Without a Food Processor
Although using a food processor certainly speeds up the prep work when making olive butter, if you don’t have a food processor or blender on hand, you can still make this flavorful dip in a few easy steps.
First, mince or finely chop the garlic using a garlic press or a sharp knife. Next, chop the pitted kalamata olives into your desired consistency. For example, if you prefer a smoother spread, chop the olives pretty finely. If you prefer a chunkier spread, chop them roughly.
Lastly, add the minced garlic and chopped kalamata olives into a medium bowl along with the softened butter. Using a spatula, fold the garlic and olives into the butter until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then enjoy!
The key to either method is using softened butter. If you’re in a pinch for time, use this Trick to Soften Butter Quickly.
Garnish and Pairing Suggestions
This spread is beautiful served on its own, but it’s also wonderful garnished with fresh herbs, creamy feta cheese, or fresh kalamata olives.
It’s an amazing spread and dip to pair with Crostini appetizers, Flatbread appetizers, and additional dips like Green Olive Tapenade or Whipped Feta with Marinated Olives. It’s also begging to be added to your next charcuterie board like this Simple Vegetarian Charcuterie Board, this Fall Charcuterie Board, or this Romantic Cheese Board For Two.
And don’t forget the beverages! What’s a delicious appetizer without the perfect drink? Both red wine and white wine are classic choices, but if you’re looking for something a bit more memorable, you can’t go wrong with a tart cocktail, like this Easy Blackberry Bramble.
Storage and Make Ahead Options
Once prepared, this olive butter spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you are prepping this olive butter for hosting, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored, covered, until ready to serve.
If you prefer the spread to be soft, allow the olive butter to come to room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Get the Recipe 5-Minute Olive Butter
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/3 heaping cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
Instructions
- Pulse the garlic clove and olives in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Add the butter and pulse until completely combined and your desired texture is reached. Scrape the sides as needed.
- Serve with fresh baguette, crostini, or crackers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature again before serving for best results.
