What to Serve with Olive Tapenade – 25+ ideas!

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Olive tapenade is an often overlooked, delightful party appetizer or spread that can be used in so many versatile ways. From a simple spread on some crusty baguette slices to an exotic addition in some of your favorite recipes, this post gives all you olive lovers 25+ ideas about what to serve with olive tapenade.

I love homemade olive tapenade. Every time I eat it I feel like I’m transported to the south of France. Of course, I’m usually just eating it straight from a spoon in front of the refrigerator.

But then I started branching out with how I use it. Possibly because the looks the boys were giving me when they’d catch me spoon-in-mouth doing what I tell them not to do..

I had no idea how versatile this simple little recipe could be! Now I’m trying it on everything these days. And if you also have no idea how many recipes are enhanced by the briny flavors of the tapenade, I’ve compiled over 25 ways that aren’t just spreading it on crackers.

From breakfast to a late-night delicious snack to charcuterie boards or a cheese platter and everything in between, you’re sure to find a few new favorite ways to use this awesome olive tapenade here. 

How to Make Easy Olive Tapenade

Homemade tapenade is so, so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and 3 easy steps. You can make your own tapenade using green olives, black olives, or Kalamata olives, or an assortment of olives. I like to make it for everything from an afternoon snack to an easy appetizer for any fancy party. 

This is my simple recipe for delicious and easy homemade sun-dried tomatoes and olive tapenade. I like to use capers and lemon juice instead of anchovy paste, so it’s also a fish-free and vegan recipe.

How to Serve Olive Tapenade 

Here are 25 (and more!) delicious ways to eat traditional tapenade that aren’t just on its own with some warm-toasted crusty bread, pita bread, or water crackers. Though those are great ways to enjoy your tapenade this as well.

1. Place a heaping spoonful on Twice Baked Potatoes to take them to the next level
2. As a great topping to your Breakfast Avocado Toast. The briny taste of the olives really goes well with the avocado
3. Mix it in to a delicious Chopped Salad or into the salad dressing
4. Make olive tapenade pasta by using it instead of or along with tomato sauce
5. A couple spoonfuls makes this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad even zestier!
6. Mix some into a cream cheese olive spread for your bagel or toast
7. Add it to your next batch of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
8. Eat it with a spoon in front of an open refrigerator
9. Eggs – Add to Scrambled Eggs, mix it in your Egg Salad, or top a fried egg with it
10. As a savory sandwich spread on grilled cheese or hot ham and cheese also great for wraps 
11. Mix it in with this Balsamic Vinegar Bruschetta or cucumber tomato salad
12. As part of a charcuterie board with fresh vegetables 
13. Spread a good bit on some Homemade Garlic Bread
14. Serve it alongside this Pesto Baked Brie
15. Use it to top Rice Cakes for a quick afternoon snack
16. Put a small dollop on some Deviled Eggs or a hard-boiled egg
17. Make stuffed Crescent Rolls with it
18. Spread it on some Homemade Pizza
19. Add a spoonfuls to this caprese pasta salad for an extra burst of flavor
20. Blend a healthy amount in Feta Cheese Dip for an easy party dip
21.  Put a little spoonful of tapenade into these Brie Stuffed Baked Mushrooms before or after cooking
22. Add it to your Homemade Meatballs mixture for an exotic flavor on the traditional take
23. ​Make a bread by combining it with some extra olive oil and dry or fresh herbs
24. Toss it in with some Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
25. Mix in a bunch with some mayonnaise and use it on everything
26. Combine it into Zucchini Fritters or other vegetable fritter recipes
27. Add a thick layer to your next BLT sandwich

How Long Does Olive Tapenade Last

Leftover homemade tapenade will be good for up to 7 days when stored properly. Store bought tapenade will be good for twice as long after being opened because of the added preservatives. You can freeze extra tapenade to make it last longer.

How To Store Tapenade

Store tapenade in an airtight container with minimal space for extra air in the back of the fridge, where it’s coldest. 

You can also freeze extra tapenade for up to three months.Place it in a freezer-safe bag and smooth it flat to get rid of excess air. Seal, date, and store.

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