Creamy, tangy, salty, tart – these are adjectives that well describe this delicious Bacon-Olive Spread. Simply reading the ingredients will have any spread lover’s mouth watering.

The spread’s base is a simple combination of reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. Its flavor is enlivened with chopped green onion, and bacon adds a smoky saltiness. Old fashioned pimiento-stuffed green olives give this dish a retro flare and a delicious tanginess. Best made a day or two ahead, the spread is delicious with wheat crackers.

• 2 8-ounce packages reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 3-ounce package real bacon bits
• 1 6-ounce jar pimiento-stuffed sliced green olives 

Beat cream cheese, mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese together in a heavy-duty stand mixer or in a bowl with an electric hand mixer until creamy. Fold in remaining ingredients, form into desired shape or spread into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Makes 12 appetizer servings.