How to Use Tapenade

Last Updated: May 24, 2020

Tapenade sounds super fancy, but it’s a lot more common than you might think. Originally from France, tapenade is a spread or dip typically made with different kinds of olives, anchovies, and capers. If you’re a fan of this dip, consider adding it to some of your favorite foods!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Using Tapenade in Appetizers

1
Dip some fresh veggies into a bowl of tapenade for a zesty flavor. Spoon some fresh or store bought tapenade into a bowl, then grab some of your favorite veggies. Cut up the veggies into smaller pieces so they’re easier to dip with.^{[1]
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- Carrots, celery, and cucumbers work really well for this.
2
Sprinkle tapenade over the top of your salad for a flavorful addition. Set aside and toss some fresh veggies into a salad. As a finishing touch, mix a spoonful of tapenade in with your greens to act as a garnish.^{[2]
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- Tapenade also tastes great in less traditional salads, like egg salad or potato salad.
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3
Add a spoonful of tapenade to your favorite soup to tweak the flavor. Serve yourself a portion of some tasty, savory soup. Spoon a small amount of tapenade into the bowl, then mix it in with the rest of the soup.^{[3]
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- Since tapenade is really savory, it tastes best with soups with a savory base, like tomato.
4
Stuff your favorite veggies and foods with tapenade for easy finger-foods. Place a few baby bella mushrooms bottom-side up, then take out the stems. Fill the mushrooms with tapenade, along with basil leaves, crushed garlic, and pine nuts. Bake your mushrooms in the oven for an appetizer that tastes just like olives.^{[4]
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- This can be a really great snack to serve at parties.
5
Enjoy tapenade as a tasty spread on bread and crackers. Don’t settle for a bland, boring snack! Instead, jazz up your favorite crackers, breads, and bagels with a spoonful of tapenade overtop. Set out crackers and snacks with tapenade as a tasty snack when you have company over, or whenever you’re craving a salty snack.^{[5]
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- Tapenade can be a great ingredient to use on avocado toast.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Jazzing up Condiments and Dips

1
Whip up a savory butter mixed with tapenade. Leave a stick butter at room temperature so it can soften, then mix it in a bowl with a few spoonfuls of tapenade. Put the mixture on some plastic wrap, then form it into a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) stick of savory butter with your hands or a rolling pin. Use this to grease up your pans when you’re searing meat, or cooking something else on the stovetop!^{[6]
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2
Stir some tapenade into your mayo to make it extra flavorful. Add a spoonful of tapenade into your usual mayo bottle, then mix the ingredients together. Spread the mayo over your sandwiches and other foods like you usually would to give your food a really savory twist.^{[7]
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- You can also use tapenade as a replacement for other condiments, like relish.
3
Create a hummus tapenade hybrid for dipping. Pick up a package of hummus or make your own at home. Mix in a few spoonfuls of tapenade into your dip, then stir both ingredients together. Serve this new hummus hybrid as fun, tasty dip for guests.^{[8]
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- You can add as much or as little tapenade as you’d like. It really depends on your flavor preferences!
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Enhancing Your Entrees

1
Try a new take on pizza with tapenade as the sauce. Set aside a large crust to use for a homemade pizza. Instead of spreading your favorite tomato sauce overtop, reach for some tapenade instead. Sprinkle cheese on top, then let your homemade pizza bake.^{[9]
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- Tapenade puts a really savory take on your pizza, as opposed to the typical robust tomato flavors.
2
Cook your eggs with tapenade to add some flair. Prepare your eggs in your favorite way, whether it’s over-easy or fried. Right when you start cooking, add a spoonful of tapenade into the pan while the eggs are still raw. Continue cooking the eggs, mixing the tapenade in as you go.^{[10]
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3
Mix tapenade into your pasta sauce for an updated flavor. Boil and cook your favorite pasta as you normally would. As you prepare to heat up the sauce, stir a spoonful of tapenade into your sauce, whether it’s marinara or alfredo. Spoon the sauce over the rest of your cooked pasta, and enjoy!^{[11]
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