Parmesan Tapenade

How best to describe Trader Joe’s Parmesan Tapenade? On a purely technical level, it’s made from thick shreds of umami-rich Parmesan cheese, which have been combined with a medley of diced garlic, jalapeños, and Manzanilla olives, then seasoned with herbs like cilantro, oregano, and thyme, and marinated in a blend of olive oil, sunflower oil, and red wine vinegar. On a practical level, it’s a catch-all condiment, dip, and spread that adds briny, spicy, savory zing to all sorts of dishes. And on a more conceptual level, it’s precisely the kind of irresistibly unique, everyday treasure that you can only discover at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s.

Try a spoonful of Parmesan Tapenade on a sandwich. Try a spoonful of Parmesan Tapenade on a piece of avocado toast. Try a spoonful of Parmesan Tapenade…by itself! It pays to be daring with something as rich and full-flavored as this. We dare, for instance, to dip it with artichokes, endives, or chunks of crusty bread. We’ll also use it to top pastas, salads, and steaks, and spread it over a burger bun, or pita. And for an easy, cheesy side dish, spoon over a sheet pan of potatoes, just before roasting.