Olive Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Olive Cheese Balls are a delightful snack that combines the salty tang of stuffed olives with rich, sharp cheddar cheese. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for parties or an everyday appetizer. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip!

Ingredients

• 18 Queen olives stuffed with pimento
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, at soft room temperature (but not melty)
• 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain olives and place them on a paper towel to dry.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine butter and shredded sharp cheddar with a wooden spoon. Add ½ cup flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix as well as you can with the spoon, then finish by combining with your hands. The mixture will form a moist, dense dough.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 18 smaller portions, about 2 teaspoons each, tightly packed. Roll each into a ball, then flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place an olive in the center and mold the dough around it. Roll gently between your palms to finish. Place the balls two inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chilled baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. For best flavor, serve warm with your choice of dip.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
• You can substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough evenly for consistent olive cheese balls.
• Serve with buttermilk ranch or a spicy aioli for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover olive cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore warmth and crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, you can use any pitted olives stuffed or plain, but Queen olives with pimento work best for their size and flavor.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Absolutely. After shaping the balls, refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on serving day.

Olive Cheese Balls Recipe

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Olive Cheese Balls are a flavorful appetizer featuring pimento-stuffed Queen olives wrapped in a moist, cheesy dough made with sharp cheddar and butter. These bite-sized treats are baked until lightly browned and perfect served warm, optionally paired with homemade buttermilk ranch for dipping.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 18 olive cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Olives

• 18 Queen olives stuffed with pimento

Dough

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain Olives: Drain the pimento-stuffed Queen olives and place them on a paper towel to dry thoroughly. Removing excess moisture helps the dough adhere better during assembly.
2. Mix Dough: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and shredded sharp cheddar using a wooden spoon. Add ½ cup of the flour, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix using the spoon as much as possible, then finish kneading the mixture with your hands until it forms a moist, dense dough that’s easy to shape into balls.
3. Form Olive Cheese Balls: Divide the dough into 18 equal portions using a 2-teaspoon scoop, tightly packed. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten gently with your thumb in the palm of your hand. Place one olive in the center of the flattened dough and mold the dough around the olive, enclosing it completely. Roll gently between your palms to smooth. Arrange the balls two inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the chilled baking sheet with the olive cheese balls directly into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the balls are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serve: Serve the olive cheese balls warm for best flavor. Optionally, pair them with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is soft but not melted to help the dough come together easily.
• Chilling the dough balls before baking ensures they hold their shape during baking.
• These cheese balls are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature.
• Adjust seasoning like salt and paprika to taste if desired.
• Use a baking sheet without greasing as the dough contains butter which prevents sticking.

Keywords: olive cheese balls, stuffed olives, cheddar cheese appetizer, baked cheese snacks, party appetizers