Blue Cheese And Olive Ball
A rich, tangy cheese ball infused with blue cheese and olives, coated in walnuts, perfect for entertaining cheese lovers and flavorful appetizer spreads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cream cheese, blue cheese, and softened butter until smooth.
- Stir in the well-drained chopped olives.
- Chill the mixture slightly until firm enough to handle.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before blending. If you don't have blue cheese on hand, feta or goat cheese can be used for a milder flavor. You can also experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or green olives, to add unique flavors to the cheese ball.
Serving Suggestions
This Blue Cheese and Olive Ball makes an excellent appetizer for gatherings. Serve it with slices of French Bread With Herb Butter or crackers for a delightful pairing. It also complements fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices, making it a versatile addition to any cheese platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cheese ball, as it may become crumbly when thawed. Simply take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Cheese And Olive Ball contains roughly 503 calories, with 9g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance. Just chill it in the refrigerator until firm and store it wrapped tightly. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow it to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can use crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs for coating instead of walnuts. Alternatively, sunflower seeds can provide a nice crunch without the allergens. Just ensure they are finely chopped to help them adhere to the cheese ball.
Can I add more ingredients to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to customize your cheese ball by adding herbs like chives or parsley for freshness. You could also incorporate a bit of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just remember to balance the flavors so that the blue cheese remains the star.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).