Cheddar Olives
Cheddar Olives are savory stuffed green olives wrapped in crispy bacon, offering a perfect blend of salty, cheesy, and smoky flavors ideal for appetizers or parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the olives lengthwise.
- Remove the pimentos and chop them finely.
- Blend the chopped pimentos with the grated sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Stuff each olive half with the cheese mixture and press halves together.
- Cut the bacon slices in half.
- Wrap each stuffed olive with half a slice of bacon.
- Secure the bacon-wrapped olives with a toothpick.
- Broil the olives for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until the bacon is crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use high-quality sharp Cheddar and crispy bacon. If you prefer a healthier version, try using turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for added spice. If you find the olives too salty, rinse them briefly in cold water before using.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheddar Olives make an excellent appetizer for parties and pair wonderfully with cocktails. Serve alongside a charcuterie board featuring meats and cheeses or alongside Marion'S Spinach Casserole for a more substantial spread. They also complement a fresh salad or can be enjoyed as a snack on game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bacon-wrapped olives on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until heated through and the bacon is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the bacon's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Olives contains roughly 164 calories, with 9g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% 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 prepare these olives ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed olives and wrap them in bacon a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and broil just before serving for a fresh and crispy result.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you don't like olives, you can use small pickles or even cherry tomatoes as a base. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, particularly for tomatoes, which require less broiling time.
Can I bake these instead of broiling?
Yes, you can bake the bacon-wrapped olives at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
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).