Cheese And Olive Balls
Cheese and olive balls are savory, bite-sized snacks featuring cheesy dough wrapped around flavored olives, perfect for parties, appetizers, or casual gatherings with a delightful golden crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix grated cheddar cheese, flour, and butter to make a dough.
- Break off small pieces of dough and flatten them in your hand.
- Wrap each stuffed olive with a piece of dough.
- Place the wrapped olives on a baking sheet and bake in a 375° to 400°F oven for about 12 minutes, until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the dough. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyère or a mild mozzarella. For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust the salt accordingly. Ensure the dough is not too sticky; if it is, add a little more flour until manageable.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese and olive balls make a fantastic appetizer or snack, perfect for a game day or a party platter. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping. They pair beautifully with Herbed French Bread Chips for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese and olive balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Olive Balls contains roughly 172 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 use different types of olives?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various stuffed olives, such as garlic-stuffed or jalapeño-stuffed varieties, to change the flavor profile. Just ensure they are pitted and manageable in size for wrapping in the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you're ready to make the cheese and olive balls, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping.
What can I serve with these cheese and olive balls?
These delightful bites pair well with a variety of dips and sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or alongside Moonballs (Child-Approved And Healthy Snack) for a fun mix. They also complement a cheese platter beautifully.
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).