Cheese And Olive Puffs
Cheese and olive puffs are savory, cheesy bites filled with stuffed olives, perfect as appetizers or party snacks for cheese lovers and those who enjoy flavorful finger foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the grated cheese and soft butter together until well combined.
- Stir in the sifted flour, salt, and paprika until the mixture forms a dough.
- Wrap approximately 1 teaspoon of the mixture around each stuffed olive, covering completely.
- Arrange the wrapped olives on a cookie sheet, cover, and freeze until firm.
- Bake the frozen puffs for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano to the dough. If you're short on cheese, a mix of sharp and mild cheese can work well. You can substitute the stuffed olives with pimiento-stuffed or garlic-stuffed varieties for different tastes. Make sure your butter is soft to ensure proper mixing; if it's too hard, your dough might be crumbly.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese and olive puffs make an excellent appetizer for parties or game days. They pair beautifully with a light salad or a platter of fresh vegetables and dip. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a rich soup or as part of a vegetarian recipes spread. They are perfect for sharing and will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled cheese and olive puffs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Olive Puffs contains roughly 502 calories, with 15g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2182mg per serving (95% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before wrapping the olives to ensure it's manageable.
Can I freeze the cheese and olive puffs?
Absolutely! After wrapping the olives, freeze them on a cookie sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for a robust flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just ensure the cheese is grated well to blend smoothly with the butter.
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).