Hot Olive Cheese Puffs
Hot Olive Cheese Puffs are savory, cheesy bites filled with tangy Spanish olives, perfect for appetizers or entertaining. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, these puffs offer a delightful combination of sharp cheese and salty olives, appealing to cheese lovers and those who enjoy flavorful finger foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the grated Cheddar cheese with the soft margarine until well combined.
- Stir the flour with salt and paprika until well mixed.
- Wrap about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture around each olive, completely covering the olive.
- Place the wrapped puffs on a baking sheet and freeze them in a plastic bag.
- To serve, place the frozen puffs on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot on toothpicks, noting that olives will be quite hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the margarine with Greek yogurt. When wrapping the olives, ensure the cheese mixture is well-sealed to prevent leakage during baking. For a twist, try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot olive cheese puffs as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with a refreshing dip or a glass of white wine. For a complete spread, consider adding other finger foods like skewers or mini quiches. They also make a great accompaniment to a salad, such as a simple green salad or even a Polk Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked puffs 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 until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puffs soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Olive Cheese Puffs contains roughly 86 calories, with 3g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 these cheese puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese puffs and freeze them before baking. Just follow the recipe up to the freezing step and store them in a plastic bag. When ready to serve, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of Spanish olives?
If you can't find Spanish olives, green olives or even pimento-stuffed olives work well as alternatives. Just ensure they are similar in size for consistent baking. For a different flavor profile, you might also experiment with marinated olives.
How can I make these puffs more visually appealing?
To elevate the presentation, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs or additional paprika on top of the puffs just before serving. Using colorful toothpicks or serving them on a decorative platter can also enhance the visual appeal of your appetizer spread.
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).