Olive Cheese Ball(Makes 3 Cups)
A creamy, savory cheese ball packed with chopped olives, walnuts, and fresh chives, perfect for entertaining or snacking. Its rich flavors and crunchy nut coating make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for serving with crackers and garnished with parsley for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cream cheese and butter or oleo until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped black olives and minced chives. Chill slightly for easier shaping.
- Form the mixture into a ball on a serving dish.
- Roll or pat the cheese ball in chopped walnuts or toasted, diced almonds.
- Trim with parsley if desired.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smooth texture, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before blending. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra flavor dimension. Use a mix of olives for a more complex taste.
Serving Suggestions
This olive cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted bread. For an elegant presentation, serve alongside a Fresh Fruit Bowl for a sweet contrast. You can also offer Savory Potatoes or Southern Spoonbread as additional savory sides for a delightful platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cheese ball can be covered in plastic wrap if you prefer. It can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as it is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Cheese Ball(Makes 3 Cups) contains roughly 1467 calories, with 21g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% 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 cheese ball in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of black olives?
If you're not keen on black olives, green olives or Kalamata olives can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that they may alter the flavor profile slightly, so choose based on your taste preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat. However, if you want to ensure all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, double-check the cheese brands for any animal rennet and choose accordingly.
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).