Olive-Cheese Tea Canapes
Delightful olive-cheese tea canapes offer a savory bite with sharp cheese and stuffed green olives, perfect for sophisticated gatherings or tea parties. Crispy, cheesy, and briny flavors make these bites a crowd-pleaser, pairing wonderfully with red wine and fruit cubes for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, grated cheese, and flour until well combined.
- Add the Tabasco sauce and salt to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Make a hole in the center of each ball and insert a stuffed green olive.
- Place the prepared balls on a tray and freeze until ready to bake.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot with red wine and fruit cubes on picks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of sharp and mild cheese. If you're out of Tabasco, a dash of cayenne pepper can add a similar heat. To save time, you can prepare the canapes ahead of time and freeze them until ready to bake. Ensure they are well spaced on the tray for even baking. These canapes also make a great appetizer for gatherings, pairing well with drinks.
Serving Suggestions
These Olive-Cheese Tea Canapes are best served hot, accompanied by a glass of red wine. Consider pairing them with fresh fruit cubes on picks for a delightful contrast. They also work well as part of a larger spread, alongside vegetarian recipes or light salads like Cool As A Cucumber Salad for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the canapes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive-Cheese Tea Canapes contains roughly 159 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1673mg per serving (73% 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 cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors. Just keep in mind that the texture and melting properties may differ, so a blend of cheeses may yield the best results.
How can I make these canapes spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese mixture. Another option is to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
Can these canapes be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure that the other ingredients, especially the cheese, are gluten-free as well, to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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).