Olive Cream Cheese Ball
Creamy, garlicky olive balls packed with briny olives and a hint of heat—perfect for parties, parties, or a quick snack for bold flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature.
- Chop the dark and green stuffed olives into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, dry minced onion, Tabasco, and a pinch of dry parsley.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended and shape the mixture into a ball.
- Sprinkle parsley flakes on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften for a longer time or microwave it for a few seconds. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use green olives without pimentos instead of stuffed olives. You can also substitute Tabasco with a milder hot sauce or omit it altogether for a non-spicy version. Consider adding some chopped herbs for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Olive Cream Cheese Ball is perfect for entertaining and pairs beautifully with Garlic Bread Pape'. Serve it with assorted crackers, vegetable sticks, or slices of baguette. It also makes a great addition to a cheese platter. For a refreshing side, consider offering a light Cucumber Salad With Yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the ball's shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to serve it again, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Cream Cheese Ball contains roughly 111 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% 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 Olive Cream Cheese Ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Olive Cream Cheese Ball a day in advance. Just shape it into a ball and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a while before serving.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly, but it can still create a delicious dip.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of Tabasco or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you could use a sweeter hot sauce if you prefer a hint of sweetness along with the heat. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
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).