Olives
A festive appetizer featuring stuffed olives coated in cream cheese and chopped nuts, perfect for Christmas celebrations with vibrant red, green, and white colors, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover each large stuffed olive with cream cheese.
- Roll the coated olives in chopped nuts to coat evenly.
- When ready to serve, cut the olives in half.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using flavored cream cheese like garlic or herb for added depth. If you want to make this recipe lighter, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well for the nuts, but feel free to experiment with almonds or pistachios to find your favorite combination.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed olives make a great appetizer and pair beautifully with a refreshing drink. Serve alongside a platter of cheeses and charcuterie for a delightful spread. They can also complement dishes like Iranian Spinach or be included in a vegetarian recipes selection for a colorful appetizer table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days. To refresh the flavors before serving, consider letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid reheating as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olives contains roughly 276 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 18g 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 use different types of olives for this recipe?
Absolutely! While large stuffed olives are traditional, you can use any type of olives you prefer, such as green or black olives. Just ensure they are large enough to hold the cream cheese filling and provide a robust flavor.
How can I make these olives spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the cream cheese before coating the olives. You can also try rolling the olives in spicy nuts or adding a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
Can I make these olives in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these olives a day ahead of serving. Simply coat the olives and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just remember to cut them in half right before serving to maintain their freshness.
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).