Ripe Olive Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball packed with black olives and green onions, coated with toasted pecans. Perfect as an appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, margarine, diced green onions, and chopped black olives until well combined.
- Chill the mixture for 3 hours to firm up.
- Roll the chilled mixture into one large or two small balls.
- Toast the chopped pecans for 5 minutes at 350°F until fragrant.
- Roll the cheese ball(s) in the toasted chopped pecans until evenly coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use a full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped olives and toasted pecans. Additionally, feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired. To add a hint of spice, consider mixing in a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Biscuit Bread or alongside a fresh salad like Debby'S Frozen Salad for a complete spread. Garnish with extra chopped olives or green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare the cheese ball and roll it in nuts, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ripe Olive Cheese Ball contains roughly 748 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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 this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance. Just roll it in the pecans right before serving for the best texture and presentation. Chilling it overnight enhances the flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you prefer a different flavor, green olives or sun-dried tomatoes can be excellent substitutes. Just remember that they will change the overall taste of the cheese ball, so choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To create a vegan version of this cheese ball, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use vegan margarine. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast or a splash of lemon juice for added tanginess.
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).