Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cheese Olive Balls! They are the ultimate savory snack, and trust me, they’re a hit at every gathering—especially around Halloween! I whip these up for parties, and they vanish faster than you can say “spooky snacks.” They’re easy to make, which means you can spend more time enjoying your company and less time in the kitchen. Just imagine biting into a warm, cheesy ball with that delightful pop of olive inside. It’s like a little party in your mouth! Seriously, you can have them prepped and in the oven in no time, and they pair perfectly with any dipping sauce you like. So, are you ready to impress your friends with these delicious delights? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Cheese Olive Balls, and get ready for some deliciousness!

• 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a sharp cheddar for that extra zing, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese!
• 1/2 cup pitted olives, chopped: Green or black olives work beautifully here. Just make sure they’re pitted and chopped so they blend well into the mix.
• 1/2 cup flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for binding everything together, giving your cheese balls a nice structure.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: This adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip this one!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic goes a long way in boosting the flavor. Trust me, it’s a must-have!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all those savory flavors. Adjust to your taste if you like it a little saltier.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A dash of pepper adds a hint of spice that complements the cheese and olives perfectly.
• 1 egg, beaten: This acts as a binder, helping everything stick together and gives that lovely golden finish when baked.

How to Prepare Cheese Olive Balls

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making those irresistible Cheese Olive Balls! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cheese balls go in.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, chopped olives, flour, softened butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it forms a cohesive dough. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
3. Once it’s well combined, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Make sure to pack it tightly so they hold their shape while baking.
4. Dip each ball into the beaten egg. This helps create that lovely golden crust when baked—yum!
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out a bit to avoid sticking together.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Oh, that smell wafting through your kitchen? It’s heavenly!

Let them cool for a minute before serving warm. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cheesy goodness with the briny burst of olives creates a flavor explosion that’s simply addictive!
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Perfect for Parties: These Cheese Olive Balls are a fantastic appetizer that everyone will love. They’re bite-sized and easy to pick up, making them ideal for mingling.
• Warm and Cheesy: Serving them warm enhances that gooey cheese texture, and let’s be honest, who can resist warm cheese?
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead of time and even freeze them, so you’re ready for any occasion without the last-minute rush.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add different herbs and spices to make them your own!

Tips for Success

To make your Cheese Olive Balls turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cheese balls, and nobody wants that!
• Chill the Mixture: If your dough feels too soft to form into balls, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
• Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is my go-to, don’t hesitate to try different cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchier texture or feta for a tangy kick. The world is your cheese platter!
• Season to Taste: Adjust the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your Cheese Olive Balls at the 15-minute mark. You want them golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Elevate your Cheese Olive Balls by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. It adds another layer of flavor that your guests will love!

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best Cheese Olive Balls that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Variations on Cheese Olive Balls

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Cheese Olive Balls! Here are some tasty variations that will keep things exciting and cater to different tastes:

• Herbed Delight: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the mixture for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs work too if you have them on hand!
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. It adds a wonderful zing that pairs beautifully with the cheese and olives.
• Cheesy Mix: Experiment with different cheeses! Try a blend of mozzarella for gooeyness and parmesan for a nutty flavor, or go bold with blue cheese for a sharp taste.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spinach to add some color and extra nutrients to your cheese balls.
• Sweet & Savory: For a unique twist, try adding a touch of honey and some crumbled goat cheese. The sweetness balances nicely with the savory olives—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
• Nutty Flavor: Add some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the mixture for a delightful crunch and added texture.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap the garlic powder for a teaspoon of sesame oil and add a bit of soy sauce for an Asian flair. You can even sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before baking!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own perfect Cheese Olive Balls. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After your Cheese Olive Balls have been devoured (because let’s face it, they probably will be!), you might find yourself with a few leftovers. No worries! Here’s how to store them properly and keep that deliciousness intact for later.

To store, simply place any uneaten Cheese Olive Balls in an airtight container. I like to line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb any moisture, which helps keep them crispy. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—if they last that long!

If you want to save them for a later date, you can also freeze these little bites of joy. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer!

Now, when you’re ready to enjoy your Cheese Olive Balls again, reheating them is a breeze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen or refrigerated balls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This method helps them regain that lovely crispiness!

And just like that, you’ve got warm, cheesy goodness ready to go! Perfect for snacking or impressing unexpected guests. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to snacking, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for each Cheese Olive Ball. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g

So, whether you’re enjoying these as Halloween appetizers or just for a cozy get-together, you can feel good about indulging in these cheesy bites! Just remember, moderation is key—though I doubt you’ll be able to stop at just one!

FAQ Section

Can I make Cheese Olive Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These little bites are perfect for prepping in advance. You can either make them and freeze them before baking or bake them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

What’s the best way to serve Cheese Olive Balls?
I love serving them warm right out of the oven, but they’re also great at room temperature. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. They make fantastic Halloween appetizers that your guests will rave about!

Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While I’m partial to sharp cheddar, you can get creative with different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture, feta for tanginess, or even a blend for a unique flavor. Go wild with your cheese choices!

How do I prevent my Cheese Olive Balls from getting soggy?
To keep them crispy, make sure to store them in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, which can introduce excess moisture. And of course, bake them until they’re golden brown—this helps achieve that lovely crunch!

Can I make these Cheese Olive Balls gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just as delicious. Just make sure to check your cheese and olives for any hidden gluten if you’re serving gluten-sensitive friends!

Cheese Olive Balls: 7 Irresistibly Cheesy Bites to Love

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 balls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheese Olive Balls are a savory snack perfect for parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup pitted olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cheese, olives, flour, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small balls.
4. Dip each ball into the beaten egg.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

• Serve warm for the best taste.
• They can be made ahead and frozen.
• Try adding herbs for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cheese Olive Balls, halloween appetizers