Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cheese Olive Balls – they are the ultimate Halloween party appetizers! Seriously, every time I make them, they vanish faster than you can say “trick or treat!” These little bites are packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and a nice salty kick from the olives that makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! You just mix, roll, and chill, and voila! You’ve got a fantastic snack that’s sure to impress your guests. Trust me, once you serve these, everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for that bold flavor!)
- 1/2 cup chopped olives (green or black, depending on your taste preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (these add a lovely freshness)
- 1 cup crushed crackers (I love using buttery ones for an extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 tsp paprika (for a little kick and a pop of color)
How to Prepare Cheese Olive Balls – Halloween Party Appetizers
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these delightful Cheese Olive Balls! I promise, it’s super simple and the results are oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a mixing bowl and toss in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend them together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want to make sure there are no lumps here!
- Next, add in the chopped olives and green onions, followed by the garlic powder and paprika. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Just imagine that burst of flavor!
- Now comes the fun part: forming the mixture into small balls! I like to use about a tablespoon of the mixture for each ball—just enough to pop in your mouth. Roll them in your hands until they’re nice and round.
- Once all the balls are formed, roll each one in the crushed crackers until they’re fully coated. This gives them that delightful crunch!
- Finally, place the Cheese Olive Balls on a plate and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps them firm up and makes them even tastier!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these Cheese Olive Balls! Keep in mind that the nutrition can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Each delicious ball contains approximately 80 calories, with about 6 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. They also have around 4 grams of carbohydrates and just 1 gram of sugar. It’s a little indulgence that won’t break the calorie bank! Perfect for those Halloween parties where you want to enjoy your snacks without counting every bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cheese Olive Balls turn out absolutely perfect! First, if you want to mix things up, try using different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese with herbs for added flavor. If you’re not a fan of olives, feel free to swap them out for diced jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes—both add a unique twist!
When it comes to rolling, don’t stress about getting them perfectly round; a little imperfection adds to their charm! And for presentation, consider serving them on a spooky platter with some festive toothpicks—your guests will love the fun touch! Happy snacking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—just mix, roll, and chill!
- Deliciously creamy and packed with flavor from the olives and spices.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for all your guests.
- Perfect finger food for Halloween parties—easy to grab and munch!
- Can be made a day in advance, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
- Customizable with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste.
- They look adorable on any platter—definitely a conversation starter!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these Cheese Olive Balls, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a refreshing veggie platter—think crisp celery, colorful bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to balance the richness of the cheese. You can also serve them with some zesty dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo to kick things up a notch!
As for drinks, a nice chilled white wine or sparkling cider works wonders alongside these savory bites. If you’re feeling festive, whip up a Halloween-themed punch with some fruity flavors! Trust me, your guests will be raving about these combinations all night long!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! These Cheese Olive Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re nice and chilled before sealing them up. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for about a month in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—just serve them chilled for the best flavor and texture!
FAQ Section
Can I make these Cheese Olive Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making them a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They taste even better after the flavors have had a chance to mingle!
Are these Cheese Olive Balls suitable for kids?
Yes! They’re vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavors that kids love. Just be cautious with the spices if you’re serving little ones; you can always dial back on the garlic powder or paprika!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack. Each type brings its unique taste, making these Halloween appetizers even more fun!
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Make sure to chill them well before serving, and keep them in a cool place to maintain that delightful crunch from the crackers. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for your Halloween party!
For more delicious recipes, check out easy holiday appetizers that will wow your guests!
Also, if you’re interested in more fun Halloween treats, visit holiday snack platter ideas for inspiration!
Print
Cheese Olive Balls – 7 Irresistible Halloween Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Olive Balls are savory snacks perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Add olives, green onions, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in crushed crackers until coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- 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: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cheese Olive Balls, Halloween Party Appetizers, halloween appetizers
