Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe
Get ready for a bite-sized party showstopper that’s impossible to resist: the Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer. These crispy, golden-brown morsels are filled with a creamy, zesty cheese mixture and have just the right amount of crunch and tang. Whether you’re searching for a make-ahead nibble for your next gathering or want to elevate your snack game, the combination of sharp cheddar, cool cream cheese, and briny olives is the secret weapon you didn’t know your appetizer spread was missing. Seriously—you’ll want to save a plate just for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer comes together with a short list of staple ingredients, but each one packs a punch and plays a vital role. From the salty pop of the olives to the creamy center and that famously crisp breaded coating, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Large green olives (pitted): These are the stars—choose firm, meaty ones for the perfect bite and easy stuffing.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling incredibly smooth and provides a mild tang that balances the olives.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds depth, richness, and a touch of sharpness; don’t be shy with the good stuff.
- Garlic powder: Just a little for that well-rounded, savory undertone—skip the fresh garlic for a smoother blend.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and a lovely golden hue to both filling and crust.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick and aromatic bite in each cheesy mouthful.
- All-purpose flour: The first breading layer—helps your batter cling to the olives for that ideal crunch.
- Large eggs (beaten): Essential binding magic to help the crumbs hug the olives.
- Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs: The key to that irresistible crispy coating—Italian style adds a bonus herby note if you like.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for deep-frying, ensuring a golden, even fry without overpowering other flavors.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Brightens and balances the richness—give each serving a squeeze for a fresh zing.
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer
Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling
Start by combining the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and uniform—the goal here is a perfectly creamy, boldly flavored filling that pipes easily and isn’t lumpy. This mix will melt into the olives and make every bite totally addictive.
Step 2: Stuff the Olives
Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag, or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner cut off if you don’t have one handy. Gently pipe the cheese blend into each pitted olive until they’re filled but not overflowing. This is a step best done with a little patience—it’s oddly satisfying and keeps the center wonderfully cheesy once fried.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
Time for a classic three-bowl breading setup: fill one shallow bowl with flour, another with your beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Having everything laid out efficiently makes the assembly line quick and keeps those olive-stuffing hands clean at each stage.
Step 4: Bread the Olives
Take each cheese-stuffed olive and roll it first in flour (shake off any excess), then dip in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it well in breadcrumbs. For an extra-crunchy shell, give each olive a second round in the egg and then breadcrumbs before placing it on a plate. This double-dipping is the secret to a crunch that stands up to sauces and leftovers!
Step 5: Chill for Crispiness
Transfer all the breaded olives to a plate and pop them in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the cheese filling and ensures that the crispy breadcrumb coating clings tightly and fries up beautifully golden.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the olives in batches (don’t crowd them!) for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently, until evenly browned and crisp. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer immediately while they’re still warm, with a squeeze of lemon or your dipping sauce of choice. Marvel at the crispy, gooey perfection—and try to resist popping one after another before your guests even see the plate!
How to Serve Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer
Garnishes
Sometimes the little extras make all the difference. A scattering of chopped fresh parsley or basil over your Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer adds a pop of color and freshness. Lemon wedges on the side infuse brightness and cut through the richness with every squeeze. To get extra fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving elevates both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
A Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp crudités, marinated artichokes, or even a Mediterranean salad. They’re also fantastic beside a spread of hummus, tzatziki, or a peppery arugula salad. For party trays, consider adding mini skewers with roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to contrast these savory, cheesy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish appetizer platter, try threading the fried olives onto small skewers with cherry tomatoes or folded slices of roasted pepper. Toss them onto a grazing board alongside cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie for a Mediterranean-meets-cocktail hour vibe. Or, arrange them in a small bowl with bamboo picks for perfect one-hand snacking—just be ready for them to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing, and line the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture and preserve that beloved crunch.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the breaded but unfried olives in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time for best results.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, pop your leftover Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Skip the microwave, which can make them soggy; a hot oven or air fryer is your friend for reviving that crispy exterior!
FAQs
Can I use black olives instead of green?
You can, but green olives offer a firmer texture and a brighter briny flavor, which contrasts more deliciously with the creamy cheese center. Black olives tend to be softer—they’ll work, but the final bite won’t have the same pop.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
Try swapping sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, gooier effect, or experiment with crumbled blue cheese or gouda for new flavor twists. Just make sure there’s still some cream cheese in the mix for smoothness!
How do I keep the filling from leaking out during frying?
Double-breading is the secret. Dip each stuffed olive in egg and breadcrumbs a second time, and make sure there are no cracks in your breading. Chilling them also helps the coating set and keeps the cheese securely inside.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Prepare them as directed, then air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the coating is crisp and golden—the Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer turns out just as irresistible with much less oil.
What dipping sauces go well with Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer?
They pair marvelously with garlicky aioli, cool tzatziki, herby ranch, or a smoky romesco dip. Or keep things simple with just a squeeze of lemon—these olives are flavor-packed enough to stand alone.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold appetizers that deliver on both flavor and fun, you simply have to try making this Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer. It’s the kind of snack that makes any gathering feel special—and once you serve it, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. Happy frying and even happier snacking!
Print
Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives, a perfect appetizer that combines the briny goodness of green olives with a rich, cheesy filling. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olives and Coating:
- 30 large green olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Stuff Olives: Pipe cheese mixture into each olive until filled.
- Bread the Olives: Coat olives in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a crispier coating.
- Chill: Refrigerate breaded olives for 20–30 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F, fry olives in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Prepare stuffed olives in advance and store in the fridge.
- For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 olives
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
