If you are searching for a fun, flavorful, and utterly addictive snack to wow your friends, then this Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine large green olives bursting with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese, then wrapped in a crisp, golden breadcrumb shell and fried to perfection. This appetizer brings together the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and crunchy that turns any gathering into a delicious celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty treat, these cheese stuffed fried olives make an irresistible finger food everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, readily available ingredients that each play a vital role in creating those amazing flavors and textures. From the creaminess of the cheese to the crunch of the breadcrumbs, every component is essential to making this dish a star.
- Large green olives (30, pitted): The perfect vessel for stuffing, offering a briny kick that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture that blends seamlessly with cheddar.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 oz, shredded): Provides bold flavor and a slight tang to the filling.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the cheese mix with a subtle savory depth.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a hint of smokiness and color to the stuffing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps the breading stick to the stuffed olives perfectly.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Acts as the glue to coat the olives with breadcrumbs, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates the all-important golden, crunchy exterior.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, it provides that irresistible crispy finish without overpowering the flavors.
- Optional lemon wedges: To serve and add a burst of fresh acidity that brightens every bite.
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by mixing the cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a bowl until they’re melded into a smooth and creamy blend. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to infuse the filling with that perfect savory edge. Transfer this luscious mixture into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner cut off—it makes stuffing the olives way easier and much less messy.
Step 2: Stuff the Olives
Now, take each pitted olive and gently fill it with the cheese mixture, making sure they’re packed generously. These stuffed gems are the heart and soul of the Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe, so don’t shy away from filling them to bursting!
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
To get that unbeatable crispy coating, prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. This classic breading trio is essential because each step ensures the breading sticks well and fries up nice and crunchy.
Step 4: Bread the Stuffed Olives
Roll each cheese-filled olive first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For those who crave extra crunch, repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs once more. Place the breaded olives on a plate and let them chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes; this rest period helps the coating set firmly and prevents it from sliding off during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Olives to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the olives in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until they turn a glorious golden brown and become wonderfully crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
How to Serve Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this appetizer from delicious to unforgettable. Serving your fried olives with fresh lemon wedges adds a zesty punch that cuts through the richness beautifully. You might also sprinkle a little extra paprika or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These crispy bites pair wonderfully with light sides or dipping sauces. A cool yogurt-based dip, tangy marinara, or even a spicy aioli complement the salty, cheesy olives perfectly. For a Mediterranean-themed spread, throw in some hummus, roasted red peppers, and pita bread to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference! Serve your cheese stuffed fried olives on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs to create a feast for the eyes. Small toothpicks or skewers can make them easier to grab, turning them into elegant party bites. You can even arrange them inside hollowed-out bell peppers or on mini salad leaves for a colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover stuffed olives, don’t worry! They keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. This gives you a quick, tasty snack ready to pop back in the fryer or oven for a perfect reheated treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the breaded stuffed olives before frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you’ll have a batch of ready-to-fry appetizers whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible and reheat the olives in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or use an air fryer at 400°F for roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore that satisfying crunch while warming the cheesy center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for the stuffing?
Absolutely! While this Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe calls for cheddar and cream cheese, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles that suit your taste.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying the olives?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake or air fry these olives instead of deep frying. Baking in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or air frying at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes will yield a crispy exterior, though deep frying gives the crispest result.
Can I prepare the stuffed olives ahead of time?
Definitely! The cheese stuffed olives can be prepared and breaded a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This saves prep time on party day and allows the flavors to meld nicely.
What dipping sauces go best with these fried olives?
Classic choices like garlic aioli, marinara, or spicy sriracha mayo all pair excellently. For a Mediterranean touch, try tzatziki or a lemony yogurt dip that complements the salty olive and creamy cheese filling.
Are these fried olives vegetarian?
Yes, this Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat or meat-derived ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for those following a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and downright addictive about these cheese stuffed fried olives, and once you try this Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. They are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing—or just sneaking a few when nobody’s watching. So grab those olives and cheese, and dive into this crispy, cheesy goodness today!
Print
Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy cheese stuffed fried olives make for a perfect Mediterranean appetizer or party snack. These large green olives are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. Served warm with optional lemon wedges, they are sure to impress your guests with their savory flavor and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 30 large green olives (pitted)
- 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
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Stuff the olives: Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe the cheese mixture into each pitted olive, filling them completely without overstuffing.
- Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style).
- Bread the stuffed olives: Roll each stuffed olive first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, followed by coating with breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Chill the breaded olives: Place the breaded olives on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to help the coating adhere better during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, pour vegetable oil to about 2 inches depth and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure correct temperature.
- Fry the olives: Fry the olives in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each batch for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried olives from the oil, and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Stuffed olives can be prepared and breaded a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter option, try air frying the breaded olives at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese for new flavor twists.
