If you’re looking for a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer, baked cheese olives are the perfect choice. These bite-sized treats combine the briny taste of olives with the rich, gooey flavor of melted cheese, making them ideal for parties, snacks, or even a cozy movie night.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make baked cheese olives, ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving suggestions, FAQs, and related product recommendations from kimecopak.ca.
By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to make perfectly baked cheese olives that are cheesy, flavorful, and visually impressive.
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What Are Baked Cheese Olives?
Baked cheese olives are a type of appetizer or snack where olives are either stuffed or topped with cheese and baked until golden, bubbly, and melty. They are:
- Savory and flavorful: The combination of olives’ natural brininess and the richness of cheese creates a perfect taste.
- Quick and easy: Requires minimal ingredients, simple prep, and short baking time.
- Versatile: Can be served as party appetizers, cocktail snacks, or a simple snack for movie nights.
This recipe is also perfect for experimenting with different types of olives, cheeses, and seasonings to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Baked Cheese Olives
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olives: 20–30 large green or black olives (pitted)
- Cheese: 100–150g mozzarella or cheddar (grated or small cubes)
- Optional toppings: Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chili flakes, dried herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley)
- Olive oil: 1–2 tsp for brushing
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper
Pro Tip: Mix cheeses for more flavor depth, e.g., mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
Related: Mozzarella Cheese Recipes: Delicious Ideas for Every Occasion
Extra Ingredient Tips:
- Olives: Choose plump, high-quality olives. Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives work well for stuffing.
- Cheese: For creamier baked cheese olives, consider cream cheese or goat cheese inside the olive cavity.
- Toppings: A sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs creates a crunchy texture, contrasting the gooey cheese.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added after baking for aroma and color.
Step-by-Step Baked Cheese Olives Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Olives
- If using whole olives, remove the pits carefully.
- For stuffed olives, add a small piece of mozzarella or feta into each olive cavity.
- Pro Tip: If your olives are too large to bake easily, slice them in half and arrange on the baking sheet.
3. Cheese Coating
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the olives generously.
- Add optional toppings: parmesan, chili flakes, dried herbs, paprika, or garlic powder.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake the Olives
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
5. Serve Warm
- Let the baked cheese olives cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Place on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Variations of Baked Cheese Olives
Spicy Cheese Olives
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or paprika before baking for heat.
- Great for guests who enjoy spicy appetizers.
Stuffed Baked Cheese Olives
- Use cream cheese, feta, or goat cheese for the filling.
- Combine with herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Breaded Cheese Olives
- Roll olives in breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy exterior.
- Add a layer of grated parmesan for an extra cheesy crust.
Mini Skewers
-
Skewer baked cheese olives with cherry tomatoes and basil for elegant bite-sized appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Baked cheese olives are versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- Party platters: Mix with nuts, crackers, and charcuterie.
- Cocktail snacks: Perfect with wine, prosecco, or cocktails.
- Snack or movie night: A warm, cheesy treat for family or friends.
- Take-away or gifting: Use appetizer or dessert boxes from kimecopak.ca for easy transport and gifting.
Pro Tip: Add decorative labels or ribbons when gifting.
FAQs About Baked Cheese Olives
Can I prepare baked cheese olives ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Can I use canned olives?
Absolutely! Just drain well and pat dry before stuffing or baking.
Which cheeses work best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or feta work best for stuffing and melting. Mix for extra flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cheese and plant-based stuffing.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Baked cheese olives are a simple yet irresistible appetizer that everyone will love. With minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, you can serve them at parties, family gatherings, or as a daily snack. Add toppings, stuff with cheese, or present them in take-away boxes from kimecopak.ca for gifting or events.
This Baked Cheese Olives Recipe is not only flavorful but also fun to make, making it a must-try for cheese and olive lovers alike.
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