Crispy Italian Fried Stuffed Olives Recipe: A Tasty Appetizer Gem

Crisp, golden, and bursting with flavor, these classic stuffed olives capture the essence of Italian appetizer magic.

olives sizzling in olive oil create a mouth-watering Italian fried stuffed olives recipe that transports you straight to a bustling trattoria.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and savory filling that makes these little gems irresistible.

The combination of herbs, cheese, and perfectly seasoned breading elevates this simple ingredient into a spectacular starter.

Authentic and easy to prepare, these olives promise to impress even the most discerning palate.

Rich with Mediterranean charm, this recipe brings a touch of Italy directly to your kitchen.

Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Italian Fried Stuffed Olives Why You’ll Crave Them

• Transform simple olives into elegant, restaurant-quality bites that wow guests and elevate your cooking skills.
• Prepare these crispy, cheesy stuffed olives in advance, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or unexpected company.
• Experience a delightful crunch from golden breadcrumbs giving way to a creamy, savory filling that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Easily adapt the filling with different meats, cheeses, or herbs to match your taste preferences or use available ingredients.

All the Ingredients for Fried Stuffed Olives

• Olives: Large green olives that serve as the base for this classic Italian appetizer.
• Ground Meat: Provides rich flavor and protein for the stuffing mixture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior when frying the stuffed olives.

• Egg Yolk, Parmesan Cheese: Bind the filling together and add creamy, savory notes.
• Vegetables: Add depth and texture to the meat filling.
• Seasonings: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the stuffed olives.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Essential for creating a crisp, golden breading that seals in the filling.
• Cooking Oil: Enables the deep-frying process to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Salt: Provides seasoning for the olive preparation and overall dish.

Equipment for Frying Italian Olives

• Large bowl: For soaking and preparing olives.
• Sharp knife: To spiral cut and remove olive pits.
• Food processor: Blends filling ingredients into smooth paste.
• Cutting board: Surfaces for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Skillet or pan: Cooking meats and vegetables for filling.
• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Frying olives until golden brown.
• Slotted spoon: Safely removing olives from hot oil.
• Paper towels: Draining excess oil after frying.
• Three shallow dishes: For flour, eggs, and breadcrumb coating.

Step by Step Instructions for Stuffed Olives

Step 1: Slice And Soak Olives

Remove olive pits by making a spiral cut.

Submerge the olives in salted water to remove any bitterness and prepare them for stuffing.

• Large green olives
• Kosher salt
• Cold water

Cut each olive carefully, creating a spiral opening.

Gently remove the pit without tearing the olive apart.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

Prepare a rich and creamy mixture that will transform the olives into a delicious appetizer.

• Ground pork
• Beef
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg yolk

Sauté the meats with minced garlic and herbs.

Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.

Mix in grated cheese and egg yolk to bind the filling.

Step 3: Carefully Stuff The Olives

Fill each olive with the prepared meat mixture, ensuring a tight and secure seal.

• Prepared filling
• Opened olives

Use your fingers or a small spoon to carefully pack the filling into each olive.

Press the edges together to close completely.

Step 4: Create A Crispy Coating

Develop a golden, crunchy exterior that will make these olives irresistible.

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

First, roll each stuffed olive in flour.

Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.

Step 5: Fry To Perfection

Transform the stuffed olives into a crispy, golden appetizer that’s sure to impress.

• Vegetable oil

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer.

Carefully drop olives in small batches.

Fry for about 1 minute until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Serve hot and enjoy the crispy exterior and savory filling.

Tips for Crisp, Savory Fried Olives

• Use a small paring knife to spiral cut olives, ensuring clean removal without damaging olive structure.
• Combine ground meat, herbs, and cheese at room temperature for smoother, more consistent texture.
• Gently press filling around olives, making sure no gaps exist to prevent leaking during frying.
• Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent clumpy breading and maintain clean coating technique.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for crispy exterior and thoroughly heated interior without burning.

Stuffed Olive Filling Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Olive Poppers: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture.
• Vegetarian Olive Bites: Swap meat filling with ricotta, spinach, and herbs. Create a protein-packed alternative that maintains the classic Italian flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Olive Crisps: Skip traditional breading and coat olives in crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Bake instead of frying for a lighter appetizer option.
• Vegan Mediterranean Olives: Use cashew cheese and plant-based protein crumbles as filling. Substitute egg wash with plant-based milk for coating.

Serving Ideas for Italian Fried Olives

• Appetizer Extravaganza: Serve these crispy olives as a stunning starter that'll wow your guests at dinner parties or game nights.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair with chilled white wine or a classic martini for an elegant Mediterranean-style happy hour experience.
• Dipping Delights: Create a zesty aioli or spicy marinara sauce for extra flavor that complements the olive's rich, savory profile.
• Cheese Board Star: Arrange these golden-brown olives alongside soft cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread for an irresistible charcuterie spread.

Keeping Fried Olives Fresh and Crunchy

• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keep frozen for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange olives on baking sheet in single layer. Warm for 7-10 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning halfway.
• Set temperature at 350°F. Place olives in basket without overcrowding. Warm for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Are these olives hard to make?

No, they’re actually quite straightforward. With practice, you’ll quickly master the technique of stuffing and breading olives.

• What type of olives work best?

Green Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives are ideal due to their large size and firm texture, making them perfect for stuffing.

• Can I make the filling vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace meat with ground mushrooms, ricotta cheese, or finely chopped herbs to create a delicious vegetarian version.

• Do I need special equipment to prepare these?

You just need basic kitchen tools like a sharp knife, mixing bowls, and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan for frying. No fancy equipment required.

Italian Fried Stuffed Olives Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic Sicilian olive ascolane tempt appetites with briny, crispy perfection. Green olives stuffed with savory meat create a delightful Mediterranean appetizer craved by those who love authentic Italian flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) mild Italian sausage
• 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) ground beef
• 4–6 ounces (113–170 grams) ground chicken

Vegetable and Dairy Ingredients:

• 60 large Castelvetrano green olives
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery and leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup butter

Liquid, Seasoning, and Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2–3 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Carefully remove pits from olives using a spiral cutting technique, then immerse in salted water to enhance flavor and prevent browning.
2. Sauté selected vegetables with ground meats, incorporating aromatic herbs and spices. Transform the mixture into a smooth, cohesive paste by blending thoroughly. Incorporate rich egg yolk and grated aged cheese to create a robust filling.
3. Meticulously shape the prepared filling, delicately wrapping each olive entirely. Apply gentle pressure to ensure complete sealing, preventing any filling from escaping during cooking.
4. Create a precise coating sequence: first dust olives with fine flour, then dip in whisked eggs, and finally roll in crisp breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra-crunchy exterior.
5. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry stuffed olives in small batches, rotating occasionally, until they achieve a uniform golden-brown color, approximately 60-90 seconds. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.

Notes

• Carefully remove olive pits using a spiral cut to maintain olive shape and prevent tearing during stuffing process.
• Soak olives in salted water to reduce saltiness and enhance overall flavor absorption.
• Ensure filling is smooth and well-blended for consistent texture and easier stuffing.
• Double-coat breading creates extra crispy exterior, providing satisfying crunch when biting into olive.
• Use high-quality olive oil for frying to enhance authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Perfect for gluten-free diets by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.
• Vegetarian option possible by replacing meat with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based protein.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg