Pairing Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Zesty Stuffed Olives Recipe: A Flavorful Party Pleaser

Mediterranean kitchens buzz with excitement when crispy, golden stuffed olives emerge from sizzling pans.

These delectable green gems filled with savory cheese create an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation.

Briny olives transformed by creamy, herbed fillings deliver a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.

Each olive becomes a miniature flavor bomb, promising to tantalize taste buds with its rich, complex profile.

The combination of simple ingredients and quick preparation makes this recipe a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

Serve these elegant bites as a stunning starter that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Prepare to become the star of your next social event with these mouthwatering stuffed olives.

Stuffed Olives Savory Appeal

  • Transform simple olives into gourmet appetizers with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Impress guests with elegant, cheese-stuffed olives that burst with herb-infused richness.
  • Prepare these delightful bites in advance and store in the refrigerator for instant entertaining readiness.
  • Perfect for cocktail parties, wine nights, charcuterie boards, or as a sophisticated snack any time.

Stuffed Olives Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:
  • Olives: Large, green olives perfect for stuffing and marinating.
  • Boursin Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a rich and flavorful filling for the olives.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a flavorful base for marinating and adds a smooth texture.
  • Garlic, Dried Herbs: Provide aromatic and savory notes to enhance the olive’s flavor profile.
  • Salt: Helps to season and balance the overall taste of the marinated olives.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Skewer or Chopstick: Used to remove existing stuffing from olives.
  • Piping Bag: Helpful tool for neatly filling olives with cheese.
  • Quart-Sized Jar: Convenient container for marinating and storing stuffed olives.
  • Toothpicks: Serve as an easy way for guests to pick up and enjoy the stuffed olives.

Tools for Making Stuffed Olives

  • Large Saucepan: Essential for simmering olive oil with garlic and herbs gently and evenly.
  • Skewer or Chopstick: Perfect for removing existing olive stuffing and creating space for new filling.
  • Piping Bag: Great tool for smoothly and precisely filling olives with Boursin cheese.
  • Quart-Sized Jar: Ideal container for marinating and storing stuffed olives.
  • Small Bowl: Useful for mashing Boursin cheese before piping.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helps stir and manage herb oil mixture during simmering.
  • Serving Platter: Attractive surface for presenting marinated stuffed olives.
  • Toothpicks: Convenient for guests to easily pick up and enjoy olives.

Stuffed Olive Assembly Steps

Step 1: Create Fragrant Herb Oil

Gently heat olive oil with minced garlic and dried herbs in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Swirl the pan to release the aromatic flavors and allow the garlic to become golden and fragrant.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.

Remove from heat and let the oil cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Olive Canvas

Open the jar of olives and drain the liquid.

If the olives have pits, carefully remove them using a small knife or olive pitter.

Use a thin skewer or chopstick to clean out any existing stuffing inside the olives, creating a perfect hollow space for the new filling.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Filling

Take the Boursin cheese and mash it smoothly with a fork until it becomes spreadable.

Transfer the soft cheese into a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.

Carefully pipe the cheese into each olive from the bottom, filling them completely without overstuffing.

Step 4: Preserve and Marinate

Place the freshly stuffed olives into a clean glass jar.

Pour the cooled herb-infused oil over the olives, ensuring they are completely covered.

Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a week.

Gently rotate the jar occasionally to distribute the marinade evenly.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

When ready to serve, arrange the marinated stuffed olives on a beautiful serving platter.

Drizzle any remaining herb oil over the top for extra flavor.

If the oil has solidified in the refrigerator, let the olives sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Provide toothpicks for easy picking and enjoy as a sophisticated appetizer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Olives

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Olives
  • Bring Boursin to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before piping to ensure smooth, effortless filling without lumps.
  • Use a small, sharp skewer to create a clean opening at the olive’s bottom, ensuring the cheese stays inside during stuffing.
  • Gently toast dried herbs in oil before cooling to intensify their aromatic qualities and release more robust flavors.
  • Use a clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to maximize olive preservation and prevent contamination.
  • Choose a decorative platter and scatter fresh herbs or cracked pepper on top for an elegant, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Stuffed Olive Filling Combos to Explore

Stuffed Olive Filling Combos to Explore
  • Goat Cheese Swap: Replace Boursin with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile, perfect for cheese lovers seeking a bolder taste.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinade for those craving a fiery Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
  • Vegan Olive Alternative: Substitute Boursin with cashew cream cheese and use plant-based olive oil for a dairy-free, herbaceous snack option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the original recipe’s essence.

Serving Stuffed Olives as Appetizers

  • Cocktail Party Stunner: Elegantly arrange these marinated stuffed olives on a sleek wooden board with small toothpicks, creating an instant conversation starter for guests.
  • Charcuterie Champion: Pair these herbed olives alongside cured meats, sharp cheeses, and crusty bread for a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread.
  • Wine Night Wonder: Serve as a delightful accompaniment to crisp white wines or sparkling prosecco, letting the herb-infused flavors complement your drink selection perfectly.
  • Salad Show-Stopper: Chop and sprinkle these marinated olives over fresh green salads to add a burst of tangy, herbal complexity to your everyday greens.

How to Store Stuffed Olives for Snacking

  • Store stuffed olives in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Keep sealed jar in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
  • Transfer olives to freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
  • Gently warm olives at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent cheese from separating or becoming rubbery.
  • If oil solidifies, place jar in warm water for 5-10 minutes to restore original marinade consistency. Gently shake jar to redistribute herbs and oil evenly.

FAQs

  • What cheese works best for stuffing olives?

Boursin cheese is ideal due to its creamy texture and herbal flavor. Its soft consistency makes it easy to pipe into olives and provides a rich, tangy taste.

  • Can I use different types of olives?

Yes, green or black olives work well. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or stuffed Manzanilla olives are excellent choices. Ensure they are pitted or that you can remove the pit easily.

  • How do I remove existing stuffing from olives?

Use a thin skewer or chopstick to carefully remove any existing stuffing. Gently probe and twist to clear out the olive’s interior without damaging its shape.

Print
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Pairing Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Olives Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Delightful mediterranean Sicilian stuffed olives blend creamy cheese with zesty herbs inside plump green olives. Guests will savor these elegant appetizers that showcase Italian culinary craftsmanship with pure Mediterranean charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Olives & Cheese

  • 35 ounces (992 grams) Castelvetrano olives, pitted and drained (about 45 large green olives)
  • 5.3 ounces (150 grams) Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese, room temperature

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Create a fragrant herb-infused oil by gently simmering olive oil with minced garlic and dried herbs over medium heat for 1 minute, allowing the aromatics to release their essence. Remove from heat and season with salt, then set aside to cool completely.
  2. Carefully drain the olives and remove pits if necessary. Using a thin skewer or chopstick, meticulously clean out any existing stuffing from each olive, ensuring a pristine interior for the new filling.
  3. Thoroughly mash the Boursin cheese until smooth and creamy. Transfer the cheese to a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Precisely pipe the cheese into each olive from the bottom, filling completely to the top for a uniform and luxurious stuffing.
  4. Arrange the freshly stuffed olives in a clean quart-sized glass jar. Slowly pour the cooled herb-infused oil over the olives, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the jar and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to one week, gently rotating the jar occasionally to distribute the marinade evenly.
  5. When ready to serve, artfully arrange the marinated olives on a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining herb oil and provide toothpicks for easy handling. If the oil has solidified from refrigeration, allow the olives to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Herb Infusion Technique Gently warm olive oil to release maximum flavor from garlic and herbs without burning, creating a delicate aromatic base.
  • Cheese Stuffing Tip Use room temperature Boursin for smoother piping and easier filling, ensuring clean and neat olive presentation.
  • Storage Hack Store marinated olives in an airtight glass jar to maintain freshness and allow easy flavor distribution when occasionally turning.
  • Dietary Adaptation Swap Boursin with dairy-free cream cheese for vegan version, or use goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 197
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 122 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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