There’s just something about that magical bite—crunchy outside, creamy, melty middle, a little salty tang from the olive—that makes the Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties completely irresistible. This is my go-to recipe whenever friends are coming over and I want to serve up something that’s a conversation starter! These poppable delights fly off the platter faster than any other party snack I’ve made, and they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. If you’re looking to wow guests with a unique, crowd-pleasing appetizer, you simply have to try these.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, classic ingredients come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Every ingredient in this recipe for Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect combination of crunch, creamy cheese, and zesty olive flavor.
- Large green olives, pitted: Go for firm, briny olives—the bigger, the better—to make stuffing easier and each bite more satisfying.
- Cream cheese or mozzarella: Cream cheese delivers gooey richness, while mozzarella gives that delicious stretch—pick your favorite or mix them up for variety.
- All-purpose flour: A dusting of flour helps the egg cling to the olives, making sure that crispy crust adheres beautifully.
- Large eggs, beaten: The eggs act as the glue to bind the breadcrumbs, giving your olives a golden, even coating.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These bring the signature savory crunch, plus a boost of Italian herbs right in the crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds even more flavor to the crispy coating—don’t skip it!
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral-tasting oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable works best for getting those olives perfectly crisp without overpowering the flavor.
- Marinara or aioli for dipping: The finishing touch! These dips add lusciousness and elevate each bite.
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties
Step 1: Prep and Stuff the Olives
Start by draining your jar of olives really well, then pat them dry with paper towels—excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Next, time for the most fun part: stuffing. Use a small spoon or even a piping bag to carefully fill each olive with a bit of cream cheese, or tuck in a little cube of mozzarella. Don’t overfill; just enough so each olive gets a creamy center that won’t ooze out during frying.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Arrange three shallow bowls in a row for a fuss-free breading setup: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and a third with your Italian breadcrumbs mixed together with grated Parmesan. This classic breading trio is the secret to getting that signature crunchy, flavorful shell around your Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties.
Step 3: Bread the Olives
One by one, roll each stuffed olive first in flour (tap off the excess), then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally give it a good roll in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides. Press gently to help the crumbs stick—the better the coverage, the crunchier the bite.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy saucepan to come up about 2 inches, and heat it to 350°F. Fry the stuffed and breaded olives in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. They’ll need just 2 to 3 minutes to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and drain briefly on paper towels. Try not to sneak too many before they make it to the party platter!
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Arrange the freshly fried Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties on a serving plate, and set out a bowl or two of marinara sauce or garlicky aioli. Serve them hot and watch your guests light up as they bite in!
How to Serve Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties
Garnishes
Scatter a little extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley over the warm olives just before serving. The parsley adds color and a fresh aroma, while the dusting of cheese doubles down on all that savory goodness.
Side Dishes
Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties shines alongside other Italian-inspired snacks. Think antipasto platters, tomato bruschetta, or roasted nuts. Add a crisp green salad or a tangy lemony slaw to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread the fried olives onto cocktail skewers for an easy-to-grab finger food, or pile them into miniature bowls as individual servings. For a truly festive party feel, serve them nestled in a paper cone or on a rustic wooden board with your dipping sauces artfully swirled alongside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely, then store Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days—perfect for sneaking a snack the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble and bread the olives, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be fried from frozen without thawing—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring your Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties back to party-perfect crispiness, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving will make them soft, so stick to dry heat for best results.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Absolutely! While cream cheese and mozzarella are classics, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure the cheese is firm enough to stuff into the olives without falling apart.
What type Appetizer
Large green olives are the easiest to stuff, thanks to their size and firm texture. Castelvetrano olives are a great choice if you can find them. Avoid olives that are too small, as they’ll be tricky to fill and fry.
Can I make Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. There are so many great gluten-free options available now—the process and the results are almost exactly the same.
Is there a way to bake instead of fry?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try baking the breaded olives at 425°F on a lightly greased baking sheet. Mist them with a bit of olive oil spray, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp. The texture will be a little different than frying, but still delicious.
What’s the best way to transport these to a party?
After frying and draining, let the olives cool slightly before transferring to a covered container lined with paper towels. If you need to reheat at the party, pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to revive their crunch before serving.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to think of a more joyful party snack than the Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties. They’re crispy, cheesy, salty, and absolutely addictive—plus, they’re guaranteed to spark smiles and second helpings. I hope you give this recipe a try, and that it becomes a new favorite for your gatherings, too!
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Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer for Parties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives are the perfect appetizer for parties, featuring a crunchy exterior filled with creamy cheese and savory olives. They are a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 jar (about 8 oz) large green olives, pitted
- 4 ounces cream cheese or mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara or aioli for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: Drain and pat dry the olives. Stuff each olive with cream cheese or mozzarella.
- Breading Process: Set up three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of breadcrumbs with Parmesan. Coat each olive in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Olives: Heat oil to 350°F, fry olives in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These can be assembled a day ahead and fried just before serving.
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