Description
Delightful pioneer woman olive cheese balls combine tangy olives with creamy cheese in a irresistible appetizer. Crispy golden exterior gives way to a rich, savory center that guests will eagerly devour at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold (full-fat)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) walnuts, finely chopped
- 12 large pimento-stuffed olives, high quality
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) parsley, fresh, finely minced
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly pat green olives dry on a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, facilitating optimal cream cheese adhesion.
- Cheese Wrapping: Position one olive at the center of a cream cheese slice, then delicately envelop each olive with cream cheese. Apply consistent pressure while rolling to create smooth, compact spheres.
- Coating Creation: Mix finely chopped walnuts and minced parsley in a shallow container. Gently roll each cream cheese-covered olive through the walnut-parsley blend, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Chilling Process: Transfer the coated olive spheres onto a clean tray, spacing them slightly apart. Refrigerate uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the cheese to firm. For extended storage, loosely cover with plastic wrap to prevent absorbing refrigerator odors.
- Serving Technique: Before serving, slice each olive ball in half diagonally to reveal the interior and create an elegant presentation. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat olives completely dry to prevent soggy cheese coating and ensure perfect cream cheese adhesion.
- Consistent Sizing: Use precise cutting techniques for uniform cream cheese slices, creating balanced and visually appealing olive balls.
- Rolling Technique: Apply gentle, even pressure when forming cheese-wrapped olives to maintain smooth, compact spherical shapes without cracks.
- Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate uncovered to help cheese set firmly and allow flavors to develop, enhancing overall taste and texture of the appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg