Delight your taste buds with the delightful fusion of creamy cheese and the savory essence of olives in a simple yet elegant appetizer: the Cream Cheese Olive Ball. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing snack. Here's how you can whip up this delicious treat in just five easy steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces (1 package) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of pimento-stuffed green olives, drained and finely chopped
- 1⁄2 cup of black olives, drained and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of green onions, finely chopped
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1⁄2 cup of finely chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
🍽️ Note: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature to make it easier to mix. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts or mixing it with a little bit of milk.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese and Olives
Now, let’s get mixing:
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped green olives, black olives, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Using a spatula or an electric mixer, blend the ingredients together until they are well combined and the olives are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball
Once your mixture is ready:
- Scrape the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap.
- Wrap the plastic around the mixture and use your hands to shape it into a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Chilling is key:
- Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes the cheese ball easier to coat with nuts.
Step 5: Coat with Nuts and Serve
Time to make it pretty:
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the finely chopped nuts until it’s completely covered.
- Press the nuts into the cheese ball to ensure they stick well.
- Place the cheese ball on a serving plate.
- If not serving immediately, wrap it up again and chill it until you’re ready to serve.
📌 Note: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can coat your cheese ball with dried herbs, crumbled bacon, or even more finely chopped olives.
By following these five easy steps, you've crafted a stunning and delicious Cream Cheese Olive Ball that's sure to be the highlight of any event. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy olives, and the crunchy nut coating provides a symphony of flavors and textures that's hard to resist. Whether you serve it with an array of crackers, fresh veggies, or as part of a charcuterie board, it's guaranteed to impress your guests.
Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare this cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just roll it in the nuts shortly before serving to maintain the crunchiness.
What other coatings can I use?
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Apart from nuts, you can use dried herbs like parsley or dill, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, or even a mix of finely chopped parsley and dried cranberries for a festive look.
How do I soften cream cheese if I forget to take it out of the fridge?
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You can cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature, or you can microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, checking and stirring occasionally to avoid overheating.
