Are you looking for a quick and easy appetizer that's guaranteed to impress your guests? Look no further! These blue cheese stuffed olives are the perfect blend of salty, creamy, and tangy flavors. They're incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet they offer a sophisticated and delicious taste that elevates any gathering. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight snack or a sophisticated party appetizer. It’s one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, making it a favorite for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives (about 20 large olives)
- 4 ounces blue cheese, softened (consider a creamy variety like Gorgonzola)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened blue cheese, chopped nuts (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Stuff the Olives: Carefully take each pitted olive and gently fill it with the blue cheese mixture. You can use a small spoon or even a piping bag for a more elegant presentation. Don't overfill the olives; a small amount of filling in each one is sufficient.
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Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the stuffed olives and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but chilling enhances the taste and makes the filling firmer.
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Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the stuffed olives on a serving platter and garnish as desired. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs add a beautiful touch. These are perfect served with crackers, bread, or alongside your favorite drinks.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives:
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Olive Choice: Kalamata olives are a classic choice for their rich, deep flavor. However, you can experiment with other varieties like Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives.
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Blue Cheese Variation: The type of blue cheese you choose impacts the final flavor. A milder blue cheese will result in a subtler taste, while a sharper variety will create a bolder, more pungent flavor profile.
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Nutty Addition: The addition of walnuts or pecans provides a delightful textural contrast and complements the creamy blue cheese beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or pistachios.
Nutritional Information (per olive, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Fat: 3-4g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the blue cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herby Delight: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the filling.
- Sweet and Savory: A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that balances the salty blue cheese perfectly.
This simple recipe provides a delicious and impressive appetizer, perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy these easy-to-make, healthy and delicious blue cheese stuffed olives! They are sure to be a hit!