Cheese-Wrapped Olives (Bollitas)
Description: These savory little appetizers are geared to please the olive-lover in the crowd. Perfect for potlucks, they can be frozen before baking, making them a convenient go-to snack. This recipe, sourced from a clipping, offers a delightful fusion of sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, and spices, enveloping each olive in a flavorful cheese crust.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Servings: 24 bollitas
Calories: 131 per serving
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 24 large olives
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare the Cheese Dough: In the bowl of a food processor, combine sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, paprika, cayenne pepper, and flour. Process until smooth and well incorporated.
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Wrap the Olives: Take about 1 tablespoon of the crumbly dough and place it in the palm of your hand. Then, place one olive in the middle of the dough. Cup your hand to begin fixing the dough around the olive, then roll between the palms of your hands until the dough is smoothly wrapped around the olive. If the dough gets crumbly, rolling faster and sticking dough onto any ‘naked’ areas can help. Repeat until all olives have been wrapped.
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Bake: Place the wrapped olives onto an oiled baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
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Remove Excess Grease: Due to the amount of cheese in the batter, the bollitas may be rather greasy when they emerge from the oven. Remove them from the baking sheet and place them between paper towels to absorb the excess grease.
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Serve: Serve the cheese-wrapped olives with a dipping sauce of your choice. A mango salsa provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory bollitas.
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Freezing Option: For optimal texture, freeze the wrapped olives on a baking tray for about 3-4 hours before baking. This helps the dough to remain firm around the olives during baking. However, if time is limited, they are still just as tasty when baked immediately; just note that the texture may be slightly different.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 131
- Fat Content: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 24.9mg
- Sodium Content: 117.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 8.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 5.8g
These cheese-wrapped olives (bollitas) are a delightful combination of creamy cheese, spicy seasoning, and briny olives, making them an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a savory snack, these little bites are sure to impress!
