Certainly! Let’s dive into the delightful recipe for Baked Olive Ballsโa delectable appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a cozy book club meeting. These savory treats are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, combining the tanginess of green olives with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. They’re sure to be a hit at your next event!
Baked Olive Balls Recipe
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 40-45 olive balls
Description:
An unforgettable appetizer! Easy to mix up with ingredients that most people have on hand. I make these for my book club quite often – they’re great for football parties too!
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 jar of green olives (approximately 40-45 olives)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your olive balls bake evenly and to perfection.
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Prepare the Olives: Drain the jar of green olives and then lay them on paper towels to dry somewhat. This step helps remove excess moisture from the olives, ensuring that they hold up well during baking.
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Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Blend the ingredients together until they form a soft, pliable dough. This mixture will serve as the delicious coating for our olives.
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Assemble the Olive Balls: Pinch off small amounts of dough, approximately 1 tablespoon each, and flatten them in the palm of your hand. Place one olive in the center of each flattened piece of dough, then gently wrap the dough around the olive, ensuring it is completely covered.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled olive balls on an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This allows for even baking and ensures that the olive balls maintain their shape as they cook.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the olive balls for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and have a deliciously golden crust. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, remove the olive balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These savory delights are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, allowing the flavors to truly shine.
Nutritional Information (per olive ball):
- Calories: 45.9
- Fat Content: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 9.1mg
- Sodium Content: 97.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 1.2g
These Baked Olive Balls are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to whip up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or simply craving a savory snack, these little delights are sure to hit the spot. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are for a burst of flavor in every bite!
