Roasted Olives in Feta Cheese ๐ซ๐ง
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this delightful Roasted Olives in Feta Cheese recipe! Perfect for those times when you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a burst of Mediterranean flavors. ๐ฟโจ
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 30
- Category: Spreads
- Keywords: < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | Pitted black olives |
| 1 tsp | Fresh coarse ground black pepper |
| 3 cups | Feta cheese, crumbled |
| 1/2 cup | Cream cheese |
| 1/2 tsp | Garlic, minced |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Olives
- Drain and Season: Begin by draining the pitted black olives and tossing them gently with zesty Italian dressing. This step infuses them with a burst of flavor, setting the stage for a delicious dish.
Step 2: Roast the Olives
- Preheat the Oven: Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), allowing it to reach the perfect roasting temperature.
- Roasting Time: Place the seasoned olives in a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Let them roast in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until they develop a tantalizing char and their flavors intensify.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Feta and Cream Cheese: In a generously sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and creamy cream cheese. The contrasting textures of these cheeses will create a luxurious, velvety base for our dish.
- Add Garlic and Pepper: To this cheese medley, add in the minced garlic and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. These aromatic additions will elevate the flavors, adding depth and richness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Olives
- Fold in Roasted Olives: Once the olives have been roasted to perfection, allow them to cool briefly. Then, fold them gently into the creamy cheese mixture. This step ensures that every bite bursts with the savory goodness of roasted olives.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
- Prepare the Dish: Line a round, flat dish or pan with a layer of plastic wrap, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
- Form the Cheese Mixture: Transfer the olive and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Smooth the top to create an even surface.
- Chill to Perfection: Cover the top of the cheese mixture with the overhanging plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dish for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to set beautifully.
Step 6: Unveil and Serve
- Presentation Time: When you’re ready to serve this delectable creation, remove the chilled dish from the refrigerator.
- Unwrap and Invert: Carefully invert the dish onto a serving plate, gently lifting off the plastic wrap. The creamy, olive-speckled cheese mixture should hold its shape beautifully.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve this enticing Roasted Olives in Feta Cheese spread with an array of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. Each bite offers a tantalizing combination of creamy cheese, robust garlic, and smoky roasted olives.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 104.8
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 31.7mg
- Sodium: 192.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 2.8g
Serving Suggestions:
- Party Pleaser: This Roasted Olives in Feta Cheese spread is an ideal addition to any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair it with an assortment of cured meats, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread for a show-stopping charcuterie board centerpiece.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack this creamy spread into jars for a delightful picnic treat. Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or crackers for a gourmet touch on-the-go.
- Mediterranean Feast: Serve alongside other Mediterranean delights such as hummus, tzatziki, and marinated olives for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, this Roasted Olives in Feta Cheese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the aromas wafting from your kitchen, and indulge in a taste of Mediterranean bliss! ๐ฟ๐ซ
