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Looking for a Halloween appetizer that’s more “treat” than “trick” for your taste buds? These Cheese Olive Balls are savory bites that everyone will enjoy. Encased in a cheesy, baked puff with a briny olive inside, they’re the perfect addition to any Halloween party spread and can easily be adapted for other occasions too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory Alternative: A welcome break from the sugary overload of most Halloween treats.
• Easy to Make: Uses pantry staples and requires no sculpting skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The cheesy, salty flavor combination is a guaranteed hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience.

Origin of Cheese Olive Balls

Cheese Olive Balls have been a classic appetizer for many years, with variations appearing in cookbooks and recipe collections. The combination of cheese and olives is a natural pairing, and their bite-sized format makes them ideal for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 3 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese (not pre-shredded)
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 48-60 small pimento-stuffed manzanilla olives, drained and patted dry (Kalamata olives can also be used)

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Cookie sheet
• Box grater

How to Make Cheese Olive Balls

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Add the cheddar cheese and stir to coat.
2. Add Butter: Make a well in the center of the cheese mixture and pour in the melted butter. Use a wooden spoon to mix, then use your hands to fully combine the dough.
3. Prepare Olives: Drain the olives and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Assemble the Balls: Scoop 1 teaspoon of dough and shape it around each olive, leaving part of the pimento exposed. Place them on a baking sheet.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for one hour before baking.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F while the olives chill. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffy.
7. Serve: Transfer to a platter and serve warm.

Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper binding. Grating a block of extra-sharp cheddar provides the best results.
• Don’t Skip the Mustard & Cayenne: Dry mustard enhances the cheese flavor, while cayenne adds a subtle kick. Adjust to your preference.
• Keep Dough Chilled: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cheese balls hold their shape.

Serving Tips

• Halloween Presentation: Arrange the cheese olive balls on a platter to resemble spooky eyeballs.
• Serve Warm: These bites taste best when served fresh out of the oven.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

While Cheese Olive Balls are an indulgence, they offer some nutritional value:

• Cheddar Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
• Olives: Contain healthy fats and antioxidants.

Interesting Facts

• For a milder flavor, use mild or medium cheddar cheese.
• Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or garlic-stuffed olives.
• These cheese olive balls can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.

Summarized Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 48-60 small pimento-stuffed manzanilla olives

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, mustard, cayenne, and cheddar cheese.
2. Add melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Wrap dough around olives, leaving some pimento exposed.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve warm.

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