Olive Cheese Balls

These poppable appetizers are perfect for any holiday party you’re hosting. Serve them with ranch for dipping. To make them ahead, prep through Step 3, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze up to one month.

Olive Cheese Balls on a platter with sauce in a bowl
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Chill Time:
30 mins
Freeze Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
36
Yield:
36 cheese balls
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 36 servings

  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 36 small pimiento-stuffed green olives

  • ranch dressing for serving

  • cracked black black pepper, for garnish

Directions

  1. Combine cheese and butter in a food processor and process until mixed together. Add flour, paprika, and cayenne. Process just until dough comes together. Turn out dough and shape into a disc. Chill, covered, until slightly firm and easy to handle, about 30 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, drain liquid from olives and spread out on paper towels to dry.(The olives should be completely dry before wrapping with dough.)

  3. Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a walnut half. Flatten and wrap around an olive, enclosing completely. Roll to make a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and olives, spacing olive balls about 1 1/2 inches apart. Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour (and up to 1 month).

  4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  5. Bake frozen cheese balls until lightly browned and dough is set, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Serve with ranch and garnish with pepper. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

37 Calories
3g Fat
2g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 36
Calories 37
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 53mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 7mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.