Cheddar and Olive Balls

4.3
(84)

This olive ball recipe is based on one from a famous Virginia colonial tavern. I've had much better success with this recipe than the one published in their cookbook. It's great for parties, picnics, or potlucks. It also freezes well (uncooked) for quick prep anytime.

3
Prep Time:
40 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
45
Yield:
45 olive balls
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 45 servings

  • 18 ½ ounces extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

  • ½ cup butter, softened

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 45 pitted green olives

Directions

  1. Allow cheese to sit out until it is at room temperature.

  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  3. Mix together cheese, butter, and paprika in a large bowl using a pastry blender. Gradually mix in flour using the pastry blender, then switch to your hands until dough forms a solid, smooth ball that is crumbly when pulled apart. If dough appears too dry, add more shredded cheese.

  4. Pinch off a small piece of dough and wrap it around an olive. Roll gently between your palms to smooth dough and seal olive inside. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and olives. Cover olives and place into the refrigerator to firm up, about 10 minutes.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tips

To Freeze: Place wrapped olives in an airtight container, separating the olive balls with layers of waxed paper.

To Bake Frozen Olive Balls: Do not thaw. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 25 minutes.

91 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

83 Calories
6g Fat
4g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 45
Calories 83
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 181mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 3g 7%
Calcium 85mg 7%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 8mg 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.