Classic Olive Cheese Balls
These savory Classic Olive Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer, featuring pimento-stuffed green olives enrobed in a rich blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, then coated in Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan before being baked to golden perfection.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Shallow dish
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 5.75 ounce pimento-stuffed green olives, drained
Coating
- 0.5 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper; mix well until uniform.
- Ensure the pimento-stuffed green olives are thoroughly drained, patting them dry if necessary.
Assembly and Baking
- Flatten about a tablespoon of cheese mixture, place an olive in the center, and mold the cheese around it to form a ball.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then roll each cheese ball in the mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange coated cheese balls on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving; best enjoyed warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. These cheese balls can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.