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–+ servings
Olive Cheese Balls
Olive Cheese Balls are a beloved retro party snack made by wrapping sharp cheddar cheese dough around green stuffed olives, then baking them into savory, bite-sized treats. This recipe was especially popular in the 1950s–1970s for cocktail hours and holiday buffets. The combination of salty olives and tangy cheese delivers bold flavor in each bite. They're perfect for make-ahead appetizers and can be frozen before baking. A dash of Tabasco and red pepper gives these cheese balls just the right kick to balance their richness.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 60 balls
Calories 71 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheddar cheese (sharp New York cheddar, grated)
  • 2 sticks margarine ( or oleo, melted)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted )
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp ground red pepper
  • 1 dash Dash of Tabasco sauce
  • 60 stuffed green olives (drained)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Dry and Cheese Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine grated cheddar cheese and sifted flour.
  • Add salt and red pepper; mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Pour in melted margarine and a dash of Tabasco.
  • Stir until mixture forms a firm dough. Chill if too soft.

Step 3: Assemble Cheese Balls

  • Drain olives and pat dry.
  • Take a small amount of dough and flatten it in your hand.
  • Wrap dough around each olive to completely enclose it.

Step 4: Bake

  • Place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 450°F for 5 minutes on the bottom rack, then move to the top rack for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve or Store

  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Can be frozen unbaked, just bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Tips

  • Chill the dough briefly to make rolling easier.
  • Use extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
  • Substitute smoked paprika for the red pepper for a smoky finish.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.
  • Use jalapeño-stuffed olives for a spicier version.
  • Freeze unbaked cheese balls for quick make-ahead party prep.
  • Brush with a tiny bit of melted butter before baking for deeper browning.
  • Bake on parchment to prevent sticking.
  • Make mini versions for holiday appetizer platters.

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 218IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword cheese appetizer, cocktail bites, olives, party snack, retro food, vintage recipe
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