Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect party snack or an irresistible appetizer, you’re going to love my Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe. This little gem has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it combines crunchy, salty, creamy, and garlicky flavors in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you never stuffed olives with cheese and fried them before!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully – each one plays a key role in building the flavor and texture I absolutely adore. When shopping, try to pick the best jumbo olives you can find; high-quality olives make all the difference here.

• Jumbo green olives: Look for large, pitted or unpitted – the bigger, the better to hold that cheesy filling.
• Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the Parmesan and garlic.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory touch to the filling that’s hard to beat.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives these olives their signature kick – don’t skip it!
• Salt and pepper: To season the cheese mixture perfectly.
• All purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and gives a light coating.
• Dried oregano (optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note if you want to play with flavors.
• Large eggs: To create the egg wash for breading.
• Panko crumbs: Key for that crispy, airy crust that sets these apart from ordinary fried olives.
• Oil for deep frying: Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works best – something with a high smoke point.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to tweak this Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs – it’s surprisingly versatile!

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cheese filling instantly amps up the flavor – my spice-loving friends rave about this twist.
• Herb Swap: Switch dried oregano with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresher taste; just finely chop and mix into the cheese.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented with vegan cream cheese and skipping Parmesan – it’s not quite the same, but still tasty and worth a try!
• Cheese Variety: Swap the Parmesan for a sharper Pecorino Romano or a smoked cheese to add an unexpected depth.

How to Make Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pit the Olives

Start by draining your jumbo green olives well. If they’re not already pitted, grab a cherry pitter or carefully remove the pits with a small knife or skewer – patience is key here! You want to keep those olives intact without tearing the flesh because that’s where all the magic happens when you fill them.

Step 2: Make the Garlic and Cheese Filling

In a small food processor, blitz together the softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, and fresh garlic until the mixture is relatively smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step – get it as smooth as possible for an easy fill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like mine a little salty because the olives themselves can be mild sometimes.

Step 3: Stuff the Olives

Transfer your cheese mixture into a large pastry bag fitted with a round tip – or just snip the end off if you don’t have one. Pipe the filling carefully into each olive, making sure they’re nicely packed without bursting. Once all olives are filled, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate until you’re ready to bread and fry.

Step 4: Bread the Olives

Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour mixed with salt and oregano (if using), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko crumbs. Roll the stuffed olives gently in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with panko crumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.

Step 5: Deep Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the olives in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or you risk lowering the oil temperature and ending up with soggy coating. Drain on paper towels immediately after frying.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish. A squeeze of lemon juice or a light drizzle of hot honey can also transform these into a real flavor bomb.

Side Dishes

These crispy fried olives are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a cold charcuterie board or alongside fresh tomato bruschetta. For a heartier snack, serve them with a tangy marinara sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange these olives on a rustic wooden board, interspersed with small bowls of dipping sauces and some vibrant olives or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also thread them onto cocktail picks with a cube of cheese and a basil leaf for bite-sized skewers that feel fancy but are insanely easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — not that it happens often — store the fried olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find the breading loses some crispness, but they’re still tasty enough to snack on.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the stuffed olives before breading, and it works great for meal prep. Just flash freeze them on a tray first, then pack into a zip-top bag. When ready, bread and fry straight from frozen, adding a little extra time to the frying process.

Reheating

To bring back their crispness when reheating, I recommend a quick stint in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. It only takes a few minutes at 375°F, and your Olives will feel fresh and crunchier than ever.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those recipes where the simplicity shines because the textures and flavors work so perfectly together. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or want to impress guests with something unique, these olives are a winner. Give it a try—I promise you and your friends will be hooked from the first crispy bite!

Print