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Stuffed Olives

Featured in Small bites and starters.

These Stuffed Olives transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer. The recipe starts with large Castelvetrano olives filled with creamy garlic and herb Boursin cheese. The olives are then marinated in a specially prepared olive oil infused with fresh garlic and Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Optional red chili flakes add a customizable kick. Quick to prepare with no cooking required, these olives can be made ahead and stored for up to a week, making them perfect for entertaining. The result is a sophisticated bite that combines briny olives, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:32:14 GMT
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Savory stuffed olives, a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings. pin it
Savory stuffed olives, a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings. | myhomemaderecipe.com

A sophisticated twist on marinated olives creates this elegant appetizer where buttery Castelvetrano olives are filled with creamy herb-infused cheese and bathed in aromatic olive oil. Each bite offers the perfect balance of briny olive, rich cheese, and fragrant herbs.

Through experimentation, I discovered that bringing the cheese to room temperature before piping makes the filling process effortless and creates a smoother presentation.

Essential Ingredients Selection Guide

  • Olives: Large Castelvetrano for their buttery flavor and firm texture
  • Boursin cheese: Room temperature for easy piping
  • Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin for best flavor
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves, thinly sliced
  • Dried herbs: Check freshness for most aromatic results
  • Chili flakes: Adjust amount to taste
Delicious olives filled with flavorful ingredients, a crowd-pleasing treat. pin it
Delicious olives filled with flavorful ingredients, a crowd-pleasing treat. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Oil infusion technique:
Heat oil gently over medium heat. Add herbs and garlic. Watch for gentle sizzling. Remove when fragrant. Let cool completely.
Olive preparation:
Remove any existing filling. Use skewer or chopstick. Keep olives intact. Pat dry if needed. Check for any remaining pits.
Cheese filling process:
Mash cheese until smooth. Fill piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut small corner opening. Fill olives carefully. Avoid overfilling.
Marinating method:
Layer olives in jar. Pour cooled oil mixture. Ensure olives are covered. Seal tightly. Turn jar to coat.

Making these countless times for entertaining has taught me that quality olives make all the difference. The buttery texture of Castelvetrano olives creates the perfect vessel for the creamy cheese filling.

Make-Ahead Magic

Perfect for advance preparation:

  • Infuse oil up to 1 week ahead
  • Fill olives 1-2 days before serving
  • Store in marinade for up to a week
  • Let come to room temperature before serving

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Hard to fill: Cheese too cold. Oil solidifies: Normal in fridge, will liquify at room temp. Filling falls out: Olives too wet inside. Bland flavor: Need more marinating time.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed olives, a simple and tasty bite-sized snack for any occasion. pin it
Stuffed olives, a simple and tasty bite-sized snack for any occasion. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Create an elegant appetizer spread with:

  • Crusty bread for soaking up oil
  • Fresh herbs for garnish
  • Toothpicks or small forks
  • Additional marinated olives

After perfecting this recipe, I've found it's not just about the filling but about the marriage of flavors that develops during marination. The way the herb-infused oil enhances both the olives and the cheese creates an appetizer that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether served at a casual gathering or elegant party, these stuffed olives prove that simple ingredients can create something truly sophisticated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of olives work best?
Castelvetrano olives are ideal for their mild flavor and meaty texture, but any large green olives will work.
→ How long can I store these?
Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week in the infused oil mixture.
→ Can I use different cheese?
While Boursin is ideal, any soft herb cheese that's pipeable will work.
→ Why does the oil solidify?
This is normal when refrigerated - simply bring to room temperature before serving.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, these actually improve with time as they marinate in the herb oil.

Herb & Cheese Stuffed Olives

Green olives stuffed with creamy Boursin cheese and marinated in herb-infused olive oil for an easy yet sophisticated appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 45 Servings (45 stuffed olives)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Olives & Cheese

01 35 oz Castelvetrano olives, pitted and drained (about 45 large green olives)
02 5.3 oz Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese, room temperature

→ Marinade

03 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
04 6 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
06 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
07 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
08 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
09 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Step 01

Simmer olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs over medium heat until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and let cool.

Step 02

Drain olives and remove pits if needed. Remove any existing stuffing using a skewer or chopstick.

Step 03

Mash Boursin cheese and transfer to piping bag. Pipe cheese into each olive from bottom to top. Place stuffed olives in quart-sized jar.

Step 04

Pour cooled herb oil mixture over olives. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 1 week. Turn jar occasionally to coat olives evenly.

Step 05

Arrange olives on platter, drizzle with marinade, and serve with toothpicks. Let come to room temperature if oil has firmed up.

Notes

  1. An elegant no-bake appetizer featuring green olives stuffed with creamy Boursin cheese and marinated in herb-infused olive oil.
  2. Adjust chili flakes to taste - 1/4 teaspoon for mild, kid-friendly version or 1/2 teaspoon for more heat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag
  • Quart-sized jar
  • Olive pitter (if needed)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Boursin cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 75
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~