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Olive Cheese Balls : Flaky, Cheesy Party Poppers

Olive Cheese Balls : Flaky, Cheesy Party Poppers


  • Author: OliviaBennett

Description

I first had these in my Aunt Carol’s bustling holiday kitchen. Warm appetizers everywhere, but those little golden cheese balls? I must have eaten half the plate. The crunch, the melt, the salty olive center — instant obsession. Aunt Carol called them her “secret weapon,” and now they’re mine too.


Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

In a bowl, mix together:

  • softened butter

  • shredded cheddar

Then add:

  • flour

  • salt

  • pepper

  • paprika

  • (optional spices/herbs)

Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. A little crumbly at first is normal — keep working it.

If too crumbly: rest 5–10 minutes so the flour hydrates.

3️⃣ Wrap the Olives

Flatten a tablespoon of dough into a small disc.
Place an olive in the center.
Wrap and seal completely, rolling into a smooth ball.

Tip: Lightly flour your hands if the dough sticks.

4️⃣ Bake

Place on the sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake 13–15 minutes, until lightly golden.

5️⃣ Cool

Let rest 5 minutes — they’re extremely hot inside!

Notes

  • Assemble balls

  • Freeze on a tray until solid

  • Store in a freezer bag

Bake straight from frozen — add 2–3 minutes.