Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that totally wows and surprises your guests, I’m telling you, this Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine biting into a crunchy, golden exterior that bursts open with creamy, cheesy garlic goodness tucked inside a jumbo green olive. Seriously, these little bites of heaven make every party better, and I’m excited to share exactly how you can make them at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a balance of salty, savory, and crunchy textures that are just right. When shopping, getting the right size olives and fresh garlic makes a huge difference.

• Jumbo green olives: Look for large pitted ones if possible; size matters here because you want room for that cheesy stuffing.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth filling — don’t skip softening it to room temp.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that pairs beautifully with garlic.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic really makes the flavor bright and pungent; finely minced or pressed works best.
• All-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick evenly when you bread the olives.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to balance flavors.
• Dried oregano (optional): Adds a subtle herbal note if you like to jazz things up a bit.
• Large eggs: For the egg wash to adhere the panko crumbs perfectly.
• Panko crumbs: Use panko for that unbeatable crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
• Oil for deep frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for best results.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe can be. Feel free to make it your own by swapping cheeses or adding a little heat. I often tweak it depending on my mood or what I have on hand!

• Cheese Swap: Sometimes I swap Parmesan for Asiago or even a smoky cheddar for a fun twist — always delicious!
• Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped basil or thyme into the cheese mix takes the flavor to another level if you have fresh herbs around.
• Spicy Kick: I usually sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when I want to surprise my guests with a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends without losing that crispy texture.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Olives and Cheese Filling

First things first, drain your jumbo green olives well. If they still have pits, carefully remove them using a cherry pitter or a small knife—you want to keep the olives intact without tearing the skin. Next, in a small food processor or with a hand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, and freshly minced garlic together until it’s nicely combined but still a little textured for that homemade feel. Season the mixture with a bit of salt and pepper to your taste. Then, spoon this mixture into a large piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off) because it makes filling the olives a breeze without messy fingers. Pipe the filling gently into each olive and line them up on a baking sheet. Pop them in the fridge while you get ready for the breading.

Step 2: Coat Your Olives for Maximum Crunch

Now it’s time to set up your breading station. Mix the all-purpose flour with salt and oregano (if using). In a shallow bowl, whisk your eggs. Next, spread the panko crumbs out on another plate. One by one, roll each stuffed olive first in the flour mixture — this keeps everything together — then dunk into the egg, and finally roll in the panko crumbs until fully coated. The panko crumbs give that satisfying crunch you’re after, so don’t skimp.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and your olives might get greasy. Carefully drop the breaded olives one by one into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. A quick note: keep an eye on them because the garlic and cheese filling can brown quickly — you want that rich toasted look without burning.

Step 4: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

These Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe snacks are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still melty and the crunch is at its peak. Serve them alongside a cool dip or a sparkling beverage, and watch how fast they disappear!

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

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika on top right after frying—it adds a pop of color and a subtle flavor boost that makes these olives look and taste even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair these fried olives with a light salad, some creamy hummus, or a chilled glass of white wine for a perfect appetizer spread. They also go surprisingly well alongside charcuterie or roasted veggies when you want to wow at a casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve tried serving these Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe on a sleek slate board with dipping sauces like spicy aioli or roasted red pepper dip. Another fun idea is to skewer them with cocktail picks and arrange them with little clusters of fresh herbs or lemon wedges to brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to keep the coating from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works okay if you freeze them uncooked after breading—place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, but know the texture is best fresh.

Reheating

To reheat and bring back that crispiness, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as that will make them soft and lose the crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Crispy Fried Olives Stuffed with Garlic and Cheese Recipe turns out every single time — it’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress and is so simple to whip up last minute. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a snack that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight, give it a try. I promise you’re going to have people asking for the recipe and wondering how you created such addictive little bites. So go ahead, treat yourself and your friends to something crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious!

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