Description
Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives Appetizer is a quick and irresistible Mediterranean-inspired snack that combines crispy, golden-fried olives with a luscious, melty cheese filling. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this appetizer offers a delightful blend of crunchy exterior and creamy interior that impresses with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Olives and Cheese
- 20 large pitted green olives
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or cream cheese (softened)
Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
Coating & Frying
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point, about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives: Pat the pitted green olives dry with paper towels to ensure the batter will stick properly. Make a small slit in each olive for stuffing the cheese inside gently.
- Stuff with Cheese: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each olive with your chosen cheese until it is slightly bulging but not bursting.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Add the beaten egg and mix until a smooth batter forms that is thick enough to coat the olives evenly.
- Coat the Olives: Dip each stuffed olive into the batter, ensuring it is fully covered. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs to create a crunchy outer shell.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-high heat (about 350-375°F). Fry the olives in batches for 2-3 minutes until the coating is crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm cheeses that melt well but hold their shape during frying, such as mozzarella or cream cheese.
- Pat olives dry thoroughly to prevent the batter from sliding off.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for even frying and crispiness.
- Fry olives in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature loss.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best gooey and crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 olives
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg