Oh, Halloween is such a delightful time of year with all the spooky decorations, candy galore, and, of course, the chance to whip up some fun and festive treats! One of my all-time favorites to make for a Halloween party are these adorable Cheese Olive Balls. They’re cheesy, salty, and just a little bit mysterious—perfect for adding a little extra spookiness to your gathering!
I remember the first time I made these for a Halloween get-together. I wanted to impress my friends with something that tasted amazing but didn’t require me to spend hours in the kitchen. As soon as I brought them out of the oven, they were gone in a flash! Every year, my friends now ask if I’m making those delightful Cheese Olive Balls, and I happily oblige. The combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and spices wrapped around plump olives makes these little bites irresistible!
What’s in Cheese Olive Balls?
Cream Cheese: This rich and tangy cheese is the base of our mixture, lending a smooth texture that brings everything together. I like to let it soften a bit before mixing—it makes it easier to work with!
Shredded Cheese: Here’s where you can get creative! I usually use a sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Olives: I use large black olives, but you could swap in green olives or even stuffed olives, depending on your taste. They’re the creepy center of our fun Halloween treat!
Spices: A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper elevate the cheesy goodness. You can adjust based on your flavor preferences—maybe sprinkle in some paprika for a smoky twist!
Is Cheese Olive Balls Good for You?
While these Cheese Olive Balls are definitely a treat, they can also pack a punch when it comes to snacks!
Cream Cheese: Though delicious, it can be high in fat and calories. Use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten it up!
Shredded Cheese: Cheese provides calcium and protein, but moderation is key here. Choose low-fat options if you want to maintain a healthier balance.
Olives: Olives are a great source of healthy fats, and they add a lovely briny flavor! Just be cautious of sodium levels in jarred olives; rinsing them can help reduce it.
Overall, these Cheese Olive Balls are a satisfying and fun snack, perfect for sharing with friends during the spooky season.
What You’ll Need to Make Cheese Olive Balls
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheese (I love sharp cheddar)
– 1 can large black olives, drained
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
This recipe makes about 12-16 Cheese Olive Balls, depending on how big you roll them!
How to Make Cheese Olive Balls?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are fully blended together.
3. Take an olive and scoop a small portion of the cheese mixture. Shape it around the olive, creating a ball. Make sure the olive is completely covered.
4. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space between each one.
5. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden and bubbling.
6. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Spooky Suggestions for Serving
If you’re looking to add a bit of fright to your presentation, serve these Cheese Olive Balls on a platter with some fake spider webbing or creepy plastic spiders scattered about! You could even place them in a small cauldron for an extra touch of charm. They’re so delicious warm, but they hold up pretty well if you can’t gobble them all at once—just pop them in the microwave to reheat when needed.
I can’t recommend these Cheese Olive Balls highly enough—their savory, cheesy goodness will have your friends coming back for more long after the ghosts and goblins have left your doorstep. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try! You’ll be the life of the Halloween party, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!
