Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe
Introduction
Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives make a sophisticated and simple appetizer that is perfect for entertaining. These flavorful olives are filled with creamy Boursin cheese and brightened with fresh lemon zest, creating a delightful bite every time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces castelvetrano olives (pitted)
- 3 ounces Boursin cheese (room temperature)
- 1 large lemon (zested)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut, fill it with the room-temperature Boursin cheese. Carefully pipe the cheese into each pitted olive until stuffed. Place the stuffed olives in a bowl.
- Step 2: Add the lemon zest to the bowl along with the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the sumac and fresh thyme leaves over the olives. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Step 3: Serve the cheese stuffed olives as an elegant appetizer. They pair beautifully with crackers, baguette slices, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when tossing the olives.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese blended with garlic and herbs makes a great substitute.
- Use Kalamata olives instead of Castelvetrano for a stronger olive flavor.
- Chill the olives for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cheese and olives can be affected.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for stuffing the olives?
Yes, soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese flavored with herbs work well as alternatives to Boursin.
Are the olives better served cold or at room temperature?
They are best served at room temperature to fully enjoy the creamy cheese and olive flavors, although chilling briefly before serving is also fine.
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Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 stuffed olives 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives are a sophisticated appetizer featuring Castelvetrano olives filled with creamy Boursin cheese, enhanced with fresh lemon zest, fragrant thyme, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for serving with crackers, baguette slices, or as part of a charcuterie board, this no-cook recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, ideal for entertaining or a stylish snack.
Ingredients
Olives and Filling
- 8 ounces Castelvetrano olives, pitted
- 3 ounces Boursin cheese, room temperature
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 large lemon, zested
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: Place the room-temperature Boursin cheese into a piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag. Ensure the cheese is smooth enough to pipe easily for stuffing.
- Stuff the Olives: Pipe the Boursin cheese carefully into each pitted Castelvetrano olive until they are filled. Transfer these stuffed olives to a mixing bowl.
- Add Seasonings: Zest the large lemon over the bowl of stuffed olives to infuse bright citrus aroma. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil to coat the olives generously.
- Sprinkle and Toss: Sprinkle sumac evenly over the olives for a subtle tart flavor and a beautiful appearance, then add fresh thyme leaves. Gently toss all ingredients together ensuring the olives are well-coated without breaking.
- Serve: Present the cheese stuffed olives as a stylish appetizer alongside crackers, baguette slices, or incorporate them into a charcuterie board for a flavorful, elegant snack.
Notes
- Ensure olives are pitted to avoid difficulty when stuffing and for safe consumption.
- Room temperature Boursin cheese is key for easy piping; if too cold, soften slightly by leaving it out for 20 minutes before use.
- Sumac is optional but adds a lovely tangy note and a splash of color.
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor and aroma; dried thyme will not have the same effect.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving; prolonged soaking may alter texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: cheese stuffed olives, appetizer, castelvetrano olives, Boursin cheese, lemon zest, sumac, thyme, no-cook recipe, Mediterranean appetizer, elegant snacks
