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
Scale
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
