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This cream cheese wrapped olives recipe transforms ordinary green olives into an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal effort. The creamy, tangy coating perfectly complements the briny olives for a delightful flavor combination that disappears quickly at gatherings.
I first served these at a holiday cocktail party where guests kept circling back for more. Now they've become my signature appetizer that friends specifically request when I ask what I can bring to gatherings.
- Green olives: Pimento or garlic stuffed varieties add extra flavor dimension and visual appeal when sliced
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the richest flavor and smoothest texture that holds its shape around the olives
- Garlic salt: Provides seasoning that enhances both the cream cheese and complements the briny olives
- Walnuts: Finely crushed walnuts add essential textural contrast and nutty flavor that elevates the entire bite
- Olive brine: Directly from the jar infuses the cream cheese with complementary flavor and helps achieve the perfect consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Add softened cream cheese to a medium bowl along with garlic salt and two tablespoons of the olive brine from your jar. The brine addition is crucial as it infuses the cream cheese with olive flavor while creating the perfect spreadable consistency. Beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth with no lumps, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Chill the mixture for approximately 30 minutes until firm enough to handle and shape.
- Wrap the Olives:
- Remove the cream cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Thoroughly pat each olive dry with paper towels to ensure the cream cheese adheres properly. Scoop approximately one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into your palm and place an olive in the center. Gently press and mold the cream cheese around the olive, creating an even coating that completely encases it. Work quickly but carefully to maintain the cheese's firmness. Roll each wrapped olive in the crushed walnuts, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill and Serve:
- Arrange the wrapped olives on a plate with slight space between each to prevent sticking. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and firm, at least one hour but ideally two to three hours. When ready to serve, you can either present them whole or slice each in half to reveal the beautiful olive center which creates an elegant presentation. Arrange on a serving platter, perhaps with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
The olive brine addition to the cream cheese mixture was a game changer for this recipe. My grandmother made these without this step, but I discovered adding a splash of the brine creates the perfect flavor bridge between the olives and cream cheese while improving the texture for wrapping.
Perfect Pairings
These olive bites complement a variety of cocktails and wines. The creamy texture and savory flavor profile make them especially wonderful alongside dry martinis or a crisp white wine. For a non-alcoholic pairing, serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber. The contrast between the cold, creamy appetizer and refreshing beverages creates a sophisticated flavor experience that elevates any gathering.
Make It Your Own
While the classic recipe uses green olives with pimentos, experimentation yields delicious variations. Try blue cheese stuffed olives for a more intense flavor or jalapeño stuffed for heat lovers. The cream cheese mixture welcomes personalization too. Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or even finely grated lemon zest. For the coating, consider alternatives like finely chopped pistachios or toasted sesame seeds.
The History Behind The Bite
These cream cheese wrapped olives have roots in mid-century American entertaining. Popular in the 1950s and 60s cocktail party scene, they represent the era's love for elegant yet accessible hors d'oeuvres. The combination of imported olives with cream cheese reflected post-war prosperity and growing international food influences. Today, they enjoy renewed popularity as part of the vintage cocktail revival movement, proving that truly delicious recipes never go out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of olives work best for this appetizer?
Green olives are ideal, especially pimento or garlic-stuffed varieties, as they add extra flavor to the dish.
- → Can I use a substitute for walnuts?
Yes! Crushed almonds, pecans, or even breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative to walnuts for rolling.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare these a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until serving.
- → What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve them cold as a bite-sized appetizer. You can slice them in half or serve them whole for variety.
- → How do I prevent the cream cheese from being too soft to work with?
Chilling the cream cheese mixture for about 30 minutes before wrapping the olives helps it firm up for easier handling.
- → Can I incorporate other spices or flavors into the dish?
Yes! You can add smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the cream cheese mixture for additional flavor.