Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese-stuffed olives are a classic cocktail garnish and a delicious snack. They are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. The key to a good stuffed olive is the olive itself—it should be large and meaty, like a Spanish Queen olive, with plenty of room for fillings. The blue cheese mixture is typically made with cream cheese, milk or cream, and freshly cracked black pepper, though some recipes suggest adding lemon zest for a tangy twist. The olives are then stuffed with this mixture and can be served as part of a charcuterie board or with toothpicks as a snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 10 minutes |
| Ingredients | Green olives, blue cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream |
| Tools | Electric mixer, piping bag, toothpicks |
| Serving suggestions | Martini garnish, charcuterie board, toothpick appetizer, bowl of mixed nuts |
| Variations | Goat cheese, gorgonzola, roasted almond, fried |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right olives
When it comes to choosing the right olives, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select good-quality olives that are suitable for stuffing. Look for large, plump olives with a juicy texture that can accommodate the cheese filling. Common varieties used for stuffing include Spanish Queen olives, Manzanilla, and Picholine. These olives are usually green, but you can also find black olives that will work well.
It is also essential to ensure the olives are pitted, as this will make it easier to remove the pits and stuff the olives with the cheese mixture. If you cannot find pitted olives, you can carefully pit them yourself using a small knife or a tool specifically designed for pitting olives. Just be careful not to damage the flesh of the olive, as you want to ensure they can hold their shape once filled.
When shopping for olives, try to find ones that are not already stuffed with anything, as this will save you time and effort in removing any existing fillings. However, if you can only find stuffed olives, you can carefully remove the existing fillings, such as pimiento peppers, and replace them with your desired cheese mixture.
Lastly, consider the flavour and brininess of the olives. Different olive varieties offer different flavour profiles, so choose one that pairs well with the blue cheese and other ingredients you plan to use. A good rule of thumb is to select olives that have a briny saltiness, as this will complement the creaminess of the cheese and create a well-rounded flavour profile for your appetiser.
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Removing the pimiento peppers
To remove the pimiento peppers, you will need a toothpick or a similar small, thin tool. Begin by inserting the toothpick into the olive, carefully prying and wedging it between the pepper and the olive flesh. Gently work the toothpick around the edges of the pepper to loosen it from the surrounding olive. Take your time with this step to ensure that the olive remains intact and undamaged.
Once the pepper is sufficiently loosened, carefully pull it out using the toothpick. You may need to twist and wiggle the pepper slightly to fully release it from the olive. Be gentle during this process to avoid tearing the olive or leaving behind chunks of the pepper. It is important to ensure that all remnants of the pimiento pepper are removed, as they can affect the taste and texture of your blue cheese stuffing.
After removing the pimiento peppers, you can begin stuffing your olives with your desired filling. This process of removing the peppers and replacing them with a savoury filling allows you to customise your olives to your liking, creating a unique and impressive appetizer.
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Making the blue cheese filling
For the filling, you'll need blue cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Some recipes suggest adding milk instead of cream, and you can also add in other ingredients like roasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pickled garlic for a crunchier texture. Combine the blue cheese and cream cheese in a bowl, using a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer to create a smooth mixture. If you're using milk or cream, add a small amount to achieve a creamy consistency.
The ratio of blue cheese to cream cheese can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a stronger blue cheese flavour, go for a 1:1 ratio or add more blue cheese. You can also substitute the blue cheese with other strong-flavoured blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton, or opt for a milder flavour with a 2:1 ratio of cream cheese to blue cheese.
Once you're happy with your cheese mixture, it's time to fill your piping bag. You can use a proper piping bag or a simple plastic bag with one corner cut off. Using a tall glass can make filling the bag less messy. Now you're ready to start piping the cheese mixture into your prepared olives. Gently insert the piping bag into the cavity of each olive and fill until the cheese slightly overflows.
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Filling the olives
To make blue cheese-stuffed olives, you will need large green olives, blue cheese, and optional additional ingredients such as heavy cream, cream cheese, or roasted almonds.
Start by selecting large green olives, such as Spanish Queen olives, Halkidiki olives, or other varieties like Manzanilla or Picholine. Ensure the olives are pitted and suitable for stuffing. If the olives are stuffed with pimiento peppers, carefully remove them using a toothpick.
For the filling, you can use blue cheese on its own or mix it with other ingredients for a creamier texture. In a bowl, combine blue cheese with softened cream cheese and a small amount of heavy cream, mixing until smooth. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and desired texture. If you want to add a crunchy element, mix in some roasted almonds.
Once you have prepared the filling, transfer it to a piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag. Carefully pipe the filling into each pitted olive, taking your time to ensure the olives are generously stuffed.
You can now serve the blue cheese-stuffed olives or store them for later. They can be enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or garnish for cocktails like martinis. If desired, sprinkle the stuffed olives with cracked black pepper and diced parsley for garnish before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Blue cheese-stuffed olives are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. They can be a delicious addition to a cocktail, such as a martini or a Bloody Mary, adding a savoury, salty kick to your drink. They can also be served as a snack on their own, with toothpicks, or alongside other foods such as nuts, or with cheese and charcuterie boards.
For a more substantial offering, serve the olives on an appetizer platter with other items such as cured meats, artisanal cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruits. They can also be a tasty addition to a holiday appetizer spread, especially when served with a simple garlic aioli sauce. For a more indulgent option, you can fry the stuffed olives and serve them with a dip.
If you're looking for a wine pairing, a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can complement the salty olives and enhance the creamy blue cheese flavour. Alternatively, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can work well with the richness of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need large green olives, blue cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream. You can also add some cracked black pepper and diced parsley for garnish.
First, remove the pimiento peppers from the olives using a toothpick. Next, beat the blue cheese and cream cheese together until smooth, and transfer the mixture to a piping bag. Carefully pipe the mixture into each olive. Finally, sprinkle with cracked black pepper and diced parsley, if desired.
Blue cheese-stuffed olives can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
