Blue Cheese And Olives: The Perfect Pairing For A Tasty Treat

Blue cheese stuffed olives are a delicious snack and a great addition to any charcuterie board or cocktail. They are simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making them the perfect appetiser for any gathering. The sharp, piquant flavour of blue cheese combined with salty, buttery olives creates a wonderful flavour profile. While you can buy pre-made stuffed olives, making them at home allows you to experiment with different types of blue cheese and olives to create your preferred flavour combination.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives Appetizer

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need are:

• Blue cheese (such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or another strong-flavoured variety)
• Cream cheese
• Milk or cream
• Large green olives (pitted)
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Lemon zest (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the olives

Start by removing the olives from the brine. If the olives have pits or are stuffed with peppers or garlic, carefully remove them using a small knife or a toothpick. Discard the pit or stuffing. Place the pitted olives on a plate or paper towel to dry.

Step 2: Make the blue cheese mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, and milk or cream. Use a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If using, add a small amount of milk or cream to thin the mixture and make it easier to pipe.

Step 3: Fill the olives

Spoon the blue cheese mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a cut-off corner. Gently pipe the mixture into each olive, being careful not to overfill.

Step 4: Serve

If serving as an appetizer, arrange the stuffed olives on a platter and sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper. You can also drizzle them with olive oil to add a boost of flavour and make them shiny. Serve with toothpicks or appetizer tongs.

Tips and Variations

• For a milder blue cheese flavour, you can substitute blue cheese with creamy goat cheese or gorgonzola.
• For a crunchy surprise, stuff a roasted almond into the blue cheese filling.
• If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag or a piece of parchment paper to pipe the mixture into the olives.
• You can make the blue cheese mixture up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• If you want to add extra flavour, try adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, dill, or thyme to the mixture.
• To elevate your happy hour, use these blue cheese-stuffed olives as a garnish for your favourite martini or bloody mary.

Blue Cheese Types

There are several types of blue cheese that you can use to stuff olives, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profile. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

• Roquefort: This French blue cheese is known for its strong, funky and tangy flavour. It is a popular choice for stuffing olives due to its distinct, savory kick.
• Gorgonzola: A milder Italian blue cheese that is creamy and crumbly in texture. It has a less intense flavour compared to other blue cheeses, making it a good option for those who prefer a milder taste.
• Stilton: This English blue cheese falls in the middle in terms of flavour intensity. It has a unique sharp and piquant taste that pairs well with salty, buttery olives.
• Cabrales: A Spanish blue cheese that is often included in the classic types of blue cheese.
• Maytag: This blue cheese is known for its sharp flavour, similar to Roquefort.
• Danish Blue: Another mild-flavoured blue cheese that can be used as a substitute for a less intense flavour.

When choosing a blue cheese for stuffing olives, consider the desired flavour profile and intensity. Soft and creamy blue cheeses tend to have a milder flavour compared to firmer varieties. Crumbly blue cheeses have the strongest flavour, while hard blue cheeses fall in the middle.

Blue Cheese and Olive Combinations

Blue cheese stuffed olives are a classic cocktail garnish and can also be served on their own as part of charcuterie or cheese boards. They are simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for cocktail parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

To make blue cheese stuffed olives, you will need the following ingredients:

• Green olives (pitted)
• Blue cheese (such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or another strong-flavored creamy variety)
• Cream cheese (optional)
• Milk or cream
• Black pepper (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

• Remove the olives from the brine and set them on paper towels to dry.
• Make the blue cheese mixture by combining blue cheese, cream cheese (if using), and milk or cream until smooth. You can use a food processor, blender, or electric mixer for this step.
• Transfer the blue cheese mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a cut corner.
• Pipe the mixture into the cavity of each olive, being careful not to overfill.
• (Optional) Garnish with cracked black pepper and chopped fresh herbs.
• Serve with toothpicks or cocktail picks.

Variations

You can also try different variations of blue cheese stuffed olives:

• Feta stuffed olives: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, feta provides a similar tanginess with slightly less funk.
• Fried stuffed olives: Coat the stuffed olives in batter and breadcrumbs and fry them for a decadent appetizer.
• Add crunch: Include some toasted, chopped walnuts or pecans in the blue cheese filling.

Serving Suggestions

Blue cheese stuffed olives are a versatile appetizer and can be served in various ways:

• As a snack on their own or alongside mixed nuts.
• As a garnish in martinis or bloody marys.
• On charcuterie or cheese boards, paired with different cheeses, crackers, and cured meats.
• As a salad topping, adding a gourmet touch to your greens.
• As a unique pizza topping.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Ingredients

• Blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or another strong-flavoured creamy blue cheese)
• Cream cheese (or goat cheese, feta, or vegan cream cheese)
• Milk or cream (or half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream)
• Large green olives (Spanish Queen, Castelvetrano, or Manzanilla)
• Black pepper (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Utensils

• Slotted spoon
• Electric mixer or food processor
• Piping bag or plastic bag
• Toothpicks

Method

• Remove the olives from the brine and place them on a plate or paper towels to dry.
• Combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, and milk or cream in a bowl and mix until smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a cut-off corner.
• Pipe the mixture carefully into the cavity of each olive, being careful not to overfill.
• (Optional) Garnish with cracked black pepper and diced parsley.
• Serve with toothpicks, or add to your favourite martini or Bloody Mary.

Tips

• If you don't have a piping bag, you can create one by cutting a small corner off a plastic bag.
• If serving as an appetizer, toss the stuffed olives in olive oil before serving to make them shiny and enhance the olive flavour.
• If you're making these in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Blue cheese-stuffed olives are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Cocktail Garnish

Blue cheese-stuffed olives are a classic cocktail garnish, particularly for martinis and Bloody Marys. They add a savoury, salty kick to your drink and are an elegant, sophisticated touch. Simply skewer the olives with a cocktail stick and add to your drink.

On a Charcuterie or Cheese Board

These stuffed olives are a wonderful addition to a charcuterie or cheese board. Their strong, salty flavour pairs well with other cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruits. They add a gourmet touch to your spread and are a great talking point.

As a Snack

Blue cheese-stuffed olives are a tasty savoury snack and can be served on their own or with mixed nuts. They are best served with toothpicks to make it easy for guests to help themselves. A small platter, garnished with a crack of black pepper, makes for an impressive presentation.

As a Salad Topping

Adding blue cheese-stuffed olives to a salad is a great way to elevate this dish. They pair well with mixed greens and nuts and are a unique, flavourful addition.

As a Pizza Topping

For a gourmet touch, add blue cheese-stuffed olives as a topping to your homemade pizzas. They will add a burst of flavour and a fancy element to your pizza night.

Frequently asked questions