When you want to bring something fun and flavorful to the table, olive cheese balls from the Pioneer Woman gotta be on your list!
With a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious bite-sized nibble that works for so many occasions.
Make sure to pat your olives dry before wrapping them in cheese to help everything stick together nicely.
One of the reasons I love this recipe is its simplicity and the fact that it’s so easy to tailor to your taste.
Whether you’re a fan of green olives or prefer the robust taste of black olives, these cheese balls are customizable to satisfy your preferences.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 12 Olives
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Dry the olives on a paper towel.
Step 2:
Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until well blended. This will form your dough.
Step 3:
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and flatten each portion into a small disc.
Step 4:
Wrap each olive with a portion of dough, ensuring they are fully enclosed.
Step 5:
Place the wrapped olives on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Using sharp cheddar will add more flavor to your cheese balls, making them more delicious.
Don’t Skip the Chilling
Chilling the wrapped olives helps them to set and makes them hold their shape better when baked.
Be Gentle with the Dough
When wrapping the olives, be gentle to prevent the dough from cracking or tearing, which could cause cheese to leak out when baked.
Experiment with Spices
Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding more cayenne pepper will add a nice kick!
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls
Classic Crackers
You can’t go wrong with a simple selection of crackers on the side.
Look for a variety to provide different textures and flavors for added interest.
A crunchy bite complements the creamy nature of the olive cheese balls perfectly!
Veggie Sticks
Consider serving your olive cheese balls with an assortment of fresh veggie sticks.
Carrots, celery, and bell peppers all pair well, adding a refreshing crunch.
Their natural sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the savory cheese.
Cured Olives
Why not enhance your appetizer platter with a selection of cured olives?
Choose a mix of green and black varieties to add color and variety.
Their briny taste resonates beautifully with the cheese balls.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables can add a tangy zing, making them a surprising addition.
Try pickled asparagus, green beans, or even pickled pearl onions.
These options bring an unexpected twist that pairs beautifully with the main dish.
Grapes
For a hint of sweetness, add a bunch of grapes to the serving platter.
This fruit balances the rich, savory flavor of the cheese balls with a sweet touch.
Plus, they add a pop of color to your presentation!
Pita Chips
Consider offering some lightly toasted pita chips alongside your appetizer.
They provide a sturdier option for guests who want something more substantial.
Additionally, their mild flavor allows the olive cheese balls to shine.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options
You can try using cheddar or gouda in place of cream cheese for a richer flavor.
If you’d rather a milder taste, Monterey Jack also works nicely in this recipe.
Olive Types
Swap the classic green olives for black olives if you prefer a different taste.
Sometimes, using pimento-stuffed olives can add a burst of flavor you might enjoy.
Dough Alternatives
Consider using puff pastry instead of a traditional dough for a flakier texture.
If you love a buttery finish, try crescent roll dough which also wraps beautifully.
Spice and Herb Twists
Incorporating paprika or cayenne pepper will give these a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can infuse them with aromatic goodness!
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls
Refrigeration
You want to place leftover cheese balls in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
Refrigerate them promptly to keep their flavors fresh for up to three days.
Putting a layer of parchment paper between each ball will prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
If you decide on freezing them, wrap each cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll last for about a month.
Defrost them by transferring to the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Storing Tips
Make sure to label your container with the date of storage, so you know when it’s best to eat them by.
This way, you won’t forget about these delicious snacks hidden in the back of the fridge!
Whether refrigerator or freezer, keeping them airtight remains key to maintaining their taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rolling the Dough Too Thin
Make sure you don’t roll the dough too thin when wrapping the olives in cheese.
A thin layer might tear easily and won’t seal the olive properly, which can lead to cheese leaking during baking.
Over-Chilling the Mixture
Be cautious not to chill the dough for too long.
Chilling it for over an hour can make the dough too firm and difficult to shape around the olives.
Keep an eye on it to maintain the perfect consistency.
Skipping the Drying Process
Don’t forget to pat the olives dry before covering them with dough.
Skipping this step can result in excess moisture, which prevents the cheese mixture from adhering correctly and might make the cheese balls soggy.
Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Olives
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Dry the olives on a paper towel.
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until well blended. This will form your dough.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and flatten each portion into a small disc.
- Wrap each olive with a portion of dough, ensuring they are fully enclosed.
- Place the wrapped olives on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
- Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Using sharp cheddar will add more flavor to your cheese balls, making them more delicious.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling
- Chilling the wrapped olives helps them to set and makes them hold their shape better when baked.
- Be Gentle with the Dough
- When wrapping the olives, be gentle to prevent the dough from cracking or tearing, which could cause cheese to leak out when baked.
- Experiment with Spices
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding more cayenne pepper will add a nice kick!