Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls

Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls are made with pimento-stuffed olives, cream cheese, walnuts, and fresh parsley. This easy Olive Cheese Balls recipe creates a luxurious and classy appetizer that takes about an hour to prepare and can serve up to 24 people.

Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls Ingredients

• 12 large pimento-stuffed olives, high quality
• 8 ounces cold cream cheese (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
• 3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced

How To Make Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls

1. Prepare the Olives: Place the olives on a plate lined with paper towels. Gently pat them dry to ensure the cream cheese sticks properly.
2. Wrap the Olives: Cut the cream cheese into 12 slices, each about 1/4 inch thick. Place an olive in the center of each slice. Carefully wrap the cream cheese around the olive, forming a smooth ball by rolling it between your hands. Ensure each olive is fully encased in cream cheese.
3. Coat the Olive Balls: In a shallow dish, mix the chopped walnuts and minced parsley. Roll each cream cheese-covered olive in the walnut-parsley mixture until fully coated.
4. Chill: Arrange the coated olive balls on a tray and refrigerate them, uncovered, for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly. This step helps the flavors meld and the cheese balls firm up. If preparing a day ahead, cover the olive balls with plastic wrap to avoid absorbing fridge odors.
5. Serve: Slice each olive ball in half before serving. This not only makes them easier to eat but also beautifully displays the stuffed olive inside.

Recipe Tips

• Choose Good Olives: Use high-quality, big olives filled with pimento for the best taste and look.
• Keep Cream Cheese Cold: Make sure the cream cheese is cold when you use it. This makes it easier to cut and wrap around the olives without making a mess.
• Cover Olives Well: Make sure each olive is completely covered with cream cheese before rolling them in the nut mixture. This keeps the olives hidden and makes every bite taste the same.
• Chill Before Serving: Don’t forget to chill the cheese balls in the fridge. This step helps them hold together better and improves their flavor.
• Cut for Presentation: Cut the cheese balls in half right before you serve them. This shows off the olive inside and makes them look nice. Serve them with toothpicks so they are easy to pick up and eat.

What To Serve With Olive Cheese Balls

Olive Cheese Balls pair well with crispy crostini, vegetable crudites, marinated artichoke hearts, and sliced cured meats. They can also be served alongside soft cheese spreads, roasted nuts, fresh grapes, and assorted dips for a complete and appealing appetizer spread.

How To Store Olive Cheese Balls

• Refrigerate: After preparing and chilling the Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cheese balls. Wrap them tightly with aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or use a freezer-safe container. The cheese balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 24 servings

• Calories: 59
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 51 mg

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Rum Balls
• Pioneer Woman Red Velvet Cake Balls
• Pioneer Woman Marinated Mozzarella Balls
• Pioneer Woman Crispy Goat Cheese Balls
• Pioneer Woman Bourbon Balls