Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls
Cheese balls wrapped around olives first became popular in American entertaining during the mid-20th century, when retro cocktail snacks gained popularity. The Pioneer Woman’s version keeps this nostalgic appetizer alive, using a simple cheese dough wrapped around green olives and baked until golden. They’re savory, addictive, and pair perfectly with cocktails, mocktails, or as part of a snack spread.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
All-purpose flour (1 cup)
-
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
-
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened)
-
Paprika (½ tsp)
-
Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional, for spice)
-
Salt (¼ tsp)
-
Large green olives (1 jar, drained and patted dry)
Instructions
Drain olives well and pat them dry with paper towels. This prevents soggy dough.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, flour, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
Take small portions of dough, flatten them slightly, and wrap around each olive, sealing completely.
Place wrapped olives on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps them hold shape.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake cheese balls for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm as appetizers with dipping sauces or on a snack platter.