If you love bold flavors and crispy bites, then get ready to fall in love with this Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe. These golden, crunchy olives filled with creamy, tangy blue cheese create an irresistible appetizer that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of the salty, briny olives and the rich cheese perfectly complements the garlicky, zesty aioli, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a luxurious snack, this recipe is your new go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe plays a special role—from texture to flavor and even color—creating a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward frying perfection.
- Blue or Gorgonzola cheese (¼-½ cup): Provides a creamy, tangy filling that melts beautifully inside the olives.
- Spanish green olives (40, pitted and dried): The salty, briny base that contrasts perfectly with the rich blue cheese.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps the battered coating adhere, giving you that crave-worthy crunch.
- Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Bind the flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage for frying.
- Panko bread crumbs (½ cup): Adds extra crispiness and light texture to the coating.
- Plain bread crumbs (½ cup): Balances the panko for a sturdier crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a subtle salty depth and helps with browning.
- Canola or vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2, pressed): Essential for a punchy homemade aioli dip to pair with the olives.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making the aioli shine.
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the aioli, providing richness and tang.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity, smooth finish to the aioli dip.
- Lemon or lime juice (from ½ a fruit): Brings brightness that cuts through the fried goodness.
How to Make Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe
Step 1: Stuff the Olives
Begin by gently stuffing each dried olive with a small piece of Blue or Gorgonzola cheese. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to keep things tidy and let them rest until you’re ready to fry. This stuffing step gives you that melty surprise in every bite that will make this Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe stand out.
Step 2: Prepare the Oil for Frying
Heat your oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan to about 350°F, or test by frying a piece of bread until golden in approximately 2 minutes. The right oil temperature ensures the olives will fry evenly and absorb minimal oil, keeping them crisp but not greasy.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
While the oil heats, place the flour in one small bowl, lightly beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumb mixture (panko, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese combined) in a third. This setup makes coating the olives a smooth and efficient process.
Step 4: Coat the Olives
Working in batches, toss 5-8 stuffed olives in flour until evenly covered, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, turning gently to coat fully. This multi-step coating ensures the perfect crunchy shell every time.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully place the coated olives into the hot oil and fry for 30 to 45 seconds, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Stir gently during frying so that every side crisps up evenly. Transfer the olives to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Make the Aioli Dip
Mix pressed garlic, kosher salt, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon or lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This homemade aioli offers a perfect garlicky and tangy companion to your fried olives, elevating the whole dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your freshly fried blue cheese stuffed olives on a platter, accompanied by the aioli dip. Dive in while they’re still warm for the tastiest, most satisfying experience possible.
How to Serve Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the fried olives for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan on the aioli also adds an inviting, cheesy aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or a simple charcuterie board featuring cured meats and fresh fruits. The richness of the fried olives complements the freshness of sliced cucumber or a tangy tomato salad exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe in small, individual tasting spoons or mini paper cones to make them easy to grab and enjoy. You could also skewer a few on cocktail picks around a small bowl of aioli for a fun, shareable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried olives in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the aioli dip separate in a covered bowl or jar to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freezing fried olives is possible, it’s best to do so before frying. Freeze the stuffed but uncoated olives on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container; fry them directly from frozen for best results. Avoid freezing the aioli as it can separate.
Reheating
To reheat leftover fried olives, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Microwaving might make them soggy, so avoid it to preserve that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese provides a distinct bold flavor, you can use goat cheese for a milder, creamier filling or even cream cheese mixed with herbs for a different twist on the Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe.
Do I need a deep-frying thermometer?
It’s helpful but not absolutely necessary. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small cube of bread in the oil and timing how long it takes to turn golden—about 2 minutes indicates the right heat level.
Why dry the olives before stuffing?
Drying the olives ensures the coating sticks well during frying and prevents excess moisture from causing splatter or sogginess, which helps achieve the perfect crispy texture in this recipe.
Can I make the aioli dip without garlic?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika or a bit of fresh herbs like dill to maintain a flavorful aioli that complements the olives.
Are these olives suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as long as you choose vegetarian-friendly cheese and mayonnaise. It’s a fantastic appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives with Aioli Dip Recipe, it will become a forever favorite for entertaining or indulging on lazy nights at home. The amazing blend of crispiness, tang, saltiness, and creamy richness is just unbeatable. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible bite of joy!
