Description
Delicious and easy-to-make cream cheese wrapped olives are perfect bite-sized appetizers. Softened cream cheese is seasoned with garlic powder and optional crushed red pepper flakes, then wrapped around pitted green olives. For added texture, the olives can be rolled in crushed nuts or rice crackers before chilling. These savory treats are great for parties or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 113 grams (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Olives
- 20 green olives, pitted
Coating (Optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts or crushed rice crackers
Instructions
- Drain Olives: Drain and pat the green olives dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture and help the cream cheese adhere better.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes if using, until well combined and smooth.
- Wrap Olives: Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, flatten it slightly with your fingers, then wrap it around a single olive ensuring it is fully enclosed.
- Coat (Optional): Roll the cream cheese-wrapped olives in crushed rice crackers or chopped nuts to add a crunchy exterior.
- Chill: Place the wrapped olives in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- You can experiment with different types of olives, such as black or stuffed olives, depending on preference.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve chilled to maintain the firm texture of the cream cheese coating.
- These appetizers can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator covered tightly.
