Olive Cheese Ball

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A savory Olive Cheese Ball is the kind of retro party appetizer that never goes out of style. Creamy, zesty, and full of bold flavors, this cheese ball is perfect for spreading over crackers, bagels, or fresh veggies. It’s the ultimate balance of tangy green olives, sharp cheddar, and smooth cream cheese all rolled into a delightfully nutty crust.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or want a flavorful snack that everyone will remember, this recipe fits the bill. It comes together quickly and chills beautifully, so you can prep it ahead and have it ready to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Cheese Ball

This cheese ball isn’t just visually appealing—it’s packed with personality. The briny olives give it a punch of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while garlic and Worcestershire add that umami kick. Plus, the outer coating of nuts provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

It’s make-ahead friendly, highly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it for game day, holidays, or any potluck where you want to bring something unique yet universally loved.

Can I Use Different Kinds of Olives in My Cheese Ball?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses green olives for their bold, briny flavor, black olives or even kalamata olives can be swapped in if you prefer a milder or fruitier taste. Just be sure they’re pitted and chopped well so they mix easily with the creamy base. You can even mix different types for a more complex flavor profile.

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Ingredients for the Olive Cheese Ball

To build a cheese ball with bold flavor and creamy texture, the right ingredients are key. Here’s what brings it all together:

• Cream Cheese – The creamy base that binds everything together.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds a punchy, tangy flavor that complements the olives.
• Green Olives (pimento-stuffed) – The star of the show; chopped finely for briny bursts in every bite.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a hint of savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Just a dash enhances the umami factor.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Coated around the outside for texture and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – For added color and a fresh finish.

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How To Make the Olive Cheese Ball

Step 1: Prep the Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Fold in the Flavor

Add the chopped green olives, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Scoop the mixture into a ball shape using your hands or a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up and the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Roll in the Toppings

Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts until fully coated. If using parsley, mix it with the nuts for extra color.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place on a serving plate with crackers or vegetables. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best spreadability.

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Serving and Storing the Olive Cheese Ball

This Olive Cheese Ball serves about 8 to 10 people as an appetizer, making it perfect for small gatherings or parties. If you’re planning ahead, you can make the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

Once served, any leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days. The nuts may lose some of their crunch after a day or two, but the flavor will still be delicious.

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What to Serve With Olive Cheese Ball?

Crackers

Choose buttery or whole grain crackers for the perfect bite-sized base.

Sliced Veggies

Crisp celery, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips are a fresh and crunchy alternative to carbs.

Toasted Baguette Slices

A fancier option if you’re aiming for a more elegant appetizer spread.

Pretzel Chips

That salty crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy olive spread.

Mini Bagels

Sliced and toasted, these are perfect for scooping generous portions.

Crostini

Brush slices of baguette with olive oil and toast until golden for a crispy, flavorful option.

Apple Slices

A little unexpected, but the tart sweetness of apples works surprisingly well with savory cheese and olives.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love this Olive Cheese Ball, you’ll probably enjoy these other easy and flavor-packed bites from Mia Plates:

• Loaded Tater Tots for a comfort food twist.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce when you’re craving pasta magic.
• Meaty Texas Trash Dip for a warm, hearty dip.
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta if you’re looking for something green and cheesy.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for an easy meal or appetizer.

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Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a different kind of olive? Try it with sun-dried tomatoes or hot sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack better.

Explore beautifully curated party snacks and crowd-pleasers on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for any gathering!

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