Cheese and olives skewered together? Sounds like a match made in culinary heaven! Picture this: juicy, marinated olives hugging luscious, creamy cheese on a stick, ready to be devoured at your next gathering. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy movie night, these skewered cheese and olives are bound to steal the show and make taste buds dance.
As I recall the first time I made skewered cheese and olives, it was during a last-minute get-together with friends. The fridge was bare, but the olive jar and leftover cheese from the week’s charcuterie board came to my rescue. I whipped up this delightful recipe in no time, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than you can say “cheesy goodness!” Trust me when I say that your guests will be begging for more. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These skewered cheese and olives are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their flavor profile is a delightful mix of salty, savory, and creamy goodness
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors, they will brighten any table setting
- Perfect for parties or as a simple snack that brings versatility to your appetizer game
Ingredients for Skewered Cheese and Olives
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Olives: Choose a mix of green and black olives for variety; marinated ones add an extra kick.
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Cubed Cheese: Opt for a firm cheese like cheddar or gouda; both offer great flavor and hold up well on skewers.
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Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers work well; if using wooden ones, soak them in water first to prevent burning.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor; use high-quality oil for the best results.
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Herbs (optional): Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish with added fragrance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Skewered Cheese and Olives
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
Gather your wooden or metal skewers. If you’re using wooden ones—great choice! Just remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them so they don’t catch fire during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and tricks recipe.
Step 2: Chop That Cheese
Cut your favorite firm cheese into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are about one inch so they fit nicely between those delightful olives.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Start threading an olive onto each skewer followed by a cube of cheese. Alternate between the two until you reach the end of the skewer. Pro tip: Try not to eat all the ingredients while assembling!
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Arrange your skewers on a plate, then drizzle them lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This adds flavor but also helps everything stick together nicely.
Step 5: Season Them Up
Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and herbs over your skewers if you’re feeling fancy! This step is optional but trust me; it elevates these bites from good to fantastic.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your beautiful skewers to a serving platter and watch as guests line up for their share. These tasty morsels are perfect as an appetizer or snack!
Now that you’ve mastered making skewered cheese and olives, you’re officially ready for any social gathering—or just a snack attack at home! As you serve these beauties at your next event, prepare yourself for compliments galore!
You Must Know
- This delightful skewered cheese and olives dish brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table
- With its simplicity, it’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in
- You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking your skewers in water to prevent burning. Assemble the skewers with alternating pieces of cheese and olives. Grill or bake them until the cheese is slightly melted and golden, about 10 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheese and olives for varieties you love. Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle some herbs for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover skewered cheese and olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about five minutes, just until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; they really make a difference!
- Skewer items tightly to ensure even cooking
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique twists on the classic recipe
Creating this dish reminds me of a summer barbecue where my friends declared these skewers the star of the show. Their laughter and compliments filled the air as we enjoyed every cheesy, olive-y bite together.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Skewered Cheese and Olives?
To prepare delicious skewered cheese and olives, you will need a selection of your favorite cheeses, such as feta or cheddar, and a variety of olives like Kalamata or green olives. Additionally, you may want to include fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Wooden skewers or toothpicks are essential for assembling the dish. If desired, add cherry tomatoes or peppers for a colorful touch. This combination creates a delightful appetizer that is easy to customize based on personal preferences.
How do I prepare Skewered Cheese and Olives?
Preparing skewered cheese and olives is simple and quick. Start by cutting the cheese into bite-sized cubes. Next, select your preferred olives and any additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or herbs. Assemble your skewers by threading the ingredients onto the sticks in an alternating pattern. For added flavor, consider drizzling olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the skewers before serving. This dish is perfect for parties or casual gatherings, providing a tasty snack that everyone will love.
Can I make Skewered Cheese and Olives in advance?
Yes, you can prepare skewered cheese and olives in advance! Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours before your event. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Just make sure to drizzle with olive oil or vinegar right before serving to enhance flavor. This makes it easy to serve guests without spending too much time in the kitchen during your gathering. Enjoy stress-free entertaining with this delicious appetizer!
What are some variations of Skewered Cheese and Olives?
Skewered cheese and olives offer limitless variation opportunities! You can switch up the types of cheese by using blue cheese, gouda, or mozzarella balls. Different olive varieties can also change up the flavor profile; try adding stuffed olives for an extra surprise! Incorporating other ingredients like salami, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts can elevate your dish further. Feel free to experiment with flavors that excite you while keeping the essence of this delightful appetizer intact.
Conclusion for Skewered Cheese and Olives :
Skewered cheese and olives make a fantastic appetizer that combines simplicity with bold flavors. By selecting your favorite cheeses and olives, you create a customizable dish that suits various tastes. Preparing these skewers is quick and easy, making them ideal for parties or casual gatherings. With endless variations available, there’s no limit to how creative you can be with this recipe. Enjoy these savory bites while impressing your guests at your next event!
Skewered Cheese and Olives
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (10 skewers) 1x
Description
Skewered cheese and olives are a vibrant and savory appetizer that combines the bold flavors of marinated olives with creamy cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make skewers are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit at parties, picnics, or cozy gatherings. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delightful snack in minutes, ensuring your guests will be reaching for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed marinated olives (green and black)
- 1 cup cubed firm cheese (such as cheddar or gouda)
- 10 wooden or metal skewers
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional; like rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning (skip if using metal).
- Cut cheese into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch).
- Thread an olive and a cube of cheese onto each skewer, alternating until filled.
- Arrange skewers on a plate and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (50g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
