Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives

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When you’re in need of a savory party bite that combines creamy richness with a briny pop, Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives are the retro favorite you didn’t know you needed. These little flavor bombs have a delightful crunch and an irresistibly creamy coating that melts in your mouth before you hit the zesty olive center. They’re simple, nostalgic, and oddly addictive.

Perfect for any gathering or holiday tray, they’re a hit with both olive lovers and skeptics alike. You can make them ahead of time and keep them chilled until guests arrive, freeing up your hands for other hosting duties. Whether you pair them with cocktails or put them out as a pre-dinner snack, these bite-sized appetizers always vanish quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for an ideal party treat: it’s easy, quick, and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, the balance of the salty olive with the mellow cream cheese is endlessly satisfying. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can roll them in herbs, crushed nuts, or even bacon bits if you want to elevate them a notch.

What Kind of Olives Work Best for Wrapping in Cream Cheese?

Classic green olives with pimentos are the most common choice for this recipe because their sharp, tangy bite balances the creamy exterior beautifully. That said, you could experiment with garlic-stuffed, blue cheese-stuffed, or even black olives for a milder taste. Just make sure they’re pitted and small to medium in size to ensure easy wrapping and eating.

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives

To pull off these bite-sized delights, you’ll need just a few key ingredients, each playing a role in creating that perfect contrast of creamy and salty.

• Cream cheese
• Green olives (pimento-stuffed)
• All-purpose flour
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Butter (softened)
• Paprika or cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

Cream cheese is your creamy base, binding everything around the olives. Green olives bring the salt and brine that cut through the richness. A bit of flour and butter help structure the wrap, and sharp cheddar boosts the cheesy punch. Add a dash of paprika or cayenne if you’re looking to give them a spicy edge.

How To Make the Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives

Step 1: Drain and Pat Olives Dry

Remove your olives from the jar, drain them well, and gently pat each one dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to help the cheese coating stick.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, softened butter, and a bit of flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Season with paprika or cayenne if using.

Step 3: Wrap the Olives

Take a small piece of the dough and flatten it in your palm. Place an olive in the center and wrap the dough around it, rolling gently to seal it completely.

Step 4: Chill the Wrapped Olives

Place the wrapped olives on a tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes them easier to bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chilled olives on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.

How to Serve and Store Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives

These cheesy bites are best served warm, fresh out of the oven when the cheese coating is crispy and golden. They’re ideal for serving at cocktail parties, brunches, or casual get-togethers. This recipe typically feeds about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer, depending on how many olives you wrap.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. They also freeze well before baking—just wrap and chill, then store in a freezer bag for up to a month.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives?

Charcuterie Boards

Add these to a board with cured meats, crackers, and fruit for a well-balanced spread.

Deviled Eggs

The creamy texture complements the yolk filling of classic deviled eggs perfectly.

Mini Caprese Skewers

Balance the briny bite with the freshness of mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pair them with other hot appetizers for a cozy, comforting party tray.

Garlic Bread Bites

The garlicky flavor of these pairs well with the tang of the olives.

Pickled Vegetables

A mix of pickled carrots, onions, and cucumbers bring crunch and acidity to round out your offering.

Spicy Nuts

For a textural contrast and a bit of heat, spicy roasted nuts work beautifully.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you loved these Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives, you’ll definitely want to try a few more bold and flavorful appetizers from the blog:

• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa when you want crispy and bold.
• Creamy Corn Dip that’s always a party pleaser.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken if you’re serving a bigger bite.
• Cajun Potato Soup for cozy comfort on the side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack.

And let me know how yours turned out! Did you spice them up or keep it classic? Share your twist in the comments below.

Explore beautifully curated party bites and clever snack ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next gathering!

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Wrapped Olives are a retro-inspired treat that has stood the test of time. With just a few simple ingredients, they deliver big on taste and texture. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want something indulgent for yourself, these are sure to hit the spot. Don’t be surprised if they disappear the minute they hit the table.

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