Cheddar dough encases green olives, baked golden and served on skewers for easy, festive party bites.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cheese dough
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
→ Filling
07 - 24 large green olives, pitted (Spanish Manzanilla or similar)
→ Assembly
08 - 24 appetizer skewers or toothpicks
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, shredded cheddar, softened butter, cayenne (if using), smoked paprika and salt. Work the mixture with your hands until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms.
03 - Pat the dough into a rough rectangle, then divide into 24 equal pieces (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each piece briefly to smooth.
04 - Flatten each portion in the palm of your hand, place one pitted olive in the center, and wrap the dough completely around the olive, sealing edges and rolling into a smooth ball.
05 - Arrange the filled balls on the prepared sheet; for cleaner seams and less spreading, chill 10 minutes before baking.
06 - Bake 16–18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the exterior is golden and the balls feel set. Remove from oven and cool on the sheet 5 minutes.
07 - Thread each warm ball onto an appetizer skewer or toothpick and serve immediately warm or at room temperature with your choice of mustard or dip.
