Olive Cheese Ball

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I’ve made a lot of appetizers in my day, but few get the same rave reviews as this Olive Cheese Ball. It’s creamy, tangy, nutty, and loaded with aromatic herbs and bursts of briny olives. Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a more elegant celebration, this cheese ball always makes a lasting impression. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast—so I usually make two.

What I love most about this Olive Cheese Ball is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the herbs, the type of olives, even the outer coating to suit your tastes or to match what you have on hand. It’s the ultimate make-ahead appetizer that only gets better as it chills in the fridge, letting all those savory flavors meld beautifully together.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, salty and savory. The sharpness of the cheese is balanced by the earthy freshness of herbs and the tangy kick from chopped olives. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and only takes minutes to assemble before chilling. It’s a showstopper on any appetizer spread.

What Kind of Olives Should I Use?

You can really make this recipe your own when it comes to olive choice. I prefer using kalamata olives for their deep, rich flavor, but green olives with pimentos or a mix of both work beautifully too. Just make sure to finely chop them so they blend smoothly into the cheese mixture without creating big chunks.

Options for Substitutions

• Cream cheese can be swapped with a mix of goat cheese or mascarpone for a tangier or creamier variation.
• Nuts like walnuts or almonds can replace pecans for the coating.
• Herbs such as dill or basil can be used if you don’t have rosemary or parsley.
• Add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or finely chopped roasted red peppers can elevate the flavor even further.

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Ingredients for this Olive Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together and provides a rich, tangy flavor. Be sure to use full-fat for the best texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the olives.
• Kalamata Olives: These give a briny, intense flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Fresh Rosemary: Offers a woodsy, aromatic note that brightens up the whole cheese ball.
• Flat-leaf Parsley: For a fresh, slightly peppery finish and vibrant green color.
• Garlic Powder: A gentle background flavor that deepens the savory notes.
• Black Pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients with a subtle kick.
• Chopped Pecans: Used to coat the outside, they add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes (optional): Adds a chewy, sweet-tart element that complements the olives and herbs.

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Step 1: Soften the Cheese

Start by letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature until it’s soft and easy to work with. This step is crucial for smooth mixing—cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy texture.

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Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend until smooth. This forms the rich and tangy base of the cheese ball.

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Step 3: Fold in the Flavor

Add finely chopped kalamata olives, rosemary, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional sun-dried tomatoes. Gently fold until everything is well distributed. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients to retain their character.

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Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball

Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. The colder it gets, the easier it will be to coat later.

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Step 5: Coat with Crunch

Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it and roll it in the nuts, pressing gently to coat all sides evenly. If desired, mix some extra herbs into the coating for more color and flavor.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Place the finished cheese ball on a serving board with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of rosemary or olives for a polished look.

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How Long to Prepare the Olive Cheese Ball

The total time to prepare this cheese ball is relatively short, making it perfect for both last-minute gatherings and planned-ahead parties. The active prep time is only about 15 minutes—just enough to chop, mix, and form the ball.

The passive time comes into play when chilling the cheese ball. It needs at least 1 hour in the fridge to firm up properly, but you can make it up to 2 days ahead. This gives the flavors time to marry beautifully and makes your day-of prep effortless.

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Tips for Perfect Olive Cheese Ball

• Use room temperature cream cheese for the creamiest, lump-free texture.
• Grate your own cheddar to avoid the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese that affect texture.
• Chop olives finely so they incorporate well without breaking the structure of the ball.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to help hold shape while chilling.
• Toast the pecans lightly before using to enhance their flavor and crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold cream cheese will make mixing difficult and leave clumps.
• Overmixing the cheese can make it overly soft and difficult to shape.
• Skipping chill time will cause the cheese ball to collapse or spread.
• Not chopping add-ins finely enough can make the texture inconsistent and cause structural issues.
• Underseasoning — don’t forget to taste the mix before shaping; olives add salt, but the mixture may still need adjusting.

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What to Serve With Olive Cheese Ball?

1. Butter Crackers

The smooth, buttery flavor complements the tangy cheese and salty olives perfectly.

2. Crostini

Toasted baguette slices add a sturdy, rustic crunch and hold up well to the creamy texture.

3. Veggie Sticks

Carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks add freshness and make for a lighter, gluten-free option.

4. Cured Meats

Salami, prosciutto, or capicola pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of the cheese ball.

5. Fresh Fruit

Grapes or apple slices offer a sweet contrast that balances the savory richness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Once made, the cheese ball should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The flavor actually deepens over time, so it’s often even better the next day.

Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball (before coating with nuts) by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll in the nut coating just before serving. Note: the texture may slightly change due to the freezing.

Serving Leftovers: If serving again after a day or two, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before spreading.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are approximate per 2-tablespoon serving.

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 210mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this cheese ball?

You can make it up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a smoky gouda can be substituted for cheddar to create a different flavor profile.

Is this cheese ball gluten-free?

Yes, the cheese ball itself is gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve with it, like crackers or crostini.

Can I make this vegan?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives, along with plant-based add-ins. The texture will be slightly different but still enjoyable.

What if I don’t have nuts for the coating?

You can roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers, toasted breadcrumbs, or finely chopped herbs instead.

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Conclusion

The Olive Cheese Ball is one of those crowd-pleasing appetizers that never goes out of style. With its rich, creamy interior filled with savory herbs and olives, and its crisp, nutty coating, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and stores beautifully—ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why this classic cheese ball has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

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