Why Make This Recipe
Pimento Cheese Fried Olives are a fun and delicious appetizer that everyone loves. They combine the creamy, savory taste of pimento cheese with the unique flavor of olives. These fried bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a snack at home. They are easy to make and will impress your guests with their crunchiness and taste. Instead of serving regular snacks, why not offer something different? Plus, they are a great way to use leftover pimento cheese!
How to Make Delicious Pimento Cheese Fried Olives
Ingredients
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 24 green olives
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Stuff each olive: Begin by carefully stuffing each green olive with pimento cheese. You can use a small spoon or a piping bag for ease. Make sure each olive is filled well, but don’t overstuff them as they may burst during frying.
Set up a breading station: Take three shallow bowls and fill them with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. This setup makes the dredging process easier.
Dredge each olive: First, take a stuffed olive and roll it in the flour. Make sure it’s fully coated before dipping it into the beaten eggs. After that, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it is well covered. Repeat this for all the olives.
Heat the oil: Pour oil into a frying pan, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for frying. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Fry the olives: Gently place the breaded olives into the hot oil in small batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
Remove and drain: Once they are golden brown, carefully take the olives out of the oil using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Season to taste: Finally, sprinkle the fried olives with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve them warm for the best flavor.
How to Serve Delicious Pimento Cheese Fried Olives
Serving these delicious pimento cheese fried olives is simple. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can serve them alongside dipping sauces like ranch or a zesty marinara for an extra kick. They make a fantastic starter for any gathering or a delightful snack during game day!
How to Store Delicious Pimento Cheese Fried Olives
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), you can store the fried olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Tips to Make Delicious Pimento Cheese Fried Olives
- Choice of Olives: Green olives are usually preferred due to their milder flavor, but you can also use black olives if you prefer. Just note that the taste will vary slightly.
- Breading Variations: For a kick, you can mix spices into the breadcrumbs, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in your pimento cheese mix. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add interesting flavors.
- Frying Oil: Use oils with high smoke points, such as canola or vegetable oil, for the best frying results.
Variation
If you want to spice things up a bit, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of hot sauce to your pimento cheese. You could also wrap each stuffed olive in a piece of bacon before the breading process for a smoky flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make these olives ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed olives a day in advance. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to coat and fry them.
2. What if I don’t have pimento cheese?
You can make your own pimento cheese with cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, and spices. There are many recipes available online if you want to try your hand at making it fresh.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
You can drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready for frying.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded olives in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are crispy.
5. Are these olives gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Now that you’ve got the recipe down, gather your ingredients and give these Pimento Cheese Fried Olives a try at your next gathering. They’re sure to be a hit!
Print
Pimento Cheese Fried Olives
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious appetizer combining creamy pimento cheese and savory olives, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 24 green olives
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Stuff each olive with pimento cheese using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three shallow bowls.
- Dredge each stuffed olive in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan about 2 inches deep over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded olives in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove fried olives using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving warm.
Notes
Serve with fresh herbs and dips like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 olives
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg