Hard French

Cheddar and Olive Balls

Name: Cheddar and Olive Balls
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 54 min
Total time: 68 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 18.5 ounces extra sharp Cheddar cheese , shredded; 0.5 cups butter , softened; 0.5 teaspoons paprika; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 45 pitteds green olives

Total Time

1h 8m

14m prep · 54m cook

Servings

4 people

Rating

—

Difficulty

Hard

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This olive ball recipe is based on one from a famous Virginia colonial tavern. I've had much better success with this recipe than the one published in their cookbook. It's great for parties, picnics, or potlucks. It also freezes well (uncooked) for quick prep anytime.

Ingredients

18.5 ounces extra sharp Cheddar cheese , shredded
0.5 cups butter , softened
0.5 teaspoons paprika
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
45 pitteds green olives

Instructions

1

Allow cheese to sit out until it is at room temperature.
2

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3

Mix together cheese, butter, and paprika in a large bowl using a pastry blender. Gradually mix in flour using the pastry blender, then switch to your hands until dough forms a solid, smooth ball that is crumbly when pulled apart. If dough appears too dry, add more shredded cheese.
4

Pinch off a small piece of dough and wrap it around an olive. Roll gently between your palms to smooth dough and seal olive inside. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and olives. Cover olives and place into the refrigerator to firm up, about 10 minutes.
5

Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.