A Savory, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Full of Bold Flavor

If you love creamy cheeses, salty olives, and effortless party snacks, this Olive Cheese Ball is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, tangy, loaded with texture, and comes together in just minutes — no baking required! Serve it with crackers, veggies, or toasted baguette, and watch it disappear fast.

🧀 Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup green olives, chopped
¼ cup black olives, chopped (optional but delicious)

2 green onions, finely sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika

For Rolling

½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
OR

¼ cup finely chopped parsley for a nut-free option

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix the Cheese Blend

In a medium bowl, combine:

Cream cheese

Shredded cheddar
Chopped olives
Green onions

Garlic powder
Onion powder
Pepper

Paprika

Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.

2. Shape Into a Ball

Use your hands or a spatula to form the mixture into a compact ball.
If it feels too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before shaping.

3. Coat the Cheese Ball

Roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or parsley until fully covered.

This adds texture and makes it look beautiful for serving.

4. Chill

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
This helps the flavors meld and the cheese firm up.

5. Serve

Place the cheese ball on a serving plate with:

Crackers
Pita chips

Pretzel crisps
Celery sticks
Toasted baguette slices

✨ Tips & Variations

🫒 More olive flavor: Add 1–2 tablespoons olive brine.
🌶️ Spicy version: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
🧄 Garlic lovers: Swap garlic powder for 1 roasted garlic clove.
🌿 Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
🐟 Unique variation: Stir in flaked smoked salmon for a gourmet appetizer.

🫒 Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, tightly wrapped.
Freezer: Freeze up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

🫒 Olive Cheese Ball

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pitted green and/or black olives, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional coating:
• Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Mix in cheddar, olives, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley (if using).
Shape into a ball or log using plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour to firm up.
Roll in your choice of coating—chopped nuts, herbs, or seasoning—until fully covered.

Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks!

✨ Great for:
• Holiday appetizer trays
• Mediterranean-themed spreads
• Make-ahead entertaining

💡 Make ahead: Assemble up to 3 days in advance—store covered in the fridge. Add coating just before serving.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 0 mins , Total Time : 1 hr 15 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 12 (2-tbsp servings) , Calories : 140 per serving , Net Carbs: 2g , Fats: 12g , Protein: 6g