Are blue cheese stuffed olives good?

Blue cheese stuffed olives are a delicious appetizer that combine the salty, briny flavor of olives with the tangy, creamy taste of blue cheese. While stuffed olives may not be for everyone, many people find the combination of flavors in blue cheese stuffed olives to be an appetizing starter or snack.

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What are blue cheese stuffed olives?

Blue cheese stuffed olives are large green olives or black olives that have been pitted and stuffed with blue cheese. The blue cheese filling is typically a combination of blue cheese crumbles, cream cheese, spices, and herbs. Popular varieties of blue cheese used for stuffing olives include gorgonzola, stilton, and roquefort.

To make blue cheese stuffed olives, the olives are first pitted, leaving an opening where the pit used to be. The blue cheese mixture is then spooned into the olive cavities. Sometimes a small amount of the cheese peeks out from the opening of the olives. The stuffed olives are served chilled or at room temperature often on an appetizer tray accompanied by crackers or bread.

What do blue cheese stuffed olives taste like?

The combination of briny olives and creamy, pungent blue cheese creates an explosion of contrasting flavors when you eat a blue cheese stuffed olive. The olive itself provides a salty, bitter taste that pairs well with the bold, tangy blue cheese stuffing.

The blue cheese filling has a rich, creamy texture and sharp, funky flavor from the blue cheese. Notes of saltiness, spice, and herbs also come through from the seasoning blend used in the stuffing. When you bite into a blue cheese olive, you first taste the olive, followed by the cool creaminess of the cheese.

Some people feel the assertive flavor of blue cheese is too strong on its own. But when it is contained within the olive, the creaminess is tempered. The savory umami taste of the cheese balances against the olive’s bitterness.

What are the benefits of blue cheese stuffed olives?

Here are some of the benefits that blue cheese stuffed olives provide:

Great source of healthy fats – Olives contain monounsaturated fatty acids that may help lower bad LDL cholesterol.

High in antioxidants – Olives are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and phytonutrients that can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Contains probiotics – Blue cheese has live active cultures that serve as probiotics to support gut and immune health.
Protein from cheese – The blue cheese stuffing provides a boost of filling protein.

Prebiotic fiber – Olives offer prebiotic fiber to feed good bacteria in the gut microbiome.
No carbs or sugar – Stuffed olives are keto-friendly with zero net carbs or added sugars.
Anti-microbial properties – Compounds in olives may inhibit growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

Are there any downsides to blue cheese stuffed olives?

While blue cheese stuffed olives can be a tasty and nutritious snack for many people, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

High sodium content – Olives are naturally high in sodium, which could be an issue for some people restricting salt intake.
Strong flavor – The pungent taste and smell of blue cheese is not for everyone.

Allergies – Olives and blue cheese can trigger food allergies or sensitivities in some individuals.
Added calories – Stuffed olives ultimately provide more calories than plain olives.
Difficult to stuff – Pitting and stuffing olives at home can be tedious and time consuming.

More expensive – Pre-stuffed olives usually cost more than plain olives.

As with any food, moderation is key. But for most people, enjoying a few blue cheese stuffed olives poses no significant health risks and can be a tasty way to get in beneficial nutrition.

Who might enjoy blue cheese stuffed olives?

Here are some of the types of people who may enjoy snacking on blue cheese stuffed olives:

Blue cheese lovers – The stuffed olives allow blue cheese fans to enjoy the flavor in a novel way.
Olive enthusiasts – People who already enjoy all types of olives will appreciate the extra flavor.
Charcuterie board creators – The olives make an interesting addition to an appetizer meat and cheese tray.

Adventurous eaters – Those who like trying unique flavor combinations are likely to be fans.
Pregnant women – Pregnancy can cause cravings for salty and spicy foods that the olives can satisfy.
Keto and low-carb dieters – The no-sugar olives fit low-carb, high fat eating plans.

Cooks and chefs – Cooks enjoy having the stuffed olives on hand to use in recipes and dishes.

What foods go well with blue cheese stuffed olives?

Here are some examples of foods that pair well with blue cheese stuffed olives:

Crackers – Buttery, flaky crackers help balance the rich stuffed olives.

Bread – Baguettes, focaccia, and other breads provide a neutral base for the olives.
Veggies – Fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery complement the stuff olives.
Fruit – Grapes, apples, and pears work surprisingly well with the salty olives.

Wine – Bold red wines, dry sherry, or sparkling wines are great olive pairings.
Cheese – Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and aged gouda enhance the cheese stuffing.
Charcuterie – Cured meats like salami or prosciutto bring out additional savory flavors.

Nuts – For crunch and added nutrition, pair olives with walnuts, almonds or pecans.

Blue cheese stuffed olives also work nicely in a number of recipes and dishes like pizza, pasta, risottos, salads, and tapenades.

Where can you buy blue cheese stuffed olives?

There are many options for purchasing blue cheese stuffed olives:

Grocery stores – Check the olive bar or pre-packaged olives section at standard supermarkets.
Specialty markets – Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods often carry unique stuffed olive varieties.
Delis and olive bars – Restaurant delis or stand alone olive bars frequently offer stuffed olives.

Online – Various online retailers sell gourmet stuffed olives that can be shipped to your home.
Make them yourself – Buy pitted olives and blue cheese to make your own stuffed olives at home.

When shopping for stuffed olives, look for olives with a taut skin and firm, springy texture. Avoid any with wrinkled or mushy flesh. The blue cheese filling should show through the olive opening without falling out. Price ranges from around $6 to $15 for an 8-12 ounce jar depending on olive type, brand, and source.

How to make blue cheese stuffed olives at home

Making blue cheese stuffed olives at home takes some effort, but can be very rewarding. Here is a basic recipe and directions:

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) jar large pitted green olives or black olives
4 oz crumbled blue cheese

2 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pinch dried oregano
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Drain the olives from their brine and rinse under cool water.
In a bowl, mix together the blue cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings until well combined.
Spoon the cheese mixture into a piping bag or plastic bag. Cut a small tip off one corner.

Pipe the blue cheese filling into each olive, overfilling slightly.
Transfer stuffed olives to an airtight container, arranging in a single layer. Pour the olive brine over top to cover.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Store leftover stuffed olives in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Be gentle when handling the olives to avoid ripping their flesh. Use care when piping in the filling to prevent the olives from splitting. Enjoy these homemade blue cheese stuffed olives within a week for the freshest flavor.

How to stuff olives without a piping bag

If you don’t have a piping bag, don’t worry – you can still DIY your blue cheese stuffed olives. Here are some alternative stuffing methods:

Use a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off in lieu of a piping bag.
Spoon small amounts of the cheese mixture into each olive using a de-bowled teaspoon.
Load the cheese blend into a freezer bag. Cut a tiny hole in one corner. Squeeze the bag gently to pipe the filling into the olives.

Use a narrow tipped spoon like a demitasse spoon to scoop and insert the filling.
Cut the tip off a disposable piping bag to create an improvised version.

Any of these options will allow you to fill the olives without specialized equipment. Focus on using a narrow tipped tool and being precise when portioning in the cheese filling.

Tips for making flawless blue cheese stuffed olives

Use these helpful tips for stuffing olives like a pro:

Choose large olives with pits removed to allow more space for filling.
Dry the olives well after rinsing to help the cheese filling adhere.

Mix soft cream cheese into the blue cheese for a smoother, more pliable filling.
Chill the stuffed olives before serving to help solidify the cheese.
Store in olive brine or oil to prevent the olives from drying out.

Use a delicate touch to keep the olive flesh intact when handling and filling.
Allow any bruised looking olives to rest in the brine – the indents will plump up.
Stuff the olives generously to account for filling shrinkage after chilling.

With a quality jar of pitted olives, flavorful cheese stuffing, and the right technique, you can make restaurant-worthy stuffed olives at home.

Common FAQs about blue cheese stuffed olives

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about blue cheese stuffed olives:

Are blue cheese stuffed olives safe to eat during pregnancy?

In moderation, blue cheese stuffed olives can be safely enjoyed as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy. The main risk is listeria from unpasteurized blue cheese, so ensure any blue cheese used is pasteurized. Check with your doctor for specific guidance.

How long do blue cheese stuffed olives last in the fridge?

Properly stored in their brine in a sealed container, blue cheese stuffed olives will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Discard any olives that smell sour or look slimy.

Can you freeze blue cheese stuffed olives?

It’s not recommended. Freezing and thawing causes the olive flesh to become mealy and the cheese filling to separate. Enjoy fresh stuffed olives within 5-7 days of stuffing for best quality.

Are blue cheese stuffed olives gluten-free?

Most plain, untreated olives and blue cheese are naturally gluten-free. Always check the specific brand ingredients to be sure the olives and cheese don’t contain additives with gluten-containing grains.

Can dogs eat blue cheese stuffed olives?

It’s best not to feed dogs blue cheese stuffed olives. Olives may cause stomach upset in dogs and the high sodium content can be unhealthy. The blue cheese may also contain mold spores that are unsafe for dogs.

Conclusion

Blue cheese stuffed olives bring together two flavorful ingredients into one powerhouse appetizer. Their sharp, salty, creamy taste profile satisfies snack cravings. While not for everyone, those who enjoy the union of bold olive and blue cheese flavors will find stuffed olives a perfect addition to an antipasto spread or cheese board.

When shopping, look for plump olives stuffed generously with quality cheese. Pair stuffed olives with crackers, bread, wine, cheese, nuts, or fresh fruit and veggies. While pre-stuffed olives are readily available, you can also make them at home. With the right technique, homemade blue cheese stuffed olives can be even more delicious. Keep extras refrigerated in olive brine for freshness.

In moderation, blue cheese stuffed olives provide nutrition from healthy oils, probiotics, antioxidants, and more. But their intensely robust flavor is definitely the star attraction. For olive and blue cheese aficionados, that intense one-two punch of creamy and briny tastes makes blue cheese stuffed olives a party in your mouth.