Name: Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces Castelvetrano olives, pitted; 3 ounces Boursin cheese, room temperature; 1 large lemon, zested; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon sumac (optional); 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a bite-sized delight that combines briny, creamy, and fresh flavors, then Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives are your new secret weapon. These little gems marry the buttery smoothness of Boursin cheese with the delicate, fruity notes of Castelvetrano olives, all brightened up by lemon zest and fragrant thyme. They’re not just appetizers; they are a celebration on a plate that looks sophisticated yet feels incredibly approachable. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives bring a burst of elegance and flavor with every bite.

Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. With a handful of quality components, you’ll create a dish that tastes far more complex than it is to prepare.

Castelvetrano olives (8 ounces, pitted): These olives have a mild, buttery taste and a vibrant green color that makes them perfect for stuffing.
Boursin cheese (3 ounces, room temperature): Creamy and herby, it’s the rich filling that complements the olive’s crispness beautifully.
Lemon (1 large, zested): Adds a bright, citrusy zing that lifts the flavors and adds freshness.
Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup): A silky drizzle that enhances texture and mouthfeel while rounding out all the ingredients.
Sumac (1 teaspoon, optional): This tangy, slightly fruity spice adds an exotic pop and a lovely reddish hue.
Fresh thyme (1½ teaspoons, for topping): Its subtle herbal aroma perfectly finishes the bite with elegance.

How to Make Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Start by softening your Boursin cheese to room temperature so it’s easy to pipe. This ensures that when you fill each olive, the cheese slides in smoothly, creating that irresistible creamy center.

Step 2: Stuff the Olives

Using a piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag with the tip snipped off, carefully fill each olive with the Boursin cheese. Take your time here—getting a generous stuffing makes all the difference for that luxurious bite.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Transfer your stuffed olives to a bowl and zest the lemon over them, pouring in the extra virgin olive oil next. Sprinkle with sumac if using and freshly picked thyme leaves. Gently toss everything together so that each olive gleams with oil and is kissed by those fresh flavors.

Step 4: Ready to Serve

Your Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives are now perfectly dressed and ready to steal the spotlight on your appetizer platter or charcuterie board. Serve at room temperature to let their full flavor and aroma shine.

How to Serve Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra thyme or a few twists of lemon zest on top makes the presentation pop with color and gives a fresh herbal lift right before serving. Toasted pine nuts or finely chopped fresh parsley can also add an unexpected crunch and brightness.

Side Dishes

Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives pair beautifully with crunchy baguette slices or warm crackers, offering a satisfying textural contrast. They shine alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a crisp dry rosé, making for a fully rounded appetizer experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try displaying these olives on a rustic wooden board with clusters of grapes, cured meats, and nuts for a gourmet touch. Alternatively, skewer a few with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a charming finger-food option at parties. These little bites are also stunning arranged in small bowls with a drizzle of flavored olive oil or balsamic glaze for an extra-special finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld even more, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving again for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Since these olives are filled with delicate cheese and fresh herbs, freezing is not recommended. The texture of both the olives and the cheese can change once thawed, potentially making the dish less appealing.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, allowing them to rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes will refresh their flavors and soften the cheese just right, keeping the dish elegant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives?

Absolutely! While Castelvetrano olives are preferred for their mild flavor and firm texture, you can experiment with other pitted green olives. Just be mindful of the saltiness and size to maintain the balance and presentation.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

No worries at all! A small spoon or even a plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner cut off works wonderfully to fill the olives with cheese without too much fuss.

Is sumac necessary?

Sumac is optional, but it adds a lovely tangy note that complements the lemon zest beautifully. If you don’t have it, just omit it—you’ll still have a fantastic dish.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Yes, make them a few hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor.

Are Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses Boursin cheese, which is dairy-based, so it is not vegan. However, you could try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative to recreate a similar flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives are a quick yet sophisticated snack that will steal the show, whether you’re hosting friends or craving something deliciously satisfying yourself. With their blend of creamy cheese, bright citrus, and fresh herbs wrapped in buttery olives, these bites offer a little taste of indulgence that’s easy to love. Give them a try and watch how they become an instant favorite!

Elegant Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approx. 24 stuffed olives
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully elegant and flavorful, these Cheese Stuffed Castelvetrano Olives combine the buttery, mild taste of Castelvetrano olives with the creamy richness of Boursin cheese, enhanced by bright lemon zest, aromatic thyme, and a hint of sumac. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a charming addition to any charcuterie board.

Ingredients

Scale

Olives and Cheese

8 ounces Castelvetrano olives, pitted
3 ounces Boursin cheese, room temperature

Seasonings and Garnish

1 large lemon, zested
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese for Stuffing: Place the room-temperature Boursin cheese into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off. This will allow you to pipe the cheese neatly into the olives without mess.
Stuff the Olives: Pipe the creamy Boursin cheese carefully into each pitted Castelvetrano olive until filled. Place the stuffed olives gently into a mixing bowl to keep them intact.
Add Lemon Zest and Olive Oil: Zest one large lemon over the bowl of stuffed olives to add a fresh citrus aroma. Pour ½ cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the olives, coating them evenly to bring richness and enhance flavor.
Season and Garnish: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sumac over the olives if using, providing a subtle tangy depth. Finally, scatter 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves over the top to add a fragrant herbal note.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to combine flavors without breaking the olives. Serve immediately as an elegant appetizer, with crackers, baguette slices, or as a delightful addition to a charcuterie board.

Notes

Ensure the Boursin cheese is at room temperature for easy piping and smooth stuffing.
If sumac is unavailable, a light sprinkle of smoked paprika can be a flavorful alternative.
Use Castelvetrano olives as they have a mild and buttery flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
These stuffed olives can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.
Serve with crusty bread or mild crackers to balance the rich cheese filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stuffing and Tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean