Crispy Stuffed Fried Olives
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Crispy Stuffed Fried Olives, a savory appetizer that perfectly marries the briny flavor of olives with a creamy, herbaceous filling. Inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, this recipe features olives stuffed with a rich blend of red onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and optional savory ham, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, these fried olives are both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Serve them hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green pitted olives
1/2 lb (Pitted (or whole if using pitter))
Red onion
1 (Peeled and minced)
Garlic
1 clove (Peeled and minced)
Good-quality ham
2 slices (Minced (optional))
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (For flavor)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (For stuffing)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (For coating)
Large egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Finely ground breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (For coating)
Olive oil
as needed (For frying)
Instructions
1
If you're using unpitted olives, carefully pit them using an olive pitter, ensuring they remain intact.
2
In a food processor, combine the minced red onion, garlic, optional minced ham, chopped parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of cayenne. Pulse on and off until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
3
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a bowl. Using a pastry bag fitted with a small nozzle, carefully stuff each olive with the creamy filling, ensuring they are generously filled.
4
Prepare your breading station by spreading all-purpose flour on one plate and placing the finely ground breadcrumbs on another plate.
5
Heat about half an inch of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
6
Roll each stuffed olive first in the flour to coat, then dip it in the lightly beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
7
Carefully place the breaded olives in the hot oil. Fry them until the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, turning as needed to ensure even cooking.
8
Once fried, remove the olives and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
6.67g
Fat
8.33g
Carbs
3.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Stuffed Fried Olives?
They are a savory Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring green olives stuffed with a creamy herb filling, breaded, and fried until golden.
What type of olives should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 lb of green pitted olives, though you can use whole olives and pit them yourself.
How do I pit the olives if they have seeds?
Carefully use an olive pitter to remove the stone while ensuring the olive remains intact for stuffing.
What is in the creamy stuffing mixture?
The filling is a blend of minced red onion, garlic, fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of cayenne, and optional minced ham.
Is the ham necessary for the recipe?
No, the ham is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version of the dish.
How do I make the filling smooth?
Combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture reaches a creamy and smooth consistency.
What is the best way to stuff the olives?
The most efficient way is to use a pastry bag fitted with a small nozzle to carefully inject the filling into each olive.
What if I do not have a pastry bag?
You can use a small plastic storage bag with a tiny corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the olives.
What are the three components of the breading station?
The breading station consists of one plate with all-purpose flour, one bowl with a lightly beaten egg, and one plate with finely ground breadcrumbs.
What is the correct order for breading the olives?
First roll the stuffed olive in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
What type of oil is best for frying these olives?
The recipe suggests using olive oil for frying to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should fill a large, heavy skillet with about half an inch of oil.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles immediately, it is ready.
How long does it take to fry the olives?
It typically takes 2-3 minutes of frying until the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown.
Should I turn the olives while frying?
Yes, turn them as needed during the 2-3 minute frying period to ensure even cooking and color.
How should the olives be handled after frying?
Remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Should Crispy Stuffed Fried Olives be served hot or cold?
They are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Are these olives spicy?
They have a very mild heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper, but they are generally savory rather than spicy.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat and protein are in a serving?
A serving contains about 6.67g of fat and 3.33g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains approximately 8.33g of carbohydrates.
Can I use Panko breadcrumbs instead of finely ground ones?
Yes, Panko breadcrumbs can be used if you prefer a more pronounced, jagged crunch.
Can I make these olives gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
What dipping sauces go well with fried olives?
They pair excellently with aioli, tzatziki, marinara, or a simple lemon-yogurt dip.
Is this recipe considered Greek cuisine?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by traditional Greek flavors and Mediterranean ingredients.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the olives.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
While green olives are traditional for this recipe, firm black olives like Kalamata can also be used.
How do I store leftover fried olives?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness; avoid the microwave.
Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400F for about 5-8 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil for a healthier alternative.