Oven Fried Stuffed Olives: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Have you ever found yourself scrambling to prepare something impressive for unexpected guests? Or perhaps you’re looking for that perfect appetizer to elevate your dinner party? Look no further than these delicious Oven Fried Stuffed Olives. This Mediterranean-inspired dish transforms humble olives into crispy, savory bites that disappear from plates within minutes.

The beauty of these Oven Fried Stuffed Olives lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures – the briny punch of Sicilian olives combined with savory sausage filling, all wrapped in a golden, crispy coating that crunches satisfyingly with each bite. Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these olives are baked to perfection, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated cocktail hour or simply craving a unique snack, this easy recipe for Oven Fried Stuffed Olives will quickly become your go-to appetizer. Let’s dive into how you can create these delectable morsels right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

• ✅ These crispy baked stuffed green olives require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor
• ✅ Healthier oven fried olives appetizer alternative to traditional deep-fried versions
• ✅ Flavorful oven roasted stuffed olives that pair perfectly with cocktails and wine
• ✅ Easy oven fried olives for parties that can be prepped ahead of time
• ✅ These classic Italian stuffed olives recipe will impress even your foodie friends
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free oven baked stuffed olives when made with almond flour
• ✅ Versatile appetizer that works for casual gatherings or elegant affairs

Ingredients for Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

To make approximately 36 delicious Oven Fried Stuffed Olives, you’ll need:

• 36 pitted green olives (Sicilian olives recommended for their meaty texture)
• ¼ lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
• ½ cup almond slivers or almond flour (for a gluten-free coating)
• ⅓ cup unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds
• 1 ½ tablespoons flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• 1 extra-large egg (or 2 smaller eggs)
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

Ingredient Notes:

• If you prefer a spicier version, choose hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with a mixture of cream cheese and chopped nuts
• Traditional recipes may call for breadcrumbs, but our savory baked stuffed olives with almond-sunflower coating are healthier

How to Make Oven Fried Stuffed Olives – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Olives

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drain the olives well and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they’re completely dry to ensure the stuffing adheres properly.
3. Check that all pits have been removed from the olives.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a small bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage with half of the garlic powder and thyme.
2. Mix thoroughly until all seasonings are incorporated into the meat.

Step 3: Stuff the Olives

1. Take a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon) of the sausage mixture and stuff it into each olive.
2. Press the filling firmly but gently to ensure it stays inside the olive.
3. Set the stuffed olives aside on a plate as you complete them.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating Mixture

1. In a food processor, combine the almond slivers (or almond flour), sunflower seeds, parsley, remaining garlic powder, and thyme.
2. Pulse until you have a fine, breadcrumb-like texture.
3. Transfer this mixture to a shallow bowl.

Step 5: Bread the Stuffed Olives

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.
2. Dip each stuffed olive into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Roll the egg-coated olive in the almond-sunflower mixture, pressing gently to ensure good coverage.
4. Place the breaded olives on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Drizzle the breaded olives lightly with olive oil or avocado oil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked.
3. For extra crispiness, turn the olives halfway through the baking time.

Step 7: Serve

1. Allow the Oven Fried Stuffed Olives to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
2. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

• Choose the right olives: Larger varieties like Sicilian, Cerignola, or Spanish Queen olives work best for stuffing.
• Drain thoroughly: Excess moisture can make your coating soggy, so make sure your olives are completely dry before stuffing.
• Room temperature ingredients: Let your sausage come to room temperature for easier handling and stuffing.
• Make ahead option: You can stuff and bread the olives up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
• For spicier homemade baked olives with garlic, add a pinch of cayenne to the coating mixture.
• The secret to perfectly crispy olives: Make sure your oven is fully preheated and consider placing the baking sheet on the middle-upper rack for best browning.

Best Ways to Serve Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

These flavorful Oven Fried Stuffed Olives make a stunning appetizer for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Arrange on a wooden board alongside cured meats, cheeses, and crusty bread for an impressive antipasto platter
• Serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping
• Create an elegant presentation by placing them in small, individual serving dishes
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling Prosecco
• For a complete Mediterranean spread, serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, and warm pita

These savory morsels are perfect for cocktail parties, game day gatherings, or holiday celebrations. They’re substantial enough to satisfy hunger but small enough to enjoy as a pre-dinner nibble.

Nutritional Information for Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

Per serving (6 olives):

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 16g (mostly healthy fats from olives, nuts, and seeds)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg

These Oven Fried Stuffed Olives are naturally lower in carbohydrates than traditional breaded appetizers, making them suitable for those following low-carb or keto-friendly diets.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Oven Fried Stuffed Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These can be frozen before baking! Arrange breaded olives on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated olives in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Frozen olives can be baked directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the original baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Fried Stuffed Olives

What types of olives are best for stuffing?

The best olives for stuffing are larger varieties with firm flesh. Sicilian green olives, Cerignola, Spanish Queen, or Castelvetrano olives work exceptionally well. These varieties provide enough space for the filling while maintaining their shape during baking.

How long do you bake stuffed olives?

Oven Fried Stuffed Olives generally require 15-18 minutes in a 375°F (190°C) oven. However, baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your olives and your specific oven. Look for a golden-brown coating and ensure the sausage filling reaches at least 160°F internal temperature.

Can you fry stuffed olives instead of baking?

Yes, stuffed olives can be deep-fried instead of baked. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for approximately 2-3 minutes until golden brown. However, the oven-baked version is healthier, less messy, and nearly as crispy when properly prepared.

What is a good stuffing for olives?

Beyond Italian sausage, excellent stuffings include:

• Blue cheese or goat cheese
• Anchovy paste mixed with breadcrumbs
• Tuna salad with capers
• Cream cheese with herbs
• Spicy chorizo
• Feta mixed with roasted red peppers

Conclusion

These Oven Fried Stuffed Olives represent the perfect blend of convenience and sophistication. With their crispy exterior, savory filling, and briny olive flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your appetizer repertoire. The best part? They’re healthier than traditional fried versions without sacrificing any of the taste or texture that makes them so addictive.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to an elevated snack, these Oven Fried Stuffed Olives deliver impressive results with minimal effort. They exemplify how a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can transform into something truly special.

We’d love to hear how your Oven Fried Stuffed Olives turn out! Did you try a different stuffing? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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