Description
Fried Stuffed Olives are a classic Italian appetizer featuring large green olives stuffed with savory cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. These olives are crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, making them a perfect finger food for entertaining and parties.
Ingredients
Olives and Filling
- 24 large green olives, pitted
- 4 oz (115 g) mozzarella or provolone cheese, cut into small pieces
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Stuff the Olives: Carefully insert a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese into each pitted olive, ensuring they are filled evenly without breaking the olive.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs with garlic powder and dried oregano, mixing thoroughly.
- Coat the Stuffed Olives: Dredge each stuffed olive first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs securely.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry the Olives: Carefully lower the coated olives into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried olives and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the fried stuffed olives hot with lemon wedges on the side or paired with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Freeze the breaded olives for 15 minutes before frying to help the coating stay intact during frying.
- Try stuffing the olives with blue cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor variation.
- For best taste and texture, serve the fried olives fresh and crispy immediately after frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
