These feta-stuffed olives are the perfect addition to any gathering! Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender green Sicilian olive, filled with tangy feta cheese and soaked in a garlicky, citrus-herb marinade. They’re a flavor explosion in every bite, and they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that brings sophistication to any cocktail hour!

Why You’ll Love These Feta-Stuffed Olives

Party-Perfect: Impress your guests with these effortlessly elegant finger foods that are a hit at any gathering.

Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of buttery Castelvetrano olives, sharp feta cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can serve up gourmet nibbles without the stress.

Versatile Serving: These olives aren’t just snacks! Use them to enhance charcuterie boards, elevate martinis, jazz up salads, or top pizzas for an extra kick of flavor.

Ingredients

• Castelvetrano Olives: Large green Sicilian olives with a buttery, mild flavor and meaty texture.
• Feta Cheese: The tangy surprise inside! Opt for a fresh block of feta for the best flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base for our flavorful marinade.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Infuses the marinade with delightful Mediterranean aromas.
• Dried Oregano: A classic herb that adds a robust flavor.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Brightens the marinade with a zesty kick.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a hint of spice!
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp crunch.

How to Make Feta-Stuffed Olives

Say goodbye to store-bought stuffed olives and hello to your delicious homemade version! They’re fresher, tastier, and incredibly easy to whip up.

1. Stuff the Olives

Taking each pitted olive, stuff it with a cubed piece of feta cheese. As you fill them, place the stuffed olives into a shallow dish or jar and set them aside.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Follow this with the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and sliced red onion. Finally, drizzle in the olive oil and give the mixture a gentle stir to combine all those vibrant flavors.

3. Combine the Olives and Marinade

Pour the marinade over the olives, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the dish or jar and let them mingle in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) to let the flavors marry beautifully.

4. Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, bring the olives out and let them come to room temperature. They’ll be ready for tasting!

Tips for the Best Feta-Stuffed Olives

Making these olives is a breeze! Just follow these handy tips to ensure yours turn out perfectly.

• Pick the Best Olives: Make sure to choose large, firm green olives for the best stuffing results. Castelvetrano is ideal, but you can also use Manzanilla, Gordal, or Cerignola for variety.
• Do Some Quality Control: Check the olives for any signs of damage or soft spots. It’s also best to ensure each olive is pit-free!
• Even Up the Feta: For easier stuffing, cut your feta into small, uniform cubes (about an inch). Chilling the feta first will help you get cleaner cuts.
• Stuff with Care: When stuffing the feta into each olive, be gentle to avoid breaking them. If you find the feta is sticking to your fingers, a light touch of moisture may help.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Let the stuffed olives sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before serving. This helps bring out their fantastic flavors!

How to Store Feta-Stuffed Olives

To preserve the flavors and textures of your stuffed olives, serve them at room temperature for the best experience.

To Store: Keep the olives submerged in their marinade in an air-tight container or jar. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving!