It’s a sunny afternoon, and the smell of grilled skewered cheese and olives dances through the air, making your stomach rumble in delight. Picture this: melty cheese mingling with briny olives on a skewer, creating a flavor explosion that feels like a party in your mouth. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to Mediterranean shores, where every bite is a mini-vacation.
I remember hosting a barbecue last summer when I decided to whip up skewered cheese and olives. The moment I pulled those sizzling skewers off the grill, my friends erupted into applause as if I had just won an Olympic gold medal for cooking. They devoured every last bite, leaving me with nothing but empty skewers and a heart full of joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Skewered cheese and olives are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any gathering
- Bursting with flavors, they offer a delightful contrast of creamy and salty
- The vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any platter
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or snacks, they fit perfectly into any occasion
The reactions were priceless—friends raved about how amazing they tasted, and I secretly basked in the glory of being the unofficial “skewer queen.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cheese (Feta or Gouda): Choose your favorite; feta adds tanginess while gouda brings creaminess for a delightful combo.
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Green Olives: Pick plump olives for better flavor; marinated varieties can add an extra zing.
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Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet bursts of freshness complement the savory elements beautifully.
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Basil Leaves: Fresh basil provides aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances richness and helps everything stick together nicely.
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Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little kick, these add just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all your delicious ingredients on the counter so you can easily access them while preparing your skewers.
Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This step ensures your skewers hold strong.
Assemble the Skewers: On each skewer, alternate between pieces of cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for visual appeal and flavor balance. Aim for about three pieces of each item per skewer.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over your assembled skewers to enhance their flavor while preventing sticking on the grill.
Grill Time!: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C). Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes until cheese starts melting slightly and everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once grilled to perfection, remove from heat and sprinkle pepper flakes before serving warm. Watch as everyone dives into this delightful dish!
There you have it! Skewered cheese and olives are not just simple appetizers; they’re a celebration of flavors that can light up any occasion. Perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinners alike—these skewers are bound to impress! So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over (or enjoy them solo), and get ready for a flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Skewered Cheese and Olives are not just a party dish; they can elevate your snacking game
- The combination of rich cheese and briny olives creates a delightful contrast
- Perfect for gatherings or simple evenings on the couch, these skewers will impress anyone’s palate
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your skewers and marinating the olives. Assemble them in sequence to ensure even cooking, grilling on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until cheese begins to melt.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for feta or add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to personalize your skewers.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect skewered cheese and olives, choose high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor
- Soak skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning
- Always allow cheese to come to room temperature before cooking for even melting
It was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when I decided to whip up some skewered cheese and olives. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, and I realized that sometimes simplicity really steals the show.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for skewered cheese and olives?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or gouda can also work wonderfully in this recipe.
How long should I grill my skewers?
Grill your skewers for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day prior and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Skewered Cheese and Olives
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 skewers 1x
Description
Skewered cheese and olives are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, perfect for any gathering. These vibrant skewers combine creamy feta or gouda, briny green olives, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a flavor-packed experience. Grilled to perfection, they create a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will transport you to sunny Mediterranean shores. Ideal as appetizers or snacks, these skewers are sure to impress your guests while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup feta cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup gouda cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup green olives (pitted)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your counter for easy access.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the skewers by alternating between cubes of cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Aim for three pieces of each ingredient per skewer.
- Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled skewers to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F/175°C). Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese starts melting slightly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
