Derby Party Olive Cheese Balls

# What You Need:

→ Cheese dough

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour

02 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

07 - 24 large green olives, pitted (e.g., Spanish Manzanilla)

→ Assembly

08 - 24 appetizer-sized skewers or toothpicks

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, shredded cheddar, softened butter, cayenne (if using), smoked paprika, and salt; work with your fingertips until a cohesive, soft dough forms.

03 - Pat the dough into a rough rectangle and divide into 24 equal portions, about 1 tablespoon each.

04 - Flatten each portion in your palm, place one pitted olive in the center, then wrap and seal the dough completely around the olive; roll gently to form a smooth ball.

05 - Place the balls on the prepared sheet; for neater seams, chill the tray in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.

06 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and the dough feels set; remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes on the sheet.

07 - Thread each warm cheese ball onto a skewer or toothpick and serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

The dough comes together so easily you might not even need utensils—just your hands and some casual music playing.
Party guests always flock to the platter the minute it hits the table; these are quietly addictive and oddly comforting.

02 -

If the olives aren’t dry enough before wrapping, your dough will slip and won’t bake up crisp.
Chilling the assembled balls just before baking keeps them from spreading too much and gives you satisfying, picture-perfect rounds.

03 -