When it comes to Southwestern cuisine, green chile reigns supreme. Its smoky, slightly spicy flavor is the cornerstone of dishes ranging from stews to salsas.
Now imagine combining this bold ingredient with the savory, briny richness of olives. The result? Green Chile Stuffed Olives, a perfect appetizer that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game-day snack, or just craving something unique, these stuffed olives fit the bill. They’re small, convenient to serve, and packed with irresistible flavor in every bite.
Read on for a step-by-step guide to creating this versatile and delicious treat, complete with tips, variations, and pairing ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes and requires no cooking.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or experiment with alternative fillings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, snacks, or even as part of a larger charcuterie spread.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for vegan or keto diets.
Ingredients of Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Here’s everything you need to create these Green Chile Stuffed Olives:
Main Ingredients:
- 20 large pitted olives: Black or green, depending on your preference.
- ¼ cup green chile, finely chopped: Use roasted or fresh green chiles for authentic flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a robust, aromatic kick.
- Salt to taste: Enhances the overall flavor.
Optional Add-ons:
- A dash of lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy zest.
- A pinch of cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy note.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality olives for the best flavor. Castelvetrano or Kalamata olives are excellent choices for this recipe.
Some Key Points:
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Keywords: Green Chile, Stuffed Olives, Spicy Appetizer, Party Snacks, Quick Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 20 olives
- Calories: 25 kcal per olive
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by chopping the green chile into small, fine pieces. Combine it with minced garlic and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Spice Level Tip: Opt for mild green chiles if you prefer a subtle kick. Choose Hatch green chiles for a bolder heat or mix in a bit of jalapeño.
Step 2: Create a Makeshift Piping Bag
Transfer the green chile mixture into a small resealable plastic bag. Snip off a tiny corner to create a simple piping tool.
Kitchen Hack: If you don’t have a resealable bag, use a spoon to carefully stuff the olives.
Step 3: Stuff the Olives
Insert the open tip of the bag into each olive and gently squeeze to fill it with the green chile mixture. Repeat until all the olives are stuffed. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make them harder to handle.
Texture Variation: For a creamier filling, mix the green chile with cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a dollop of mayonnaise.
Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Serve on a Platter: Arrange the olives in a circular pattern on a decorative plate for a polished presentation.
- Add Skewers: Insert toothpicks or small cocktail sticks to make them easier to grab and eat.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Adjusting Texture:
- Add cream cheese, goat cheese, or a soft vegan cheese to the chile mixture if you prefer a richer filling.
- For a heartier bite, mix the green chile with crumbled bacon or diced roasted red peppers.
Enhancing the Flavor:
- Roast Your Chiles: If using fresh chiles, roast them over an open flame or under a broiler to enhance their smoky flavor.
- Marinate the Olives: Before stuffing, soak the olives in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Green Chile Stuffed Olives are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- With Dipping Sauces:
- Roasted garlic aioli
- Spicy ranch dressing
- Chipotle-infused sour cream
- On a Southwestern Appetizer Platter:
- Serve alongside tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for a themed spread.
- As a Charcuterie Board Addition:
- Add them to a board with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit for a spicy twist.
- Paired with Cocktails:
- These olives are a fantastic garnish for martinis, margaritas, or Bloody Marys.
Variations and Customizations
Jalapeño-Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: If you’re looking for more heat, swap out the green chiles for finely chopped jalapeños. These spicy peppers will give your olives an extra kick, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
- Preparation Tip: Be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños to control the heat level. Alternatively, leave the seeds in for an even spicier version.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cooling dip like sour cream or ranch dressing to balance the spiciness.
Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Swap the chile filling with finely chopped roasted red peppers for a milder, sweeter alternative to green chiles. The smoky, charred flavor of roasted peppers complements the olives beautifully.
- Preparation Tip: You can use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience or roast your own by charring them under a broiler and peeling off the skin.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a Mediterranean-style platter, including hummus, pita bread, and feta cheese.
Herb-Infused Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley to the green chile filling for a fragrant, herby twist. This customization will elevate the flavor and add a fresh pop.
- Preparation Tip: Chop the herbs finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the filling.
- Serving Suggestion: These are great for a spring or summer gathering, paired with light cocktails like a gin and tonic.
Cheese-Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: For a creamy, rich filling, mix the green chile with soft cheese such as cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta. This adds a smooth texture and balances the heat of the chile.
- Preparation Tip: If using cream cheese, soften it before mixing to ensure easy incorporation of the chile and seasonings.
- Serving Suggestion: These cheesy olives pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or on a cheese board with crackers.
Bacon and Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Add crumbled bacon to the green chile mixture for a smoky, savory flavor that’s irresistible. Bacon brings a crunchy texture and extra depth to the filling.
- Preparation Tip: Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces before mixing it with the chile and garlic.
- Serving Suggestion: These olives are fantastic with a cold beer or on a hearty appetizer platter with meats and cheeses.
Spicy Avocado Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: For a creamy, slightly buttery filling, mix mashed avocado with green chile. The avocado softens the spice, creating a mild but flavorful bite.
- Preparation Tip: Choose ripe avocados for the creamiest texture. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or as part of a taco bar for a southwestern fiesta.
Citrus and Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Add a dash of citrus to your green chile mixture for a bright, tangy twist. Lime, lemon, or orange zest works beautifully to cut through the richness of the olives.
- Preparation Tip: Use a fine grater to zest the citrus fruit and mix it well into the green chile and garlic.
- Serving Suggestion: These citrusy olives are a great pairing for seafood dishes or on a seafood appetizer platter with shrimp and scallops.
Cranberry and Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Add finely chopped dried cranberries to the green chile filling for sweetness and tartness. The sweetness balances the heat of the chiles, creating a unique flavor profile.
- Preparation Tip: Chop the cranberries finely so they blend well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak the cranberries in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve as part of a holiday appetizer spread, paired with rich cheeses like brie or aged cheddar.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, umami-rich flavor that complements the smoky green chile. Their chewy texture adds an interesting contrast to the briny olives.
- Preparation Tip: Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and combine them with the green chile, garlic, and a pinch of oregano or basil for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
- Serving Suggestion: These olives pair well with a glass of red wine, particularly a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.
Smoky Chipotle and Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Flavor Profile: Mix in a bit of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce with the green chile filling for a smokier, spicier version. The chipotle’s smoky flavor enhances the dish’s depth, while the chipotle heat adds a unique twist.
- Preparation Tip: Chop the chipotle peppers finely and mix them with the green chile. If you want more heat, include a bit of the adobo sauce as well.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a smoky mezcal cocktail or alongside grilled meats for a bold flavor combination.
Nutritional Information
These stuffed olives are delicious and relatively low in calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 25 kcal per olive
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 115 mg (varies depending on olive type and added salt)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific ingredients used.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Place a damp paper towel over the olives before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Make-Ahead:
- You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a resealable bag.
- Stuff the olives just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Conclusion
Green Chile Stuffed Olives bring the bold, vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your table in a bite-sized package.
They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and try this recipe today. Your palate will thank you for the explosion of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness in every bite.
These stuffed olives are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your appetizer repertoire!
FAQs: All About Green Chile Stuffed Olives
Q: Can I use canned green chiles for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Canned green chiles work perfectly and save time. Just make sure to drain them well before chopping.
Q: Are these olives too spicy for kids?
A: If you’re concerned about spice, opt for mild green chiles or roasted red peppers for a kid-friendly version.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed olives?
A: While freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the filling separately and stuff fresh olives when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to roast fresh green chiles?
A: Place the chiles directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. Let them cool, then peel off the skin before chopping.
