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Homemade Garlic-Stuffed Olives

Homemade Garlic-Stuffed Olives
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Homemade Garlic-Stuffed Olives combine fresh, piquant garlic with firm, flavorful olives for a bold and comforting Mediterranean-inspired snack. This easy-to-make appetizer features simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, creating a savory treat perfect for entertaining or enjoying anytime. Customize with your preferred olive varieties and optional spices for a personalized, healthy, and delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Olives and Garlic

  • 1 cup pitted green or black olives (Manzanilla, Castelvetrano, Kalamata, or Castelvetrano recommended)
  • 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or substitute with basil, oregano, dill)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Olives: Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess brine. Using a small knife, carefully make a small slit in each olive to create a cavity for the garlic slice.
  2. Slice the Garlic: Peel fresh garlic cloves and slice them thinly, ensuring they are narrow enough to fit inside the olives without splitting them open completely.
  3. Stuff the Olives: Gently insert a garlic slice into each olive’s cavity, using your fingers or a small knife to push it inside carefully.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Place the garlic-stuffed olives in a mixing bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), fresh herbs, and a pinch of sea salt.
  5. Marinate and Refrigerate: Toss the olives and marinade ingredients together until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for a bold, aromatic flavor; jarred garlic results in a milder taste.
  • Be cautious if pitting olives yourself to avoid damaging the fruit.
  • Marinate for a minimum of 24 hours to maximize garlic infusion and flavor development.
  • Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat or omit for a milder snack.
  • Serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a light drizzle of olive oil for presentation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container submerged in olive oil in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing olives is not recommended as it alters texture and flavor quality.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled; warm gently if desired but avoid overheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic stuffed olives, homemade olives, Mediterranean appetizers, easy snacks, garlic olives, healthy appetizers

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/homemade-garlic-stuffed-olives/