Carolina Reaper Olive Cheese Balls are bold, creamy, and unapologetically spicy bite-size appetizers made with rich cheese, briny olives, and fiery Carolina Reaper heat. These irresistible party snacks deliver serious flavor with a kick, making them perfect for spice lovers, game day spreads, holiday trays, or anytime you want to wow guests with a spicy, savory finger food.
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces stuffed olives
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup flour
- Dash of Magic Plant Farm’s Carolina Reaper Pepper Powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Peppers of Key West is Goin’ Bananas Hot Sauce for dipping
Directions:
- Drain the olives well. Place them on paper towels and pat dry. They must be very dry, or the crust will not stick to them.
- In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the butter, flour, Magic Plant Farm’s Carolina Reaper Pepper Powder, and cheddar. Process it a few times until the dough is uniform or you can mix it by hand.
- Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a marble and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a dry olive in the middle and shape the dough around it, ensuring that the entire olive is covered. Repeat with the remaining olives.
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a plastic bag and store in the freezer until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the frozen olives on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly brown.
- Serve with Peppers of Key West is Goin’ Bananas Hot Sauce for dippingNotes
These do best if frozen before baking, so be sure they are frozen when you put them in the oven.
Variation – You can use our Peppers of Key West is Goin’ Bananas Hot Sauce with Rum also.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Carolina Reaper Olive Cheese Balls
Are these cheese balls extremely spicy?
Yes — Carolina Reaper peppers are very hot. These are designed for heat lovers, but you can reduce spice by using less pepper or blending with milder chilies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and shape the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
What should I serve with them?
They pair great with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh veggies like celery and carrots.
Can I freeze Carolina Reaper Olive Cheese Balls?
Yes — freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
