Ingredients and Weight:
- Olives (pitted): 2 cups
- Creamy cheese: 1 block (about 8 oz)
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- High-quality olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Salted, roasted cashews or almonds: 1/2 cup (chopped)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the olives, cheese, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Form the mixture into small bite-sized appetizer portions and place onto a baking sheet or dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and top with the chopped cashews or almonds.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and heated through.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: 300kcal, Fat: 24g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 8g, Fiber: 3g
(Note: Nutritional content may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Festive and appetizing appetizer that combines the flavors of olives and creamy cheese.
- The dish offers a combination of textures and flavors that are both savory and refreshing.
- Easy to customize based on preference for cheese type or choice of nuts.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of olives and cheese! This appetizer is a great start to any meal."
- "The dish was delicious! The nuts added a nice crunchy texture to the dish."
- "Baking the appetizer gave it a great texture and brought out the flavors in the ingredients."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for best results (e.g., choose a creamy cheese with a strong flavor profile).
- Adjust seasoning according to preference and taste test throughout preparation to ensure balance of flavors.
- When baking, keep an eye on the appetizers to ensure they don't overcook and become dry or hard.
