# 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
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat 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 the mixture with your hands until it comes together into a soft, cohesive dough.
03 - Pat the dough into a rough rectangle and divide into 24 equal portions, about 1 tablespoon each.
04 - Flatten a portion of dough in your palm, place one pitted olive in the center, then wrap the dough completely around the olive and roll into a smooth ball, sealing all seams.
05 - Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. For a neater finish, chill on the sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven 16–18 minutes, or until the exterior is golden and the balls feel firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
07 - Thread each warm cheese ball onto a skewer or toothpick. Serve immediately warm or at room temperature with optional condiments such as grainy mustard or a bourbon-honey dip.
