Imagine a festive appetizer that transports your guests straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with just one bite! The Olive Wreath Holiday Appetizer is not just a dish, it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine into an irresistible starter that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or when you want to impress your friends and family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup assorted olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 baguette, sliced for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the assorted olives under cold water to remove any excess brine or salt. Drain them well and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rinsed olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
- Next, finely chop the fresh herbs (parsley and thyme) and add them to the olive mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the herbs, ensuring that their flavors are well blended with the other ingredients.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as the feta and olives can be quite salty on their own. Mix everything together until the olive oil is well incorporated.
- Once your olive mixture is ready, transfer it to a serving dish or a decorative bowl. You can also arrange the mixture in a circular shape to resemble an olive wreath for a festive presentation.
- Slice the baguette into thin rounds or diagonal slices. If desired, you can lightly toast the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- Serve the olive wreath appetizer with the toasted baguette slices arranged around the dish. Encourage guests to scoop the olive mixture onto the bread for a delightful Mediterranean bite.
- Enjoy your Olive Wreath Holiday Appetizer as a vibrant and flavorful addition to your holiday gatherings!
Tips
- Choose high-quality olives: The key to this recipe is using a variety of olives with different textures and flavors. Mix kalamata, green, and black olives for a more complex taste profile.
- Herb freshness matters: Use freshly chopped herbs for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, pick herbs from a live plant or buy them the same day you're preparing the appetizer.
- Olive oil selection: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. A good quality olive oil can elevate the entire dish.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare this appetizer up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Bread serving hack: For extra flavor, lightly brush your baguette slices with garlic-infused olive oil before toasting for an added dimension of taste.
- Presentation is key: Serve in a circular "wreath" shape for a festive holiday look that's sure to impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
