Crunchy on the outside, salty and savory on the inside—Deep Fried Olives are a gourmet snack that’s easier to make than you think. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing appetizers for game night, or just craving something deliciously unique, these little bites pack a big punch.
Deep Fried Olives are a staple in Mediterranean-inspired gatherings and Italian antipasto platters, but you don’t need to be a professional chef to whip them up at home. With a few ingredients and a quick fry, you’ll have a crispy, addictive appetizer that guests won’t stop raving about.
What makes these olives so special is the texture contrast. The crunchy golden shell gives way to a soft, briny olive inside. For a little extra indulgence, many versions stuff the olives with cheese, garlic, or herbs before breading them.
They’re perfect finger food—small, poppable, and intensely flavorful. You can serve them with marinara sauce, aioli, or even a lemon-herb yogurt dip for added flair.
Green olives work best for this recipe because of their firm texture and bright, tangy flavor. You can go with classic manzanilla olives, Castelvetrano for a buttery taste, or even jalapeño-stuffed for some kick.
They’re ideal for prepping ahead. Just bread the olives and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. That means less stress if you’re entertaining.
You don’t need a deep fryer to make these, either. A small pot and a few inches of oil will do the trick. The frying process is fast and easy, taking just a couple minutes per batch.
It’s also a great recipe to get creative with. Try stuffing the olives with a mix of cream cheese and herbs or small cubes of turkey sausage for a fun twist.
Kids and adults alike love these crispy morsels. They’re a fun way to get people snacking on something a bit out of the ordinary—and they disappear quickly!
Want to make them gluten-free? Swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour.
This recipe is proof that the best snacks don’t have to be complicated. With a simple setup and a short cooking time, you can serve up a platter of gourmet bites in under 30 minutes.
So, the next time you need a crowd-pleasing starter, skip the store-bought chips and go for something bold and unexpected—crispy, deep-fried olives!
Servings: 6
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and drained
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Optional Stuffing:
- Small cubes of mozzarella, herbed cream cheese, or turkey sausage
Instructions:
- If stuffing the olives, use a piping bag or toothpick to fill each olive with your desired filling.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Roll each olive in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat for extra crunch.
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat (350°F).
- Fry olives in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Make sure olives are well-drained to help coating stick.
- Double-coat for extra crunch.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for perfect frying.
- Try flavored panko for extra seasoning.
- Serve with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy, salty, and satisfying
- Easy to prep and fry
- Great for entertaining or snacking
- Versatile with stuffing and sauces
- A unique appetizer that stands out
Summary: Deep Fried Olives are a crunchy, savory snack perfect for parties or fancy appetizers. Easy to customize and quick to fry, they’re irresistible bites of flavor and texture.
