Fried Green Olives Stuffed with Pancetta & Gorgonzola: The Ultimate Appetizer You Didn’t Know You Needed

When it comes to appetizers, we all love something a little unexpected—something that makes your guests go wow and leaves them asking, “Where has this been all my life?” Well, look no further, because today we’re serving up a seriously indulgent treat: fried green olives stuffed with pancetta and gorgonzola.

These little bites are crispy on the outside, briny and cheesy on the inside, and packed with savoury goodness. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Whether you’re throwing a dinner party, hosting a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a special snack, these olives are sure to steal the show. The combination of salty pancetta, creamy gorgonzola, and tangy green olives is absolutely irresistible, and once you fry them to golden perfection, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner.

And because no appetizer is complete without a delicious dip, I’ve included a few ideas for the perfect dipping sauces to elevate this already next-level dish.

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Why You’ll Love Fried Green Olives Stuffed with Pancetta & Gorgonzola 

• Unique & Flavorful: These stuffed olives are the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and savoury, with a hint of tang from the gorgonzola. Plus, the crispy coating adds a delightful crunch.

• Impressive: Fried foods often sound complicated, but these are surprisingly easy to make, and they’ll definitely impress your guests. Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy olive stuffed with pancetta and cheese?

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night, a wine-tasting party, or just a fun snack while watching a movie, these olives are always a hit.

• Customizable: While pancetta and gorgonzola are an incredible combo, you can switch up the fillings to suit your taste—try prosciutto and mozzarella, or chorizo and goat cheese for a different twist.

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Fried Green Olives Stuffed with Pancetta & Gorgonzola

Yield: 15

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 3 MinTotal time: 18 Min

Mornings can be a rush, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a healthy, hearty breakfast! If you’re someone who’s always running out the door or just looking to have your breakfast ready to go for the whole week, meal prep is your best friend. And what’s better than a breakfast burrito? It’s packed with protein, customizable, and perfect for on-the-go mornings. Plus, it’s super easy to make in bulk!

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Ingredients

• 12-15 large green olives (with pits removed)
• 3 oz pancetta, finely chopped
• 2 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavour)
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Stuff the Olives: Begin by carefully removing the pits from the green olives. A small knife or an olive pitter can help with this. Be gentle so you don’t break the olives apart. In a small bowl, mix the pancetta and gorgonzola cheese until well combined. Stuff each olive with a generous spoonful of the pancetta and gorgonzola mixture. Press the filling in gently so it stays intact once fried. Set the stuffed olives aside on a plate.
2. Set Up the Dipping Stations: In one shallow bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg. In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Olives: One by one, roll each stuffed olive in the flour mixture to coat, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure the olives are well coated in each step to get that perfect crispy crunch when fried.
4. Fry the Olives: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready to go! Carefully place the breaded olives into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over. Use a slotted spoon to remove the olives from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Serve these crispy little bites warm, with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra pop of flavour. They’re ready to be devoured!

Recommended Products

Olive Pitter

Nutrition Facts

Calories

86

Fat

5 g

Sat. Fat

2 g

Carbs

6 g

Fiber

0 g

Net carbs

6 g

Sugar

0 g

Protein

3 g

Sodium

208 mg

Cholesterol

18 mg

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Delicious Dips to Pair with Fried Green Olives 

What’s an appetizer without a perfect dipping sauce? These fried green olives are rich and savoury on their own, but a little extra dip never hurts! Here are some ideas to complement those crispy, cheesy bites:

1. Creamy Garlic Aioli:

• A smooth and garlicky aioli is the perfect balance to the salty, rich flavours of the olives. Simply mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy!

2. Spicy Sriracha Mayo:

• For a kick, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. The heat from the Sriracha pairs wonderfully with the cheese and pancetta in the olives.

3. Tzatziki Sauce:

• If you’re in the mood for something fresh and herby, a creamy tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice is a perfect match. The coolness of the tzatziki balances the richness of the fried olives.

4. Tomato-Basil Marinara:

• For a more classic pairing, serve your fried olives with a tomato-basil marinara. The acidity of the tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the fried cheese and pancetta while complementing the savoury flavours.

5. Balsamic Glaze:

• Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the olives for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury filling. This sauce adds a gourmet touch and enhances the depth of flavours.

Why These Fried Green Olives Are a Must-Try 

These fried green olives stuffed with pancetta and gorgonzola are a flavour-packed snack that is sure to impress your guests—and maybe even yourself. They’re the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savoury, and pair so well with a variety of dips. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, enjoying them as a late-night snack, or sharing them with friends on game day, they’ll definitely be the highlight of the evening.

Plus, once you realize how easy they are to make (despite their gourmet flair), you’ll want to add them to your recipe arsenal for every occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself to something unique and utterly delicious. These olives will be the life of your next gathering!

What’s your favourite dip to pair with fried snacks like these? Let me know in the comments, and happy cooking!