Cheese and Olive Penguins Recipe
Introduction
These charming Cheese and Olive Penguins are a fun and festive appetizer that’s perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like olives, mozzarella, and carrot slices, they’re as adorable as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 10 carrot slices
- 10 large black olives (cut in half lengthwise)
- 10 medium black olives
- 10 mozzarella balls
- 1 long toothpick or cocktail skewer
- Cream cheese
- Mini red peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut a small triangle from each carrot slice to create the penguin’s feet.
- Step 2: Attach the olive halves to the sides of each mozzarella ball with a little cream cheese. Position the halves so they touch at the back and open at the front to form wings.
- Step 3: Take the carrot triangles, cut each in half to make beaks, and insert each beak into the small hole of a medium olive.
- Step 4: Thread a toothpick through the olive head, down through the mozzarella body, and into the carrot feet to assemble each penguin.
- Step 5: For a festive touch, cut the tips off mini red peppers and place them on top of the penguins to resemble Santa hats. Add a small dot of cream cheese on top of each hat.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute green olives if you prefer a different look or flavor.
- Try adding tiny edible eyes using black sesame seeds or small peppercorns for extra detail.
Storage
Store the assembled penguins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best presentation, assemble close to serving time. If keeping longer, store components separately and assemble just before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these penguins in advance?
You can prepare the components a day ahead, but it’s best to assemble them shortly before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and prevent the toothpicks from sogging the ingredients.
What can I substitute for mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find mozzarella balls, you can use small cubes of firm white cheese like paneer or halloumi as an alternative.
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Cheese and Olive Penguins Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 penguins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Cheese and Olive Penguins are a fun, festive appetizer perfect for parties and holiday gatherings. Combining creamy mozzarella, tangy olives, and sweet carrots, these bite-sized penguins are both visually charming and delicious. Easy to assemble and sure to impress guests, they add a whimsical touch to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Penguin Body
- 10 mozzarella balls
- 10 large black olives, cut in half lengthwise
- 10 medium black olives
- Cream cheese (for securing pieces)
Penguin Features
- 10 carrot slices
- Mini red peppers (optional, for Santa hats)
- 1 long toothpick or cocktail skewer
Instructions
- Prepare the Feet: Cut a small triangle shape out from each carrot slice to create the penguin’s feet.
- Attach Wings: Using cream cheese as an adhesive, secure the two lengthwise-halved large black olives to the sides of each mozzarella ball. Position the olive halves so they touch at the back and fan out slightly at the front to resemble wings.
- Make the Beak: Take the small triangular carrot pieces and cut them in half again to form the beak halves. Insert one beak half into the small hole of each medium olive to create the penguin’s head beak.
- Assemble the Penguin: Thread a long toothpick or cocktail skewer through the olive head, down through the mozzarella body, and anchor it into the carrot feet piece to hold all components firmly together.
- Add Santa Hats (Optional): Cut the tips off mini red peppers to form tiny hats and attach them to the top of the penguin’s olive head using a small dot of cream cheese. This adds a festive finish to the appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegetarian appetizer, ensure olives and mozzarella are sourced accordingly.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for best texture and taste.
- These penguins are best served chilled and within a few hours of assembly to maintain freshness.
- Mini red peppers are optional but enhance presentation especially during winter holidays.
- Feel free to use other colored mini peppers for creative variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: cheese penguins, olive appetizers, mozzarella snacks, holiday appetizers, party food, no-cook appetizers
