# What You Need:
→ Cheese dough
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups sharp cheddar, 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., Manzanilla)
→ Assembly
08 - 24 appetizer skewers or toothpicks
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, shredded cheddar, softened butter, cayenne (if using), smoked paprika and salt; work with your hands until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Pat the dough into a rough rectangle and divide into 24 equal pieces (about 1 tablespoon each).
04 - Flatten each portion in your palm, place one olive in the center, wrap the dough around it to fully seal and roll gently to form a smooth ball.
05 - Place the balls on the prepared sheet spacing them slightly; for neater seams, chill the sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
06 - Bake 16 to 18 minutes, until the exterior is golden and firm to the touch; remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes on the sheet.
07 - Thread each warm ball onto a skewer or toothpick and serve immediately, warm or at room temperature with optional mustard or bourbon-honey dip.
