Lemon-Roasted Olives with Thyme and Garlic

These tart, savory, and earthy lemon-roasted olives are a perfect party nibble or addition to a cheese plate. The roasting process intensifies the olives' flavor and creates a slightly chewy texture, while the lemon zest, thyme, and garlic add a bright and aromatic note. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Olives have been a culinary staple in the Mediterranean region for centuries, and for good reason. They're delicious, versatile, and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. But what if there was a way to make them even more flavorful? That's where roasting comes in. Roasting olives intensifies their flavor and creates a slightly chewy texture. The heat of the oven draws out the olives' natural oils, which then caramelize on the surface, creating a rich and savory crust. The addition of lemon zest, thyme, and garlic adds a bright and aromatic note that perfectly complements the olives' earthy flavor. These lemon-roasted olives are the perfect party nibble or addition to a cheese plate. They're also a great way to use up any leftover olives you have lying around. So next time you're looking for a simple and delicious snack, give these roasted olives a try.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Toss olives, oil, lemon zest, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread olives on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15 minutes, or until olives are slightly browned and wrinkled.

Why It Works

• Roasting the olives intensifies their flavor and creates a slightly chewy texture.
• The lemon zest, thyme, and garlic add a bright and aromatic note that perfectly complements the olives' earthy flavor.
• These olives are the perfect party nibble or addition to a cheese plate.