Olive Crunch
Olive Crunch on a base of honey ricotta.
Olive Crunch: The Star Topping You’ll Want to Put on Everything
Somewhere between chili crisp and marinated olives, you’ll find olive crunch—a vibrant, savory topping that’s packed with bold flavors and textures. It’s crispy, spicy, citrusy, and nutty all at once.
A touch of Szechuan chili adds a subtle heat, while Castelvetrano olives and orange zest brighten every bite.
What you serve it on is entirely up to you. Spread it over creamy whipped ricotta, tangy goat yogurt, or roasted potatoes. Spoon it on toast, pair it with grilled meats, or even stir it into pasta for a vibrant, savory twist. It’s your new go-to for transforming simple dishes into something unforgettable.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup of olive crunch
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, sliced
2 shallots, finely sliced
1 tbsp Arbol chili flakes
1/8 tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns (optional, for complexity)
1 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and finely chopped
1/8 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped
Zest strips of 1 orange
Method
Prepare the Olive Crunch:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Prepare a plate with doubled over paper towel for absorbing oil.
then Add garlic and shallots, frying until golden and crispy (3–4 minutes).
Stir in Arbol chili flakes (and Szechuan peppercorns, if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add olives and stir to coat in the infused oil. Cook for 2 minutes to soften.
Stir in walnuts, sesame seeds, thyme, rosemary, and zest strips. Cook another 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Spread on whipped ricotta or goat yogurt for a creamy base.
Top roasted potatoes, grilled meats, or fresh veggies.
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or as a bold addition to a cheese board.
Stir into pasta or toss with grains like quinoa or farro for a quick flavor boost.
Notes:
Frying the garlic and shallots until crispy adds a rich depth of flavor, similar to chili crunch.
Castelvetrano olives are essential for their buttery taste but can be mixed with other briny varieties for contrast.
Use a high-quality olive oil for best results.
