1-First Steps: Preparing the Olive Oil Mixture and Olives In a small saucepan, heat olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs over medium heat. When it begins to sizzle, simmer for one minute WHILE swirling until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat, season with salt, and let cool.

2-Next, drain the olives and pit them if not already pitted, or remove any pre-existing stuffing using a skewer or chopstick. This ensures the olives are ready for filling without any extra hassle.

3-Stuffing the Olives: Mash the garlic and herb cheese with a fork, place it in a piping bag or zip-top bag, cut a small opening, and pipe the cheese into the olives from bottom to top. Place the stuffed olives in a quart-sized jar or container.

4-Pour the cooled olive oil mixture over the stuffed olives, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to one week. Turn the jar occasionally to coat the olives evenly with oil and herbs. If the oil solidifies, let it come to room temperature before serving.

5-Final Touches and Serving: To serve, arrange the olives in a single layer on a platter, drizzle with oil from the jar, and serve with toothpicks. Adaptations like using vegan alternatives keep it flexible for all diets.

6-For adaptations, consider replacing the cheese with plant-based options or adjusting seasonings. These stuffed olives are ideal for appetizers and party platters, with the marinating step adding extra depth. Remember, you can make them ahead to save time, as noted in the tips section.