Alright, friend—let me introduce you to your next obsession: Olive Cheese Melts. These little beauties are everything you want in a snack or appetizer. They’re warm, gooey, briny, and cheesy with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. Think of them as the lovechild of your favorite grilled cheese and a savory olive tapenade—yes, that good.
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Whether you’re entertaining friends or just need a cozy snack while binge-watching your latest series, these melts deliver every time. I’ve served them at parties, late-night cravings, even as a side to a big bowl of soup. Every time—gone in minutes. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Let’s break down why it’s a total win.
Why You’ll Love Olive Cheese Melts
Versatile:
These melts are the ultimate multitaskers. They shine as a party appetizer, a late-night snack, or even a sidekick to a light lunch. You can dress them up or keep them casual—whatever your vibe is, they’re ready to match it.
Budget-Friendly:
You probably have most of these ingredients hanging out in your kitchen already. There’s nothing fancy here, just pantry staples coming together to create something magical.
Quick and Easy:
This recipe is blissfully simple. No complicated steps, no culinary degree required. Just mix, spread, and toast. That’s it!
Customizable:
Feeling spicy? Add a dash of red pepper flakes. Want it extra cheesy? Pile it on! These melts are super flexible—you can totally make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Kids love ’em. Adults love ’em. Even your picky cousin will love ’em. The combo of melty cheese and salty olives is basically irresistible.
Ingredients in Olive Cheese Melts
Here’s where the flavor party begins. These ingredients may be simple, but when they come together? Chef’s kiss.
Green Olives:
Briny, zesty, and packed with bold flavor. They cut through the richness of the cheese in the most delicious way.
Cheddar Cheese:
Sharp and melty, cheddar adds that golden, gooey pull we all crave.
Mayonnaise:
It sounds odd, but trust me—it binds everything together and gives it a creamy, dreamy texture.
Garlic Powder:
A subtle punch of savory goodness that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Crusty Bread or Baguette Slices:
The perfect vessel to hold all this cheesy olive magic. It crisps up beautifully in the oven.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This helps get that perfect golden crust on your bread while the cheese bubbles into melty perfection.
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped olives, shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is evenly coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This keeps things from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the cheesy olive mixture onto your bread slices, spreading it right to the edges for max flavor in every bite.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. You want those edges crisp and golden.
Finishing Touches:
Let them cool for a couple of minutes so you don’t burn your tongue (it’s tempting, I know). The flavors settle and the texture is just right.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and watch them disappear! They’re perfect as-is or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approx. 180–220 (depending on bread and cheese used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Olive Cheese Melts
These melts are super versatile, and here are a few fun ways to serve them:
Fresh Salads:
Pair them with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for a balanced meal.
Crusty Bread:
Make them mini-style with baguette slices, or go bold with thick country bread.
Creamy Accompaniments:
A swipe of whipped feta or a light tzatziki dip on the side takes them to the next level.
Vegetable Sides:
Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or even some sautéed spinach.
As a Standalone:
Pile them high on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let them shine on their own!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead:
Mix the olive-cheese blend ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then just spread and bake when you’re ready.
Spice It Up:
Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Dietary Adjustments:
Use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo for a plant-based version—it still tastes amazing!
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to get that crisp back.
Double the Batch:
These freeze surprisingly well! Make extra, freeze on a tray, and reheat when the craving hits.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute green olives with black olives?
A1: Absolutely! Black olives will give a slightly milder flavor, but they work great too.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prep the olive-cheese mixture in advance, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes—freeze the assembled, unbaked melts on a baking tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The toaster oven is ideal! It keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to scale for a crowd.
Q7: What bread works best for this?
A7: Baguette slices, ciabatta, or even sourdough all work beautifully.
Q8: Can I add meat to this?
A8: Totally! Chopped salami, ham, or cooked bacon would be delicious additions.
Q9: What if I don’t like mayo?
A9: You can sub Greek yogurt or sour cream—it changes the flavor slightly but still works.
Q10: Can kids help make this?
A10: Yes! It’s a super kid-friendly recipe to assemble together (just keep an eye on oven use).
Conclusion
And there you have it—Olive Cheese Melts in all their briny, cheesy glory. They’re everything you need in a quick comfort snack: crispy, creamy, a little salty, and totally addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these little toasts of joy are bound to become a staple. Now go preheat that oven and get melting—because seriously, you need these in your life.
Print
Olive Cheese Melts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory and satisfying Olive Cheese Melts made with black olives, green onions, and melty Cheddar cheese, spread over toasted English muffins for an easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 English muffins, split in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven broiler.
- In a mixing bowl, combine black olives, green onions, Cheddar cheese, curry powder, mayonnaise, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the split English muffins.
- Place the muffins on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately while warm and toasty.
Notes
- Use pitted Kalamata olives for a richer flavor variation.
- Try substituting part of the Cheddar with mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
- These melts can be made ahead and broiled just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin half
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg