Name: Olive Cheese Melts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup green olives, chopped; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 green onions, finely sliced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices of French bread or baguette, about ½-inch thick

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If you’re searching for the ultimate savory snack or a crowd-pleasing party bite, look no further than Olive Cheese Melts. This recipe brings together salty green olives, sharp cheddar, and crisp-toasty bread for an unbelievably satisfying combo. Every bite delivers creamy, tangy, and just ever-so-slightly garlicky goodness, making these irresistible melts a staple in any appetizer lineup. Olive Cheese Melts are quick and easy to throw together, yet they’ll feel right at home alongside your fanciest cocktails or as a cozy after-school treat.

Olive Cheese Melts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of Olive Cheese Melts is that you don’t need a complicated shopping list—just a handful of flavorful staples that work together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the briny pop of the olives to the creamy melt of cheddar and the golden crunch of baguette.

Green Olives: Chopped for maximum flavor impact; they add the perfect salty bite and vibrant color to each melt.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Look for sharp cheddar for that rich, tangy melt; grate your own if you can for extra ooze factor.
Mayonnaise: Binds everything together and ensures the topping stays creamy and luscious once baked.
Green Onions: Finely sliced for freshness and a gentle oniony snap that lifts the whole topping.
Garlic Powder: A half teaspoon wakes up the other flavors and infuses a subtle, savory warmth.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right hint of bite—freshly cracked is best here.
French Bread or Baguette: Thick, rustic slices form the ideal crispy base—it holds up to the gooey topping and gives you that classic bite.

How to Make Olive Cheese Melts

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps clean-up a breeze, but also ensures your Olive Cheese Melts won’t stick and will brown evenly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped green olives, shredded sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the whole mixture is evenly coated—don’t be shy, you want every bite to have a little of everything!

Step 3: Top the Bread

Lay out your french bread or baguette slices and generously spread a heaping spoonful of the olive-cheese mixture over each slice. Don’t worry about perfection—the melty topping will settle beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your topped slices on the prepared baking sheet so they aren’t crowded. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling at the edges, and the bread is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Olive Cheese Melts cool just a moment so nobody burns their tongue (trust me, it’s tempting to dive in!). Serve warm and watch them disappear in a flash.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Melts

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a hint of crushed red pepper over the top for a burst of color and a little extra zing. For a bit of added texture, a quick dusting of grated parmesan as they come out of the oven never hurts!

Side Dishes

Olive Cheese Melts are wonderful alongside a simple green salad with a bright citrus vinaigrette, which balances out the richness. You can also pair them with a light tomato soup or a platter of crisp veggies for a well-rounded snack or lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your baguette into rounds for bite-sized party nibbles, or make a whole platter with mixed green and black olives for a pop of color. If you’re entertaining, arrange Olive Cheese Melts into a wreath on a beautiful board and tuck a few sprigs of rosemary in between for an extra festive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare!), allow the melts to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate; they’re best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal texture.

Freezing

For a longer-term option, assemble the melts but don’t bake them. Arrange the topped bread slices on a tray and freeze until firm, then store in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes, and you’ll have fresh Olive Cheese Melts on hand any time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the melts back onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of olive in Olive Cheese Melts?

Absolutely! While green olives bring a bright, briny flavor, you can swap in black or Kalamata olives—or use a combo for more depth and a little variety in color.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re not a mayo fan, try using Greek yogurt or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream. Just keep an eye on the consistency; it should be spreadable but not stiff.

What type Appetizer

A sturdy French baguette or rustic country loaf is best, as it holds up to the creamy topping and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Avoid super soft sandwich bread, which can become soggy.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread slices, and ensure any other ingredients are certified gluten-free, if needed.

How can I add a spicy kick?

Try mixing a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into your olive-cheese mixture. A fiery Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese is also a delicious twist!

Final Thoughts

Few snacks can rival the savory comfort and irresistible crunch of Olive Cheese Melts. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute appetizer for friends or treating yourself to a cozy snack, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients and get baking—you’re just minutes away from pure melty deliciousness!

Olive Cheese Melts Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Olive Cheese Melts are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring a flavorful mixture of olives, cheddar cheese, and spices on slices of French bread, baked to melty perfection. Perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Olive Cheese Mixture:

1 cup green olives, chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
2 green onions, finely sliced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

6 slices of French bread or baguette, about ½-inch thick

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Olive Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped olives, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Assemble the Melts: Spread the olive cheese mixture generously onto each slice of bread.
Bake: Arrange the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!