Description
Olive Cheese Melts are a delicious and easy-to-make savory snack featuring a flavorful blend of green and black olives mixed with a trio of cheeses, spread over buttered bread and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a quick bite, these melts offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Olive and Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Prepare Olive Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped green olives, black olives, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, consistent mixture.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down onto the prepared baking sheet to ensure the top stays crisp during baking.
- Assemble Melts: Generously spoon the olive and cheese mixture on the non-buttered side of each slice, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese mixture is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread turn a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the olive cheese melts warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious snack!
Notes
- For thicker melts, use sturdy bread like sourdough or country-style bread to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- These melts can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
