Olive Cheese Melts

Let’s talk about a snack (or light lunch!) that’s ooey, gooey, salty, and completely addictive: Olive Cheese Melts. These little open-faced beauties are perfect when you want something warm, melty, and bursting with bold flavor—without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. Imagine crusty bread topped with a creamy, cheesy mixture studded with chopped green and black olives, then broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s comfort food with a tangy twist, and trust me, it’s way more than the sum of its parts. Make them once, and they’ll become your go-to “snack that feels like a treat.”

Why You’ll Love Olive Cheese Melts

Salty, Cheesy Goodness: The combo of sharp cheese and briny olives is totally craveable—salty, tangy, and savory in all the right ways.

Ridiculously Easy: Just mix, spread, and broil. Minimal effort, max flavor.

Great for Sharing: These are crowd-pleasers—ideal for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in with friends.

Versatile: Use different cheeses or breads, add herbs or heat—it’s an easy recipe to riff on.

Snack or Meal: Serve them as a quick bite, or pair with a salad or soup for a more complete meal.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Olive Cheese Melts

Here’s what you’ll need to create these melty, savory treats:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The base of the melt—bold, tangy, and perfectly gooey when melted. You can also mix in mozzarella for a stretchier texture.

Mayonnaise

Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together. It melts beautifully and gives the topping that perfect golden crust.

Green Olives

Chopped and briny, they bring a pop of salty flavor that cuts through the richness.

Black Olives

Milder and slightly sweet, they balance the sharper green olives.

Garlic Powder

Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Bread Slices or Rolls

Thick, sturdy bread works best—think French bread, sourdough, or split rolls.

Optional Add-ins:

Chopped scallions, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flair.

Instructions

Let’s get cheesy:

Make the Topping

In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese, mayo, chopped olives, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Prep the Bread

Slice your bread or rolls and place them on a baking sheet. You can lightly toast them first for extra crunch, but it’s not required.

Spread the Mixture

Generously spoon the cheese and olive mixture onto each piece of bread, spreading it all the way to the edges.

Broil

Pop the baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Keep a close eye—broilers move fast!

Serve

Let them cool for just a minute, then dig in while they’re warm and melty.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of melts]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prep ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to broil]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Olive Cheese Melts

Here’s how to turn them into a full experience:

Appetizer Style: Cut into smaller pieces and serve on a platter for guests—perfect with wine or cocktails.

With Soup: Pair with tomato, potato leek, or creamy mushroom soup for a cozy comfort meal.

On a Salad Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a delicious, balanced lunch.

Add Protein: Want to beef it up? Add crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken to the cheese mix.

Spice It Up: Drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce.

Additional Tips

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded.

Don’t Over-Broil: Keep an eye on the oven—just a few extra seconds can take it from golden to burnt.

Make Ahead: Mix the cheese topping in advance and refrigerate. Spread and broil when ready to serve.

Use Mini Rolls: Want bite-sized melts? Use slider buns or cut baguettes into small rounds.

Freeze Leftovers: You can freeze the unbroiled topping or assembled melts for a super quick snack later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Prepare the topping in advance and refrigerate it. Just spread and broil when ready to eat.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?
A2: Yes! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère all work well. You can also do a mix for added flavor.

Q3: Can I use only one kind of olive?
A3: Definitely. If you prefer just green or black olives, go for it—the flavor will still be fantastic.

Q4: What’s the best bread to use?
A4: Something sturdy like sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread holds up best under the broiler.

Q5: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
A5: You can lightly toast the bread before adding the topping for extra crunch.

Q6: Can I add meat to the mixture?
A6: Yes! Crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken make great additions.

Q7: Are these good cold or reheated?
A7: They’re best hot, but you can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven. They lose some texture when microwaved.

Q8: Can I make this without mayonnaise?
A8: Sure! You can substitute Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even softened cream cheese for a different twist.

Q9: Can I freeze the topping?
A9: Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge before using.

Q10: What drinks go well with this?
A10: These pair beautifully with white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or even a chilled beer.

Conclusion

Olive Cheese Melts are one of those magical little recipes that hit the spot every single time. They’re salty, cheesy, quick to make, and packed with bold flavor—and they always disappear fast! Whether you’re whipping up a cozy lunch, a savory snack, or a crowd-pleasing party platter, these melts deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort.

Print