Olive Cheese Melts are everything you could ever want in a comfort-food snack: oozy, melted cheese blended with briny olives, creamy mayo, and bright green onions, all baked on top of crispy baguette slices or soft sandwich rolls. This is a dish that transforms the humblest ingredients into something deeply craveable and utterly irresistible. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, an easy family lunch, or just a cozy treat for yourself, Olive Cheese Melts deliver savory satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Olive Cheese Melts come together from simple pantry and fridge staples, but each ingredient plays its own special role in building flavor, texture, and a beautiful, golden finish. Here’s what to gather to make this dreamy cheesy delight at home:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings a rich, tangy foundation and that craveable “cheese pull” texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds gooey stretch and a creamy melt that balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy and rich, mayo helps bind everything together and gives each bite incredible moisture.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way, adding subtle savory notes that enhance the cheeses.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the other flavors beautifully.
- Green Olives (1/2 cup, chopped): Their salty, tangy bite cuts through the richness and gives the melts their signature flavor.
- Black Olives (1/4 cup, chopped): Deep, mellow flavor and earthy notes that layer in more olive goodness.
- Green Onions (2, finely sliced): For a fresh, zippy crunch and a pop of bright, herby green.
- Baguette or Sandwich Rolls (1 baguette or 4 rolls, halved): Provides the perfect crispy-but-chewy canvas for all that cheesy, olive-packed goodness.
How to Make Olive Cheese Melts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup, and set aside your split baguette or rolls, face up, ready to be transformed.
Step 2: Mix the Olive Cheese Filling
Grab a medium mixing bowl and add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, both types of chopped olives, and the green onions. Stir everything together really well—blend until the cheese, olives, and mayo hug each other like best friends. The mixture should look thick, colorful, and a bit chunky.
Step 3: Spread Generously
Using a spoon or spatula, divvy up your olive cheese filling onto the cut sides of the bread. Be generous! Spread all the way to the edges, so every bite is loaded. If you’re using a baguette, make sure the topping is even; if using rolls, give them a nice, thick layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place your assembled bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melting, bubbling, and starting to get those irresistible golden brown spots.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
If you love a crispy, deeply golden top on your Olive Cheese Melts, pop the tray under your broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye—things go from perfectly browned to overly crisp in a flash!
Step 6: Slice and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let everything cool for just a minute or two. Slice up the baguette, if using, into snackable pieces, or serve rolls as-is. These taste absolutely best when enjoyed toasty and melty.
How to Serve Olive Cheese Melts
Garnishes
To up the wow factor and add a little freshness, sprinkle chopped extra green onions, a flurry of fresh parsley, or even a light dusting of red pepper flakes over your finished Olive Cheese Melts. The little touches make them feel special every time.
Side Dishes
Pairing is pure fun! Olive Cheese Melts are awesome with tomato soup, a simple green salad, or crisp veggies on the side. For parties, serve them alongside marinated artichokes or roasted nuts for a Mediterranean-style spread that’ll make everyone linger at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond basic slicing: try cutting baguette pieces into bite-sized “fingers” for a grab-and-go appetizer, or use mini ciabatta rolls so everyone gets their own personal melt. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with extra olives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a seriously Instagram-worthy platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any Olive Cheese Melts left (rare, but it does happen!), let them cool to room temperature and pop them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The bread may soften a bit, but reheating will bring back some crunch.
Freezing
The cheese-olive mixture itself freezes beautifully! Just spoon it into a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then spread on bread and bake as usual. Fully assembled, baked melts don’t freeze as well, so prep the topping ahead instead.
Reheating
To warm up leftover melts, arrange them on a baking sheet and pop into a 350°F (180°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crisped up. The microwave works in a pinch but won’t give you that signature melty, bubbly top.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in my Olive Cheese Melts?
Absolutely! Feel free to play around with whatever you have on hand. Fontina, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack work beautifully for melting, and you can add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra punch. The combination of sharp and stretchy cheese is what makes these melts so irresistible.
I’m not a fan of olives—what can I substitute?
If olives aren’t your thing, try finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, or even roasted red peppers. The Olive Cheese Melts won’t taste quite the same, but you’ll still get a deliciously cheesy, savory snack.
Can I make Olive Cheese Melts gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the baguette or rolls for your favorite gluten-free bread. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can serve these up to gluten-sensitive guests without worry.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Bake a couple of baguettes topped with the cheese-olive mixture, slice them into thin strips once baked, and arrange on a big platter. They’re perfect finger food, and you can double (or triple!) the recipe easily to keep a crowd happy.
Can I make the cheese-olive filling ahead of time?
Yes! The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, so you can mix it up ahead and simply spread, bake, and serve when you need a quick snack or appetizer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s honestly more than the sum of its parts, Olive Cheese Melts need to be on your must-make list. They’re quick, deeply satisfying, and always a hit with friends and family—so don’t wait for an occasion! Give these cheesy, olive-studded treats a try and watch them disappear in record time.
Print
Olive Cheese Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Olive Cheese Melts are a delicious and easy-to-make cheesy appetizer featuring a flavorful blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tangy olives, and aromatic garlic powder. Baked to perfection on a baguette or sandwich rolls, these melts are ideal for any gathering or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Additional:
- 1 baguette or 4 sandwich rolls, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, green olives, black olives, and green onions.
- Spread on Bread: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette or sandwich rolls.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil: For a crispier top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm, sliced if using a baguette.
Notes
- You can use different types of bread like sourdough or ciabatta.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Great as a snack, appetizer, or quick lunch.
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