This nostalgic appetizer, “Ripe Olives and Cheese,” captures the charm of mid-20th-century American entertaining. Popular in vintage cookbooks and handwritten collections, this recipe combines chopped ripe olives, sharp cheddar, and mayonnaise with a hint of curry powder for a creamy, tangy, and slightly exotic flavor. Spread on toasted English muffins and broiled to bubbly perfection, these savory bites were once a go-to for cocktail parties and afternoon teas. The balance of creamy cheese and briny olives creates a timeless comfort-food snack that's as delicious today as it was decades ago.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe olives (chopped, about two 4½ oz cans)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated )
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 6 English muffins
- butter (for toasting muffins)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffins
- Split the English muffins in half.
- Butter lightly and toast until golden.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped ripe olives, sliced green onions, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and curry powder.
- Mix until evenly blended.
Step 3: Assemble
- Spread the mixture evenly over each toasted muffin half.
Step 4: Broil
- Place muffin halves on a baking sheet.
- Broil on the lowest rack of your oven for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Step 5: Serve or Freeze
- Serve warm immediately, or freeze some before broiling for later enjoyment.
Tips
- Use mild cheddar if serving to kids or those sensitive to sharp cheese.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a light heat boost.
- Substitute part of the mayonnaise with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Toast muffins lightly before topping to keep them crisp under the broiler.
- Cut broiled muffin halves into quarters for bite-size party appetizers.
- Try Monterey Jack or Colby in place of sharp cheddar for a milder variation.
- Add finely diced pimentos for color and additional vintage flair.
- Freeze unbroiled, filled muffin halves on a sheet pan, then store in freezer bags for quick appetizers.
- Watch closely while broiling, edges can brown quickly.
- Serve with a green salad to turn into a light lunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!