This savory "cheese cake" is not your typical dessert, it’s a vintage appetizer dish popular in mid-century gatherings and cocktail parties. Made with a creamy sour cream base and flavored with tangy olives, crisp celery, green pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is served chilled and sliced like a cheesecake. It’s a conversation starter and a bold blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for spreading on crackers or serving as a unique centerpiece dip at retro-themed events or family potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp margarine (melted )
- 8 oz cheese crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup green olives with pimientos (finely chopped)
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1 green pepper (medium, finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups sour cream
- Ripe olives and pimiento strips (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Crust
- Melt margarine.
- Mix with crushed cheese crackers.
- Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan or shallow dish to form a crust. Chill while preparing filling.
Step 2: Make Filling
- In a large bowl, combine green olives, celery, green pepper, onion, lemon juice, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
- Fold in sour cream until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Top with additional ripe olives and pimiento strips before serving.
- Slice like cheesecake and serve with additional crackers.
Tips
- Chill the mixture in a springform pan to mimic a true “cheese cake” shape.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Add 8 oz softened cream cheese to give it firmer “cheesecake” structure.
- Replace margarine with butter for richer flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for brightness.
- Serve with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetables.
- Add diced ham or bacon for a smoky option.
- Use red bell pepper instead of green for sweetness and color contrast.
- Increase paprika and Worcestershire for a deeper savory profile.
- Top with additional sliced olives and pimento strips for a vintage presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!