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Ripe Olives and Cheese Appetizer
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 285 kcal

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
Keyword appetizer, broiled muffins, cheesy, easy appetizer, olive spread, party food, retro snack, vintage recipe
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