Mediterranean Olive & Cream Cheese Toast Bites
Delight your guests with these exquisite Mediterranean Olive & Cream Cheese Toast Bites, perfect for any occasion. The base is made from toasted white bread, cut into bite-sized rounds and brushed with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish. Topped with a rich and creamy mixture that blends velvety cream cheese with finely chopped pimento-stuffed olives, vibrant green onions, and red bell peppers, each bite is a burst of flavor. Enhance the experience with a hint of paprika and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, broiled to perfection. These canapés are not only easy to prepare but can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Serve them as an elegant snack, appetizer, or at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
10-12 slices (Use regular sandwich bread, ideally a day old and stored in the fridge overnight.)
butter, melted
2-3 tablespoons (Melt before using.)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Use freshly grated or adjust to taste.)
cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup (Allow to soften at room temperature.)
pimento stuffed olives, finely chopped
1/3 cup (Finely chop before adding.)
green onions or scallions, finely chopped
1/4 cup (Finely chop before adding.)
red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup (Finely chop before adding.)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (Add more to taste if desired.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle.
2
Using a 1.5-2 inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out approximately 40 rounds from the slices of bread. If you don't have a cutter, the end of a small glass can work, but be cautious not to break the glass.
3
Place the cut rounds on a large baking sheet and brush one side of each round generously with melted butter.
4
Bake the bread rounds in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Leave the toasts on the baking sheet while you prepare the topping.
5
Switch your oven setting to broiler heat, and adjust the rack accordingly.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, green onions or scallions, red bell pepper, and paprika. If desired, add a couple teaspoons of dry sherry for added depth of flavor. Mix until everything is well integrated and creamy.
7
Once the toasts are baked, remove them from the oven and top each piece with about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture.
8
Sprinkle the tops generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
9
Broil the assembled toasts about 4 inches from the heat source for approximately 1 minute, or until the Parmesan cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
10
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Olive & Cream Cheese Toast Bites?
They are elegant canapés made from toasted white bread rounds topped with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, pimento-stuffed olives, green onions, and red bell peppers, finished with melted Parmesan.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Regular white sandwich bread is best, ideally a day old and stored in the fridge overnight to make cutting the rounds easier.
How many toast bites does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 40 bite-sized rounds from 10-12 slices of white bread.
What size cutter should I use for the bread?
A 1.5 to 2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter is ideal for creating the perfect bite-sized base for these appetizers.
Can I use a glass if I don't have a cookie cutter?
Yes, the end of a small glass can work to cut the rounds, but be cautious not to apply too much pressure and break the glass.
At what temperature should I bake the bread rounds?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the bread rounds on the middle rack.
How long do the bread rounds need to bake initially?
Bake the buttered rounds for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy before adding the topping.
What are the main ingredients in the topping mixture?
The topping consists of softened cream cheese, finely chopped pimento-stuffed olives, green onions, red bell pepper, and paprika.
Can these appetizers be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be made ahead of time, which allows the Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully overnight.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the olives and vegetables.
How should the olives be prepared for the recipe?
Use pimento-stuffed olives and chop them finely before mixing them into the cream cheese base.
Can I use scallions instead of green onions?
Yes, green onions and scallions are the same and work perfectly in this recipe when finely chopped.
Is there a secret ingredient to add more depth to the flavor?
Adding a couple of teaspoons of dry sherry to the cream cheese mixture can provide an added depth of flavor.
How much topping should I put on each toast round?
Place approximately one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each toasted piece of bread.
What type of cheese is used for the finishing touch?
Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled generously over the topping before the bites are broiled.
How long should the assembled bites be broiled?
Broil the bites for approximately 1 minute, or until the Parmesan cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
How far from the broiler should the rack be placed?
Position the rack so the toasts are about 4 inches from the heat source during the broiling process.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They are best served warm or at room temperature for the most optimal flavor experience.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Brushing the bread with melted butter and pre-baking it at 375°F creates a crispy barrier that holds the topping well.
Is there a specific way to chop the vegetables for the topping?
Yes, the olives, green onions, and red bell peppers should all be finely chopped to create a consistent, creamy texture.
Can I adjust the amount of paprika in the recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon, you can add more to taste if you prefer a stronger spice profile.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese in this recipe?
The Parmesan adds a salty, savory crust and becomes beautifully bubbly when broiled, providing a great texture.
What should I watch out for during the broiling step?
Keep a very close eye on the bites as they broil, as the cheese and bread can burn very quickly under high heat.
What makes these toast bites 'Mediterranean' style?
The use of pimento-stuffed olives, red bell peppers, and savory cheeses creates a flavor profile inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I use freshly grated Parmesan cheese?
Yes, using freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and melting quality.
Why is it recommended to use day-old bread?
Day-old bread is slightly firmer, making it much easier to cut into clean, round shapes without tearing the slices.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, because the bread rounds are brushed with melted butter, they should not stick to the baking sheet.
What color should the finished toast bites be?
The bread should be a golden brown, and the Parmesan topping should be bubbly and lightly browned from the broiler.
Are these bites suitable for large parties?
Yes, they are excellent for gatherings as they are bite-sized, easy to prepare in large batches, and very popular with guests.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
While red bell pepper is recommended for its sweetness and color, you could use green or yellow peppers if needed.