Savory Olive & Cheese Meltdown
Indulge in this deliciously savory take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich! Infused with the briny goodness of green olives, this sandwich is a delightful creation inspired by one of my husband's innovative culinary ideas. It's perfect for olive lovers or anyone looking to add a twist to a beloved comfort dish. The combination of crispy honey wheat oatmeal bread, gooey melted cheese, and tangy olives creates an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick lunch or a scrumptious snack!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
pimento-stuffed green olives
4 (sliced)
honey wheat oatmeal bread
2 slices (see my recipes)
American cheese
2 slices (can substitute with your favorite cheese)
olive oil
as needed (for sautéing and toasting)
Instructions
1
Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil to lightly coat the bottom.
2
Add the sliced pimento-stuffed olives and sauté them until they are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
3
Transfer the sautéed olives to a plate, reserving them for later use. If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the pan to ensure even browning.
4
Place one slice of honey wheat oatmeal bread in the pan. Evenly spread the sautéed olives over the bread slice, creating a flavorful base.
5
Layer the cheese slices over the olives. You can use American cheese or substitute with your favorite variety for a personalized touch.
6
Top with the remaining slice of bread, gently pressing down with a spatula to compact the sandwich.
7
Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and continue cooking the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted and oozing slightly.
8
Remove from the heat, slice diagonally and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Olive & Cheese Meltdown?
It is a savory version of the classic grilled cheese sandwich featuring pimento-stuffed green olives and honey wheat oatmeal bread.
What type of olives are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for pimento-stuffed green olives.
How many olives are used per sandwich?
The recipe suggests using 4 pimento-stuffed green olives.
What type of bread is used in the Savory Olive & Cheese Meltdown?
The recipe uses two slices of honey wheat oatmeal bread.
Can I substitute the bread in this recipe?
Yes, while honey wheat oatmeal bread is recommended, you can use any variety you prefer.
What kind of cheese is best for this sandwich?
The recipe uses American cheese, but you can substitute it with your favorite variety like cheddar or provolone.
How do I prepare the olives?
The olives should be sliced and then sautéed in olive oil until lightly browned.
Why should I sauté the olives before putting them on the sandwich?
Sautéing enhances the flavor and ensures they are warm and savory within the melted cheese.
How long does it take to sauté the olives?
It takes about 2-3 minutes over medium heat until they are lightly browned.
What oil should I use for cooking?
Olive oil is used for both sautéing the olives and toasting the sandwich bread.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sandwich is a vegetarian-friendly meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 1 serving.
How do I assemble the sandwich in the pan?
Place one slice of bread in the pan, spread the sautéed olives over it, layer the cheese, and top with the second bread slice.
What is the best way to cook the sandwich for a crispy finish?
Cook over medium heat and gently press down with a spatula until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is oozing.
How should the sandwich be sliced?
The recipe recommends slicing the sandwich diagonally for maximum enjoyment.
Is this recipe good for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy lunch option.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This sandwich was inspired by one of the creator's husband's innovative culinary ideas.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
While the recipe specifies olive oil, you can use butter for toasting if you prefer a different flavor.
What texture can I expect from this sandwich?
Expect a crispy exterior from the toasted bread and a gooey, tangy center from the melted cheese and olives.
What heat setting should I use for the pan?
A medium heat setting is recommended to avoid burning the bread while melting the cheese.
Should I add more oil when toasting the bread?
If needed, you can add a bit more olive oil to the pan after sautéing the olives to ensure even browning of the bread.
Can I make this as a snack?
Yes, the Savory Olive & Cheese Meltdown is perfect as either a full meal or a scrumptious snack.
Can I use black olives instead of green?
While the recipe calls for green olives for their brine and tang, you can experiment with other olive varieties.
How many slices of cheese are needed?
The recipe uses 2 slices of American cheese.
Is the bread toasted on both sides?
Yes, the sandwich is flipped during cooking so both outer slices become golden brown and crispy.
What makes the honey wheat oatmeal bread a good choice?
It provides a slightly sweet and hearty contrast to the salty, briny flavor of the olives.
Should I serve the sandwich hot or cold?
It should be served immediately while the cheese is still melted and the bread is warm.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
Only a small non-stick pan and a spatula are required.
Can I double the recipe for two people?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two sandwiches simultaneously if your pan is large enough.
How would you describe the flavor profile?
The sandwich offers a blend of briny, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from the honey wheat bread.