O.T. Appetizer
A delightful appetizer featuring a savory cheese and olive spread toasted on rye bread, perfect for parties and gatherings that love bold flavors and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, egg yolk, mustard, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the olives, onion, and cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the olive mixture and stir until well blended.
- Refrigerate the mixture if making ahead, stirring before spreading.
- Place squares of rye bread on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and flip the bread slices over.
- Spread the vegetable-cheese mixture on top of each bread slice, covering to the edges.
- Return to the broiler and heat for about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a touch more mayonnaise or sour cream to the mixture. If black olives aren't available, green olives can be a nice substitute. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as a mild cheddar or a pepper jack for added spice. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep time.
Serving Suggestions
This appetizer is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with Cream Of Broccoli And Potato Soup for a comforting meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad or some crunchy vegetables for a balanced spread. Consider adding a selection of dips and spreads to create a delightful appetizer platter that guests can enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover vegetable-cheese mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the spread on fresh rye bread and broil again for a few minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid freezing, as the texture may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of O.T. Appetizer contains roughly 184 calories, with 7g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the olive and cheese mixture in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the toasted bread to ensure everything is well combined.
What can I substitute for party rye bread?
If party rye bread is unavailable, you can use sliced baguette, pita chips, or even crackers. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread or crackers to hold the topping.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of Tabasco sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños or finely chopped hot peppers. You could also use a spicy mustard to give it an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).