I’ve never been much of an olive fan. I actually kinda despise them…very publicly. But I’ve been keeping a secret… a deep, dark secret. I’ve known for a long time that there is some sort of cheddar, cheesy olive spread that I love. I hadn’t known what it was until this recipe resurfaced.

This spread was one that Great-Grandma Mary would make before our family vacation every summer. As my Aunt was telling me she would make a big tub of it and put it in the fridge of her beach house. All of the family bounced from house to house during the week. If they stopped by hers they would spread this on a hamburger bun and broil it in the toaster oven until it was bubbly and melted.

I’m so happy to have figured out my olive puzzle because this is amazing! I think it’ll be great just the way Great-Grandma Mary served it on a hamburger bun, but foccacia, pizza dough and baguettes would all be great too!

Island Olive Cheese Spread

8 oz cheddar cheese* (ground)

3oz can of chopped black olives

3oz of tomato paste

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

 

Mince garlic well then combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Spread on buns and broil until cheese is melted.

 

*I prefer sharp cheddar. You can grind it in the food processor with a few quick pulses. I’m sure grated cheese would work just as well, but I’m loyal to Great-Grandma Mary’s approach on this one.

If you’re putting it in the food processor you can just break it into a few chunks and let the machine do the work.

I think we should “grind” cheese more often.

Here come the olives…they are beautiful.

Chopped!

Add all of the ingredients at once and give them a stir.

I know, I know. Some things are more photogenic than others!!

This is great on toast, english muffins, hamburger or hot dog buns, you name it!

 

Do you have a family favorite from your vacations?