So simple and delicious, this three-ingredient cream cheese and olive sandwich is the latest old-fashioned sandwich to get popular.
We’re Obsessed With This Vintage Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwich That’s Gone Viral
A couple of the most viral recipes this spring have been simple, vintage sandwiches that call for white bread and cream cheese. The first old-fashioned lunch to catch fire was the cucumber sandwich, watched and liked by millions on TikTok. “Do you really need a recipe for a cucumber sandwich?” asked TikTok creator Amy Flanigan in her video (with 1.3 million views). “Yes. Yes, you do.” Now, closely following the popularity of the cucumber sandwich, allow us to introduce its close cousin: the cream cheese and olive sandwich.
The cream cheese and olive sandwich, surprisingly, does not owe its fame to TikTok. The one who kicked off this trend is food writer Elazar Sontag, who wrote about it in Bon Appetit, based on a sandwich he ate at S&P, the revival of the classic New York lunch counter. “What I didn’t expect was for so much nostalgia,” wrote Sontag. When he posted his version on Instagram, he says that “Friends and strangers streamed into my comments and DMs to share stories of their parents and grandparents making some approximation of this dish when they were little.”
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What Is a Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwich and How Do You Make It?
It’s just as the name says. There are three ingredients: white bread, cream cheese and pitted olives. This is not an olive sandwich spread, which is quite different.
To make it, take two slices of white bread and slather them generously with cream cheese. Then, take a handful of olives and chop them into pebble-sized pieces. Top the cream cheesed bread with the chopped olives and close the sandwich. Cut in half to serve.
“Sometimes it pays to just be simple,” said TikTok creator Jim Behymer (@sandwichidiot) in his video (with more than 325,000 views!) that sings the praises of this three-ingredient sandwich. Behymer noted the old-fashioned nature of the sandwich, as well: “Nostalgia, for many people, may be a secret and critical fourth ingredient to this sandwich.”
@sandwichidiot Sometimes it pays to just be simple. Tagging Barry ’cause I mention him in the video. Hiya Barry! #greenolives #castelvetrano #creamcheese #sandwich #simple ♬ Just Be Simple – Songs: Ohia
We Tried It—and You Should, Too
Personally, I have no nostalgic connection to this sandwich—my parents or grandparents never ate this. But it still feels old-school in the coolest way possible. I do happen to love olives, in all forms, which I think is important. They can be a divisive food item, even though olives have health benefits. Half of our office expressed disgust at the idea of olives. But if you like olives, you will love this sandwich.
Though it’s simple, there are definitely ways to experiment with and personalize the cream cheese and olive sandwich. For instance, the original recipe calls for green olives (Castelvetro works well), but you can also try them with others. Kalamata olives, for instance, brought a little more intense brininess. There is also the question of whether to cut the crusts off or not. I found that both crust on and crust off had their merits.
Old-School Recipes That Deserve a Comeback
Old-Fashioned Macaroni and CheeseBring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
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Triple Chocolate FudgeThis recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate yummy gift! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
Chicken TetrazziniChicken tetrazzini is a classic comfort dish. This recipe in particular comes with a generous twist, making a casserole for you and your family and another for the freezer or a friend.
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell PeppersMy husband, Steve, loves this stuffed pepper recipe. They're so filling and easy to prepare. I serve them with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a no-fuss supper. —Karen Gentry, Somerset, Kentucky
Apricot FluffWhen we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Green Bean CasseroleIf green bean casserole is your go-to Thanksgiving side dish, why not make it more often? The creamy, crunchy dish is an easy make-ahead recipe that goes well with a variety of meals.
Steamed Carrot PuddingCarrot pudding gets its soft, airy texture as it's gently steamed until the batter is just cooked through. Adding a few warming spices and nourishing ingredients—such as carrots and potatoes—makes this a heartier dessert than most.
This old-fashioned pound cake is another classic dessert you should try.
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Homemade Apple Cider Beef StewIt's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska
Grandma's Rice DishMy grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
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Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Grandma’s Tomato SoupThis recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Corn PuddingThis sweetheart of a side is delicious, rich and perfect on a weeknight table or as part of a holiday spread. If you want to step up your side dish game, this triple-corn pudding is an excellent choice.
Crisp Waldorf SaladThis crunchy salad is a perfect side to accompany a heavy meal. With it's light and crisp flavors, it'll be the hit of the party.—Susan R Falk, Eastpointe, Michigan
Creamy Potato SoupThis creamy potato soup is one of my favorite recipes that uses wholesome milk—an important product we produce on our dairy farm. It's rich and delicious...even the kids gobble it up!—Janis Plagerman, Ephrata, Washington
Homemade Bread RecipeHere's a step-by-step guide to kneading, shaping and baking yeast bread for the freshest, fluffiest homemade loaves.
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s PieEveryone eats for comfort during the holidays, but comfort foods aren't necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish healthier, I came up with this lovely take: butternut squash shepherd's pie with ground turkey. It's perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Southern Banana PuddingThis old southern banana pudding recipe features a comforting custard layered with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, then topped with meringue. I serve it year-round. —Jan Campbell, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Classic Beef StewThis easy beef stew recipe is my favorite. The rich beef gravy helps the hearty flavor of the potatoes and carrots to come through. It's the perfect homemade dish for a blustery winter day. —Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Chicken and Wild Rice CasseroleThis chicken and wild rice casserole is the perfect dinner for when you need something easy, balanced and friendly for the whole family. Precooked chicken and rice make it even quicker.
Three-Cheese FondueI got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Steak DianeSometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Oysters RockefellerThis old-school oysters Rockefeller recipe is decadent and dressed-up, yet easy to make at home. That just might be why it's been around for over 130 years.
Chicken and DumplingsThis homestyle chicken and dumpling soup recipe is just like mom's with its classic mirepoix base and doughy drop dumplings.
German PancakesWhip up a show-stopping centerpiece for your breakfast spread with our recipe for German pancakes.
Crown Roast of PorkIf you're looking for a recipe that will wow your dinner guests, this crown roast of pork recipe is exactly what you need. It looks elegant and sophisticated, but it's actually really easy to make.
Old-Fashioned Beef StewThis rich, hearty old-fashioned beef stew recipe has a garden full of flavor with vegetables like cabbage, rutabaga and carrots. Mom knew this main dish is one that would suit us 11 kids. When we were all home, she'd throw in extra vegetables to stretch it. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
Creamed Spinach & Pearl OnionsWhen I was a culinary student, this creamy dish wowed me, and I don't even like spinach. This side is a keeper! —Chelsea Puchel, Pickens, South Carolina
Pot RoastOur pot roast recipe takes a tough chuck roast and braises it, transforming it into a tender, fork-friendly meal.
Slow-Cooked Chicken a la KingWhen I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Ambrosia Fruit SaladMy mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Beef WellingtonThough individual servings of this beef Wellington recipe might look sophisticated, making them is as easy as crimping together the edges of store-bought puff pastry.
Pork Chops ‘n’ PierogiThe Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Creamy Celery Beef StroganoffCream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
German Red CabbageThis inexpensive red cabbage recipe makes a tender, tasty vegetable side dish. It's traditionally German, but it pairs well with all kinds of foods, in every season.
Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean SoupThis old-fashioned version of ham and bean soup starts with dried navy beans, but you could start with great northern beans instead. The first soak of the beans softens them, but they won't get tender until after they are simmered in the second step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Clam ChowderEnjoy a big bowl of award-winning clam chowder, a traditional favorite from the New England coast. It's creamy and chock-full of clams, potatoes, bacon and more.
De-Lightful Tuna CasseroleThis mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese DressingA wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
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Broccoli CasseroleThis classic cheesy broccoli casserole recipe is a timeless family favorite. It requires only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time for a quick and easy dinner.
Beef Cabbage SoupWhen I was a little girl, I helped my parents work the fields of their small farm. Lunchtime was always a treat when Mother picked fresh vegetables from the garden and simmered them in her big soup pot. We loved making this delicious recipe. —Ethel Ledbetter, Canton, North Carolina
Swedish MeatballsWhip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!
Salisbury SteakSalisbury steak makes an easy, cozy weeknight dinner. One whiff of the rich ground beef and savory mushroom sauce will bring the whole family to the table!
