We’re Obsessed With This Vintage Cream Cheese and Olive Sandwich That’s Gone Viral
Updated: Jun. 13, 2023
So simple and delicious, this three-ingredient cream cheese and olive sandwich is the latest old-fashioned sandwich to get popular.
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
Pinwheel Steak PotpieOn cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Triple Chocolate FudgeThis recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate yummy gift! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
Mom's Chicken TetrazziniRotisserie chicken turns this baked spaghetti into a warm, cozy meal our family craves. If we have leftover turkey, we use that, too. —Jennifer Petrino, Newnan, Georgia
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
Green Bean CasseroleThis green bean casserole is so easy to put together and is one of my all-time favorite dishes! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Steamed Carrot PuddingThis recipe, passed down from my Canadian grandmother, has been in my family for at least three generations. It's been a favorite wintertime dessert for us and is always served for Easter and other holiday meals. —Ann Searcey, Kettering, Ohio
This old-fashioned pound cake is another classic dessert you should try.
Chicken Cordon BleuThe addition of bacon in this version of cordon bleu makes it one of my favorite comforting recipes. I've made it for both friends and family, and everyone's a fan. —Jim Wick, Orlando, Florida
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
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 PuddingCornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Basic Homemade BreadIf you'd like to learn how to bake bread, here's a wonderful place to start. This easy white bread bakes up deliciously golden brown. There's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
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
Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice CasseroleWhile this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Oysters RockefellerMy husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom DressingIt looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
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
Ultimate Pot RoastDutch oven pot roast recipes are the ultimate comfort food. When juicy pot roast simmers in garlic, onions and veggies, everyone comes running to ask "When can we eat?" The answer? Just wait—it will be worth it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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
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 CabbageSunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Potato Clam ChowderI ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
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
Favorite Sloppy JoesI've prepared these sandwiches for years. I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Porcupine MeatballsThese well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom's best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli CasseroleEven people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Swedish MeatballsMom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
