Recipe: Cheese Delights

Every time I see a tray of these come out of the oven, I can’t help but smile. This recipe for Cheese Delights was in heavy rotation when my Mom entertained when we were kids, and if you’re a regular reader, you’ve no doubt heard me talk about them before. With the holidays quickly creeping up, it’s the perfect little recipe to have in your repertoire, because it requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you can keep on hand for those, ahem, surprise guests that drop in.

When it comes to entertaining, I usually rely on a few old stand-bys, and then I add in one or two (or six) new recipes for good measure.

All in an effort to both revisit old favorites and get the opportunity to try new recipes.

And when it comes to the old stand-bys, this is, hands down, one of my favorites.

Because, I mean, melted cheese. It’s about as perfect as it gets.

You know, unless you’re lactose-intolerant, in which case, you’re outta luck tonight.

Cheese Delights use real ingredients … shredded Sharp Cheddar. Mozzarella. Black olives. The last time I made these, I added a bit of crispy bacon on the top. Since you’re already in the refrigerated aisle picking up the cheese anyway, just grab a package of bacon and you’ve just reached something darn near perfection.

Another great alternative, and staying with the “things on muffins” theme, is this recipe for Crabbies. Also, just as simple to make and equally delicious. And totally not in keeping with things I’m eating right now, but it’s the holidays, and all things in moderation. So there.

Need a few more recipes to round out your holiday menu? This Pinterest board from the folks at the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association will totally hook you up.

And tomorrow? I am finally one step ahead of the curve… I have a new recipe to share that will take care of breakfast *and* your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers in one fell swoop.

Cheese Delights
6 English muffins, split in half
4 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
4 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup mayo (light works fine)
1 cup black olives, chopped fine

Lightly butter muffin halves. Mix remaining ingredients together to form a paste and spread on muffins. Broil until bubbly (watch, it goes quickly). Once cooled enough, cut into quarters. (Original directions has the cutting before the broiling, by the way, but I think it’s easier to cut afterwards).

*This post was sponsored by Mom It Forward and the National Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association to remind you of all the wonderfully awesome items lurking in your favorite grocer’s frozen and refrigerated aisles.