Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich Recipe
If you’re hunting for a fresh, flavor-packed lunch that feels a little bit fancy (without requiring any real effort), you’re in for a treat with this Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich. Picture tangy, creamy goat cheese spread thick on crisp sourdough, topped with briny, deeply savory olive tapenade, juicy tomato slices, and a handful of peppery arugula. A drizzle of golden olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper bring everything together in the dreamiest Mediterranean bite. It’s simple to make, wildly delicious, and guaranteed to send your weekday lunch routine somewhere sunny.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich plays its own starring role: from the hearty bread that holds it all together to the crisp greens and the rich flavor of goat cheese. Don’t skip or swap without tasting the difference each brings, because together they create something truly special!
- Crusty bread: Use 8 slices of a hearty loaf like ciabatta or sourdough; a robust, rustic bread provides the perfect foundation and satisfying crunch.
- Goat cheese: Four ounces, softened to room temperature, spreads easily and gives that irresistible tang with a creamy finish.
- Olive tapenade: Half a cup, whether black or green olive-based, adds bursts of briny, Mediterranean flavor throughout every bite.
- Fresh arugula: One cup of these peppery greens deliver a crisp contrast and a pop of color.
- Tomato: One medium, sliced; juicy tomato adds freshness and balances the saltier flavors nicely.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A tablespoon drizzled on top serves as a rich, fruity finish that brings it all together.
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon, freshly ground, for a warm, spicy note and aromatic finish.
How to Make Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich
Step 1: Toast the Bread (Optional, but Recommended!)
If you love a touch of crunch, lightly toast your bread slices before assembling. A quick turn under the broiler or a few minutes in the toaster transforms ordinary bread into a hearty, golden vehicle that stands up to all the fillings. Plus, it adds wonderful texture and makes the sandwich feel even more gourmet.
Step 2: Spread the Goat Cheese
Grab four slices of your toasted (or untoasted!) bread and dollop a generous portion of softened goat cheese onto each. Spread it edge to edge so every bite gets that creamy, tangy goodness. The goat cheese is the rich, velvety base layer that makes the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Add the Olive Tapenade
Now, spoon a generous layer of olive tapenade over the goat cheese. Don’t be shy—spread it all the way to the crust for full-on Mediterranean flavor. The tapenade’s salty, piquant depth pairs perfectly with the lush cheese and gives the sandwich its distinctive character.
Step 4: Layer with Arugula and Tomato
Scatter a handful of fresh arugula on each sandwich, followed by a few juicy tomato slices. This step brings a juicy, vibrant crunch and keeps things feeling light and fresh. If you really want to level up, try slipping in some thin strips of roasted red pepper or cucumber, too.
Step 5: Drizzle and Season
Drizzle each open-faced sandwich with a little extra virgin olive oil and finish with a sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper. These two finishing touches are tiny but mighty, heightening all the flavors and lending a glossy, mouthwatering look.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Crown each stack with a second slice of bread, press lightly, and slice in half for that perfect, satisfying cross-section reveal. Serve the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich right away while the bread’s at its best.
How to Serve Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich
Garnishes
A stunning sandwich deserves a gorgeous presentation. Try tucking a few extra arugula leaves or basil sprigs alongside, scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt across the top, or stick a toothpick with a cherry tomato through each half for fun. It’s amazing how a thoughtful garnish can make your Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich feel like a bistro treat!
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of your sandwich with something cool and crisp—a pile of lemony cucumber salad, simple kettle chips, or a bowl of zippy tomato soup are all terrific pairings. A handful of marinated olives or a citrusy fruit salad also works splendidly, reinforcing those Mediterranean vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, transform the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich into tea sandwiches by cutting off the crusts and slicing each into triangles or finger-sized rectangles. Hosting brunch? Press the sandwiches in a panini press for gooey, melty cheese and crispy bread. You can even slice them into appetizer portions for your next gathering—they disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve built a few too many sandwiches, wrap each leftover Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to a day, though the bread may soften a bit from the moisture (which some people actually love).
Freezing
While you can technically freeze the goat cheese and tapenade separately, assembled sandwiches aren’t great freezer candidates. The fresh ingredients like tomato and arugula don’t thaw well, and the bread can become soggy. For a speedy lunch, just keep components on hand and assemble fresh.
Reheating
If your sandwich has chilled in the fridge and you prefer it warm, pop it on a hot skillet or into a panini press for a couple minutes. This will restore some of the bread’s crispness and give the goat cheese a melty, luxurious texture that takes your Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich to new heights.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While creamy goat cheese is wonderful for its tanginess, feel free to swap in cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta for a new twist. Just note that each cheese will change the sandwich’s texture and character.
What if I can’t find olive tapenade?
No tapenade at your store? Make a quick version by chopping up a mix of olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice. Even a simple mix of chopped olives works well in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this sandwich vegan?
For a vegan variation, substitute a plant-based cream cheese or a store-bought vegan goat cheese. The olive tapenade and veggies are already vegan-friendly, so it’s an easy swap!
Which type Lunch, Sandwich
Rustic breads like ciabatta or sourdough work best because they’re sturdy, have good chew, and soak up flavors without becoming soggy. They also toast up beautifully, adding a critical dimension of crunch.
Can I prep the components in advance?
Definitely—make the goat cheese spread, tapenade, and slice the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately, then assemble the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich at the last minute for the freshest result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hungry for a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal, you have to try the Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a lunch date, a picnic, or just because you deserve something bright and beautiful in your day, this sandwich never disappoints. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to favorite!
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Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors with this delightful Olive Tapenade & Goat Cheese Sandwich. Layers of creamy goat cheese, tangy olive tapenade, fresh arugula, and ripe tomato, all nestled between slices of crusty bread, create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 slices crusty bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade (black or green olive-based)
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Lightly toast bread slices if desired. Spread goat cheese evenly over 4 slices of bread.
- Top each with a generous spoonful of olive tapenade, spreading to cover.
- Layer with arugula and tomato slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Place remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add thin slices of roasted red pepper or cucumber for extra flavor and crunch.
- This sandwich works well on a panini press for a warm, melty variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
