Cheese toasties are a lunchtime staple, but they can sometimes feel plain. Adding just two ingredients—za'atar and olives—transforms them into a game-changing meal.
The Za'atar and Olive Cheese Toastie
The recipe, shared on Instagram by Courtney Gordon (@courtmakeshome), caught the eye of Isobel Pankhurst, who often craves olives. Gordon's recipe calls for Castelvetrano or Nocerella olives, but Pankhurst used Halkidiki olives, which were on offer at her local supermarket. For the za'atar, she typically prefers Zaytoun's blend but opted for Schwartz when the former was unavailable.
Instead of her usual grated mozzarella and cheddar mix, Pankhurst switched to sliced fresh mozzarella as Gordon suggests. She used about half a ball, though more could be used for a perfect cheese pull.
How to Make It
The recipe is simple: butter both sides of two slices of sourdough bread, then generously sprinkle one side with za'atar. Toast the slices in a pan over medium heat for three to four minutes until golden and crisp. Flip the slices over, cover one with sliced fresh mozzarella and chopped green olives, sprinkle on more za'atar, and top with the second slice of bread. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another three to four minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Pankhurst found the resulting flavours delicious and different from a typical cheese toastie. She has already made the recipe twice since discovering it and plans to try Nocerella olives next time.
