Want to Add Cheese and Olive Oil to Your Diet? Here Are the Must-Try Dishes
Cheese and olive oil are two staples that have graced tables for centuries, deeply rooted in culinary traditions around the globe. They bring more than rich flavor—they carry history, culture, and nutrition in every bite and drizzle. Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner, incorporating them in the right way can transform meals into something truly memorable. If you're looking to work both ingredients into your daily meals without overthinking it, a few smart choices can go a long way.
Here are six irresistible dishes that make the most of cheese and olive oil in ways both familiar and refreshingly new.
Drizzle on Your Sandwich
The simple sandwich gets a serious upgrade when olive oil replaces condiments like mayonnaise. A hearty sourdough or ciabatta holds up well against the richness of cheese and the depth of a well-chosen oil. One delicious option is layering fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a handful of arugula, finished with a generous drizzle of Polyphenol Rich Olive Oil right in the middle of the build. It cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and adds a slightly peppery brightness.
Aged cheeses like provolone or Manchego offer a more intense flavor if you’re after something bolder. Toasting the sandwich brings a whole new texture—crispy edges and melted interiors that are hard to resist. For a Mediterranean feel, add roasted peppers or sliced olives. What was once a simple lunch becomes a meal you look forward to.
Warm Salads That Do More
Salads don’t have to be cold or leafy. A warm salad of roasted vegetables—zucchini, eggplant, red onions—tossed with feta or grilled halloumi and finished with olive oil is comforting and satisfying. The trick is to roast the vegetables until they caramelize slightly. Then, while still warm, mix them with cheese so it softens and blends in with the other ingredients.
Pine nuts, chickpeas, or lentils can make this even heartier. The olive oil pulls the flavors together and adds a silkiness that ties each bite into the next. If you’re leaning toward sharper tastes, try blue cheese crumbles on grilled radicchio or endive with oil and vinegar. The bitterness of the greens stands up to the creamy intensity of the cheese, and the olive oil brings harmony to both.
Egg Dishes That Aren’t Just for Breakfast
Cheese and olive oil don’t need to stay on the sidelines when eggs are involved. A frittata packed with vegetables, herbs, and chunks of goat cheese or sharp cheddar is perfect for brunch, but also holds its own as dinner. Before baking, sauté your vegetables in olive oil to infuse them with flavor and moisture. Pour the egg mixture over and bake until just set.
Or go with a shakshuka-inspired dish—simmer tomatoes, garlic, and onions in olive oil, crack eggs into the sauce, and sprinkle crumbled feta on top before finishing in the oven. It’s simple but layered, and great with warm bread to soak it all up. Scrambled eggs cooked slowly in olive oil take on a creamy texture that butter can’t quite replicate, especially when finished with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Simple Pasta, Big Flavor
Pasta doesn't need cream or heavy sauces when olive oil and cheese step in. Cooked al dente and tossed immediately with good olive oil, garlic, and grated Parmesan or Asiago makes for a quick and deeply satisfying meal. Add chili flakes for heat, or lemon zest for brightness.
Cacio e pepe is another excellent example—just pasta, Pecorino, cracked black pepper, and starchy water stirred until it emulsifies into a silky coating. Olive oil can be used in place of some of the cheese for a lighter version. If you're working with filled pastas like ravioli or tortellini, a sage-infused olive oil drizzled on top with shaved cheese finishes the dish without overpowering the filling.
Baked Cheese That Stands Alone
Some cheeses don’t need much to shine. Bake a wheel of Brie or Camembert until gooey, slice open the rind, and pour a little olive oil mixed with herbs right over the top. Serve with crackers or slices of baguette and maybe some fruit—figs, grapes, or roasted apples are excellent choices.
Feta baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and thyme, then mashed gently with olive oil into a chunky spread, is another simple dish that’s full of character. Let it stand alone or spoon it over toast, grilled chicken, or roasted potatoes. Burrata served with grilled bread, drizzled oil, and flaky salt needs nothing else. It’s pure luxury in a few ingredients.
Cheese and olive oil belong to a category of ingredients that don’t need fanfare. With a few thoughtful combinations, they offer warmth, flavor, and texture across a wide range of meals. Keep a bottle of high-quality olive oil on hand, stock your favorite cheeses, and let your kitchen take care of the rest.
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