Bacon-Olive Hot Appetizer

This retro cocktail party appetizer punches way above its weight.

Crumbled bacon, chopped ripe olives, sharp cheddar, and scallion tops get bound together with mayo and a surprising teaspoon of curry powder that ties it all together with earthy warmth.

Spread the mixture onto toasted bread cut into fun shapes, pop them under the broiler until bubbly and golden, and watch them vanish.

The best part? You can assemble these and freeze them, then broil straight from frozen whenever guests show up unannounced.

Kitchen Tips

• Use the sharpest cheddar you can find. Mild cheese disappears under the bold flavors of the olives and bacon.
• Toast the bread on one side only, then spread the topping on the untoasted side. This keeps one side crisp while the topping melts into the soft side.
• Cut the bread into triangles, rounds, or strips before topping for a polished appetizer platter look.
• Keep a batch in the freezer for last-minute entertaining. They go from freezer to broiler to plate in under five minutes.