If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crusty French bread loaf smothered in a creamy, cheesy spread studded with tangy olives and fresh green onions, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or just whenever you want a tasty treat that feels special yet comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but work harmoniously to create a bread spread that’s creamy, savory, and bursting with layers of flavor. Each one plays an important role from the texture to the zesty punch that keeps you coming back for more.
- 1 loaf French Bread: The sturdy base for soaking up all that delicious cheesy, olive goodness without getting soggy.
- About 25 Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives: These add a sweet and subtly spicy flavor, giving the bread a delightful contrast.
- 6-ounce can of Black Olives, drained: Their briny, earthy taste complements the stuffed olives perfectly.
- 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions): Freshness and a mild onion sharpness brighten every bite.
- 1 stick Butter, Room Temperature: Adds richness and moisture, helping the mixture spread smoothly.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
- 3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy center that makes this recipe irresistible.
How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Olives and Green Onions
Begin by roughly chopping both the black olives and the Spanish Queen pimento-stuffed olives to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the bread topping. Slice the green onions into thin, delicate pieces to add a fresh crunch and subtle sharpness that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add your room temperature butter and mayonnaise first to help create a smooth base. Then fold in the grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped olives, and green onions. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined — you want each bite to have a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and briny flavors.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture on the Bread
Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise to create two large halves. Generously spread the olive cheese mixture thickly and evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy here — this layer is where all the magic happens, giving you that decadent topping that will toast up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Melt and Brown
Preheat your oven to 325ºF and place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted through and the topping has turned a lovely golden brown. This gentle baking temperature lets the flavors meld while keeping the bread crispy on the edges and soft inside.
How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over the baked bread just before serving to add a pop of color and a subtle hint of earthiness. You could also add a few extra sliced olives on top for visual appeal and an extra olive punch.
Side Dishes
This Olive Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads like a bright arugula or a Mediterranean cucumber salad. It also complements soups such as tomato basil or even a cozy roasted red pepper soup, turning simple meals into delightful feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make it a shareable appetizer platter. Arrange with cured meats, olives, and fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that’s perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, serve alongside dips like hummus or a tangy roasted red pepper spread for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply wrap the olive cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bread to enjoy later by wrapping it securely in freezer-safe foil or placing it in an airtight container. When properly frozen, it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 325ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and affect the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for stringy softness, cheddar for a sharper bite, or even a combination of cheeses to tailor it to your taste.
Is it necessary to use both types of olives?
Using both Spanish Queen pimento-stuffed olives and black olives brings a lovely balance of sweet, salty, and briny flavors, but you can adjust according to preference or availability. Just be mindful that the overall taste may shift slightly.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the French bread with a gluten-free baguette or loaf of your choice. Just ensure it has a firm crust to hold up to the generous topping and baking process.
How long can the olive cheese mixture be prepared ahead of time?
You can mix the topping up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. This can save you time on the day you want to bake it and allows the flavors to meld even more deeply.
What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
Slice the baked Olive Cheese Bread Recipe into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter alongside toothpicks. Pair with complementary snacks like olives, nuts, and fresh veggies for a delicious and inviting appetizer station.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is a delicious little treasure that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly unforgettable. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with the tangy goodness of olives, making it perfect to share with loved ones or enjoy as a comforting snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some pure bliss!
Print
Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Olive Cheese Bread is a savory and cheesy appetizer featuring a blend of Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, Spanish Queen pimento-stuffed olives, and green onions spread over a French bread loaf and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack, it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with bold olive flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread
- About 25 Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives
- 6-ounce can Black Olives, drained
- 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions), thinly sliced
- 1 stick Butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Olives and Onions: Roughly chop both the black olives and the pimento-stuffed Spanish Queen olives, then thinly slice the green onions.
- Combine the Spread Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the room temperature butter, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped olives, and sliced green onions until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise and spread the olive cheese mixture thickly and evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice into servings, and enjoy warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure easy mixing.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
- Make sure to drain olives well to avoid a soggy bread.
- For a crispier crust, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- This bread is best served warm to enjoy the melty cheese and creamy filling.
