If you’re obsessed with the irresistible trio of melty cheese, buttery bread, and the briny zing of olives, Olive Cheese Bread is about to become your newest comfort food crush. This recipe blends gooey Monterey Jack, a duo of olives, and herby green onions over gently crispy French bread for a craveable snack, party appetizer, or side dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: This Olive Cheese Bread vanishes in minutes at parties—everyone hovers near the pan for “just one more” ooey-gooey slice.
- Simple, No-Fuss Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, and there’s zero fancy equipment required.
- Bold Flavor Payoff: The combination of salty olives, creamy cheese, and fresh green onion creates layers of flavor that are absolutely unforgettable.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Serve as an appetizer, side, or even dinner (with a salad!)—Olive Cheese Bread steals the spotlight no matter how you enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This swoon-worthy Olive Cheese Bread comes together in a snap thanks to a handful of tried-and-true staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing everything from creamy texture to tangy punch and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.
- French Bread: The crisp outside and fluffy interior make it the perfect vehicle for our rich, cheesy topping.
- Spanish Queen Pimento-Stuffed Olives: These bring a briny, zesty bite and little pops of color throughout every slice.
- Black Olives: Mild and meaty, these add depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Green Onions (Scallions): A fresh and slightly peppery balance to the lushness of the cheese and olives.
- Butter (Room Temperature): Softened butter helps everything blend smoothly and gives that irresistible richness.
- Mayonnaise: Don’t be shy! This is the secret to creamy, spreadable magic that melds the flavors.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (Grated): Melts beautifully and delivers a mild, milky flavor that lets the olives shine through.
Variations
This Olive Cheese Bread recipe is wonderfully forgiving and easy to tailor to your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Make it your own with simple twists—there’s no wrong way to enjoy such a classic combo!
- Go Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swap in pepper jack cheese for a little extra heat.
- Make It Meatier: Stir in some finely chopped crispy bacon or diced pepperoni for an irresistible salty bite.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try using mozzarella for stretchiness or add some sharp cheddar for more boldness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free baguette—the topping is naturally gluten-free!
How to Make Olive Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prep All the Mix-Ins
Start by roughly chopping the black olives and the pimento-stuffed green olives—don’t worry about making them perfect, rustic chunks are ideal! Slice your green onions nice and thin so there’s a little in every bite. This is the step that sets up all that briny-cheesy harmony.
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Cheese Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack, chopped olives, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and creamy—you want the ingredients evenly distributed so no one misses out on those lush flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut side up on a sheet pan. Spread the cheese and olive mixture thickly, edge to edge, on each half—don’t skimp, this is Olive Cheese Bread, after all!
Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection
Pop the prepared bread into a 325ºF oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The goal is melty, golden cheese with a touch of browning and a base that’s just crisped on the edges. Let the bread cool just a minute or two before slicing and serving hot—you’ll see why patience pays off!
Pro Tips for Making Olive Cheese Bread
- Choose the Right Bread: Go for a classic French bread that’s sturdy and not too soft so it holds up under the cheesy topping without getting soggy.
- Mix While Soft: Make sure your butter is fully softened before mixing—the topping spreads so much more smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch closely those last few minutes in the oven; you want the cheese bubbling with nice golden spots, but not browned all over.
- Chop for Texture: Rough chopping the olives gives a rustic texture—avoid mincing, which can turn the mixture mushy.
How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle a bit more sliced green onion or a handful of chopped parsley right after the bread comes out of the oven. A light dusting of black pepper or crushed red pepper can also bring out even more flavor if you love a bit of a kick.
Side Dishes
This Olive Cheese Bread is dreamy alongside a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp Italian salad, or any pasta dish—it’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Or, serve it as an appetizer spread with marinated vegetables, deli meats, and fresh fruit for a Mediterranean-inspired board.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into thin strips for dippable party “fries,” slice it into wedges for fancy crostini, or serve whole halves cut at the table for that wow factor. You can even bake mini versions using baguettes for adorable, shareable bites at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Olive Cheese Bread tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days and makes a fantastic next-day snack (if there’s any left!).
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, assembled bread wrapped tightly in plastic and foil—just thaw and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Already baked bread can be frozen too; just wrap it well and reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices (or whole halves) into a 350ºF oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Olive Cheese Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bread up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake straight from the fridge (add an extra couple of minutes to the bake time if needed).
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What other cheese can I use if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses all work beautifully—just make sure whatever you choose melts well and isn’t too salty, since the olives are already briny.
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Can I make Olive Cheese Bread without mayonnaise?
You can swap in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for the mayo if you’d prefer—the texture will be slightly different, but the bread will still bake up melty and delicious.
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How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Be sure to use a sturdy loaf of French bread and drain the olives very well. Baking until the cheese is golden and bubbly (not just melted) also helps give the bread nice texture!
Final Thoughts
This Olive Cheese Bread really is everything you want in one slice: gooey, savory, and a little bit addictive. It’s the sort of recipe people ask for after one bite, so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy baking!
Print
Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Olive Cheese Bread is a savory and cheesy appetizer that is perfect for gatherings or as a delicious snack. The combination of tangy olives, creamy cheese, and buttery bread will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French Bread
- About 25 Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives
- 6-ounce can of Black Olives, drained
- 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions)
- 1 stick Butter, Room Temperature
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated
Instructions
- Preparation: Roughly chop both black olives and pimiento-stuffed olives. Slice green onions into thin pieces.
- Combine: In a mixing bowl, combine butter, mayonnaise, cheese, olives, and green onions. Stir together until thoroughly combined.
- Assembly: Spread the mixture thickly onto French bread that has been sliced lengthwise.
- Baking: Bake at 325ºF for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
