Olive Cheese Bread

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both simple and delicious, you’ve just found it! This Olive Cheese Bread is a delightful mix of creamy cheese and savory olives, all melted to perfection on crusty French bread. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to whip up something tasty for a cozy movie night. Trust me, once you make this easy snack, it will quickly become a favorite!

What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of warm bread and melted cheese wafting through the kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Olive Cheese Bread takes only 10 minutes to prep! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy Goodness: With creamy Monterey Jack cheese and tangy olives, every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore cheesy snacks. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the olive mixture in advance and simply bake when ready to serve.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences—it’s versatile!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Olive Cheese Bread, simplicity is key! The ingredients are wholesome and straightforward, making this recipe accessible for everyone. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Spread

• 6 oz. full fat sour cream
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper

For the Toppings

• 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced
• 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced
• 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

For the Base

• 8-10 oz. loaf French bread

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Some Heat: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
• Mix Up the Cheeses: Try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Include Veggies: Add some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for an extra layer of yumminess.
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some dried herbs like oregano or basil for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step ensures that your Olive Cheese Bread bakes evenly, leading to perfectly melted cheese and crispy edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the full fat sour cream, garlic powder, and softened butter along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Mix until mostly smooth. This creamy base not only adds moisture but also infuses rich flavor into our spread.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Green Onions

Now it’s time to bring in the good stuff! Fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions into your sour cream mixture. Stir until everything is well combined—the more even your mixture is, the better each bite will taste!

Step 4: Incorporate Olives

Gently fold in both sliced green and black olives into your cheesy goodness. These salty bites are what truly make this dish stand out! Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout so every piece has that perfect olive flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the French Bread

Slice your loaf of French bread in half widthwise, then cut each half lengthwise. This creates four pieces that will hold all that delicious topping! Lay them cut-side up on a baking sheet so they can soak in all those flavors while baking.

Step 6: Spread the Mixture

Divide your olive mixture between the four pieces of bread. Spread it evenly across each cut side—this helps every bite be equally cheesy and flavorful.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully and the edges start turning golden brown. This step turns our spread into ooey-gooey deliciousness!

Step 8: Broil for Finishing Touch

For an added touch of perfection, switch on your broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end until the cheese gets that lovely dark golden color. Just keep an eye on it—things can go from golden to burnt quickly under broil!

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove your Olive Cheese Bread from the oven. Slice them into pieces (if you haven’t already) and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear before your eyes!

Now that you have this delightful recipe ready to go, enjoy sharing these scrumptious bites with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Olive Cheese Bread

Making Olive Cheese Bread is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Choose quality olives: Using high-quality green and black olives will enhance the flavor of your bread. Fresh, brined olives bring a vibrant taste that complements the cheese perfectly.
• Experiment with cheeses: While Monterey Jack is delicious, trying different cheeses like cheddar or feta can add unique flavors. Mixing cheeses can create a more complex taste and texture.
• Don’t skip the broiling: Broiling at the end gives your bread that delightful golden crust. It adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese filling.
• Customize your herbs: Adding fresh herbs like oregano or basil can elevate the flavor profile of your olive cheese bread. They add freshness and aroma that will make your dish stand out.
• Serve it fresh: This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven while it’s warm and gooey. If you must make it ahead, reheat in the oven to restore its crunchy exterior and melty interior.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread

Presenting Olive Cheese Bread in an appealing manner can instantly enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving ideas to impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each slice.
• Chili flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding chili flakes on top before serving provides an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers freshness and balances the richness of the cheese bread.
• Roasted vegetables: Serving roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth to your meal. Their caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors in the bread.
• Hummus platter: A selection of hummus served with pita chips or veggie sticks can complement the olive cheese bread beautifully, creating a varied appetizer spread.
• Stuffed grape leaves: These provide another Mediterranean flair to your table, enhancing the overall theme while offering a delightful contrast in texture.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to wow family and friends with your delicious Olive Cheese Bread! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Cheese Bread is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or simply enjoying throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance and have a delicious snack ready whenever you crave it!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the olive cheese bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the olive cheese bread into portions after baking.
• Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the desired portion from the freezer or refrigerator.
• Place on a baking tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty.
• For best results, you can broil for an additional minute to get that golden top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Olive Cheese Bread recipe.

Can I use different types of olives in my Olive Cheese Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out green and black olives for your favorite varieties, such as kalamata or even stuffed olives, to personalize your Olive Cheese Bread experience.

How do I make my Olive Cheese Bread extra cheesy?

To enhance the cheesiness of your Olive Cheese Bread, consider mixing different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack with Monterey Jack. You can also add more cheese on top before broiling!

Can I prepare Olive Cheese Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the mixture and assemble it on the bread ahead of time. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What’s a good dip for my Olive Cheese Bread?

Pair your Olive Cheese Bread with a refreshing dip like tzatziki or a simple marinara sauce for extra flavor. Both complement this cheesy treat beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Olive Cheese Bread as much as I do! It’s truly special because it combines creamy cheese with briny olives on warm, crusty bread—what’s not to love? Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Get creative and make it your own; happy baking!