Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Olive Cheese Bread is a delightful appetizer or snack that brings together creamy cheese, tangy olives, and fragrant green onions on a crispy French bread base. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm drink, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. full fat sour cream
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8-10 oz. loaf French bread
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, garlic powder, softened butter, and a large pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir until the mixture is mostly smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sliced green onions to the bowl, stirring until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the drained and sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture.
5. Step 5: Slice the French bread loaf in half widthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise, creating four pieces.
6. Step 6: Divide the olive and cheese mixture evenly among the four bread pieces, spreading it in an even layer on the cut side of each piece.
7. Step 7: Bake the bread pieces for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges begin to turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Turn on the broiler and broil the bread for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese develops a dark golden brown color.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven, slice as desired, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Use a baguette if you prefer thinner, crispier slices.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice touch but fresh basil or oregano work well too.

Storage

Store leftover olive cheese bread wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned olives for this recipe?

Yes, canned olives work fine as long as they are well drained and sliced before adding to the mixture.

Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but bake it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

This Olive Cheese Bread is a savory and cheesy appetizer perfect for sharing. Creamy sour cream and butter mixed with Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, and a blend of green and black olives create a flavorful spread. Baked on a French bread loaf until golden and bubbly, this dish offers a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and salty flavors with a crispy toasted bread base.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 6 oz. full fat sour cream
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Olives

• 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced
• 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced

Bread

• 8–10 oz. loaf French bread

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bread with the olive cheese topping.
2. Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, softened butter, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir these ingredients until the mixture is mostly smooth and well blended.
3. Add Cheese and Onions: Incorporate the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions into the sour cream mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined for full flavor integration.
4. Fold in Olives: Gently fold the sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
5. Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half widthwise, creating four pieces total with cut sides exposed for the topping.
6. Assemble Bread: Spread the olive cheese mixture evenly on the cut side of each bread piece, ensuring each has a generous layer of the flavorful topping.
7. Bake: Place the assembled bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges begin to turn golden brown.
8. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese topping deeply and create a slightly crispy texture on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
9. Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, slice into smaller portions if desired, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

• Use full-fat sour cream for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Drain olives well to prevent excess moisture making the bread soggy.
• The broiling step is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden cheese topping—monitor closely.
• Try substituting Monterey Jack with mozzarella or cheddar for variation.
• Serve as a party appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to soups and salads.

Keywords: olive cheese bread, baked bread appetizer, cheesy olive bread, Monterey Jack cheese bread, appetizer recipe