Olive Cheese Bread

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests (or just yourself), let me introduce you to my favorite Olive Cheese Bread! This recipe is not only super easy to whip up but also brings together the lovely flavors of olives and gooey cheese, all nestled on a crunchy loaf of French bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this snack always gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Trust me, once you make this Olive Cheese Bread, it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes, you can have everything ready to pop in the oven—perfect for those last-minute get-togethers!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness and savory olives, this dish is loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the olive mixture in advance and assemble it right before baking. Easy peasy!
• Versatile Snack: Serve it as an appetizer at parties or enjoy it as a cozy snack at home; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Olive Cheese Bread is a breeze! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Olive Mixture

• 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

For the Bread Base

• 8-10 oz. loaf French bread
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Olive Cheese Bread is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add Some Heat: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or diced red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Mix in More Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or spinach to the olive mixture for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Make It Herbaceous: Sprinkle in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for added depth of flavor.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, heat your oven to 350 degrees. A properly heated oven ensures that your Olive Cheese Bread gets nice and bubbly while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, garlic powder, and softened butter with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until mostly smooth—this creamy base is what holds all those amazing flavors together!

Step 3: Mix in Cheese and Onions

Next, add your shredded cheese and thinly sliced green onions to the bowl. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined; this step creates that cheesy goodness that will melt beautifully over your bread.

Step 4: Fold in the Olives

Gently fold in both green and black olives into the cheese mixture. This is where the magic happens—each bite will burst with savory olive flavor!

Step 5: Prepare the French Bread

Now grab your loaf of French bread! Slice it in half widthwise and then cut each half lengthwise. You want four pieces total to load up with that delicious olive mixture.

Step 6: Assemble Your Appetizer

Spread the olive mixture evenly over each piece of bread on the cut side. Be generous—no one likes skimpy bites when they could have gooey cheese!

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Pop your assembled Olive Cheese Bread into the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want that cheese melted with golden-brown edges.

Step 8: Broil for Extra Crispiness

For an extra touch, broil the bread for just 1-2 minutes after baking until the cheese turns dark golden brown. This step adds delightful crunch!

Step 9: Slice and Serve!

Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

I hope this Olive Cheese Bread brings joy to your table like it does to mine! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Olive Cheese Bread

Creating the perfect Olive Cheese Bread is a breeze with just a few simple tips to elevate your dish!

• Use high-quality olives: Choosing good-quality olives enhances the overall flavor of your bread, making every bite deliciously savory. Consider using a mix of green and black olives for a balanced taste.

• Don’t skip the broiling step: Broiling at the end gives your cheese that irresistible golden-brown crust. It adds texture and depth to the dish, making it visually appealing and even more tasty!

• Experiment with cheeses: While Monterey Jack is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. This adds variety and can make your olive cheese bread uniquely yours!

• Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing the bread to rest for a few minutes after baking lets the cheese set a bit, ensuring cleaner slices that hold together better. Plus, it won’t burn your fingers when you dig in!

• Add herbs for extra freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top right before serving can brighten up the flavors and add an aromatic touch to your appetizer.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread

This delightful Olive Cheese Bread is perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in. Here are some ideas on how to present this cheesy goodness to impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cheese and olives.
• Chili flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, offering chili flakes on the side allows guests to customize their slice with an extra kick.
• Lemon zest: A light dusting of lemon zest right before serving brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich olive cheese bread.
• Vegetable platter: Offer an assortment of crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers with hummus or ranch dip for a satisfying crunch alongside your cheesy treat.
• Stuffed mushrooms: These bite-sized delights are packed with flavor and pair perfectly as another appetizer choice, complementing the olive bread without overshadowing it.
• Roasted red pepper dip: A creamy roasted red pepper dip can be served on the side for an added layer of flavor. It’s great for dipping and balances well with the savory notes of the bread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make your Olive Cheese Bread an unforgettable hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Cheese Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making it an ideal choice for parties, gatherings, or even just a cozy night at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the olive cheese bread to cool completely.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the olive cheese bread but do not bake it.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the olive cheese bread on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Olive Cheese Bread that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite olives. Kalamata, pimento-stuffed, or even spiced olives would all add a unique twist to this recipe.

How do I make Olive Cheese Bread gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Olive Cheese Bread, simply use a gluten-free French bread alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

What should I serve with my Olive Cheese Bread?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a selection of bruschetta. It also makes a fantastic addition to any charcuterie board!

Can I prepare Olive Cheese Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and assemble it on the bread, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Olive Cheese Bread as much as I do! It’s such a special recipe that brings together simple ingredients into something absolutely delightful. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it all by yourself with a good book, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!