Olive Cheese Bread

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful appetizer that will impress your guests, then this Olive Cheese Bread is just the thing! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful olives that make every bite a delight. I love whipping this up for busy weeknights or family gatherings where good food brings everyone together. Plus, it comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those unexpected get-togethers!

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party or want a cozy snack while watching your favorite show, Olive Cheese Bread fits the bill perfectly. So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this delicious creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a mouthwatering appetizer ready to go.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cheese and bread! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Easy to customize: Feel free to swap out olives or add extra spices to make it your own.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner, this appetizer always shines on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Olive Cheese Bread is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are! You probably have many of these in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Creamy Base

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

For the Filling

• 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 Bread

• 8-10 oz. loaf French bread

Variations

This Olive Cheese Bread recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Change up the cheese: Use cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Add some heat: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Herb it up: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
• Try different breads: A crusty ciabatta or whole grain bread would work beautifully too!

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees. This step ensures that when you bake the Olive Cheese Bread, it gets perfectly melty and golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the full fat sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir until mostly smooth. This mixture will serve as the rich base that holds all those delightful ingredients together.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Next, fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions into your creamy mixture. Stir until everything is well combined—this creates a luscious filling bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Olives

Now it’s time to fold in those lovely green and black olives! Gently mix them into your cheese mixture so they’re evenly distributed throughout. The olives will add such a unique depth of flavor that you won’t be able to resist.

Step 5: Prepare the French Bread

Slice your French bread loaf in half widthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise. This will give you four pieces of delicious canvas ready for all that cheesy goodness!

Step 6: Spread the Mixture

Divide your olive cheese mixture among the four pieces of bread. Spread it evenly over the cut sides—this ensures every bite is filled with that amazing flavor.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place your prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese has melted and starts turning golden brown at the edges. This step really brings out all those wonderful flavors!

Step 8: Broil for Extra Crispiness

For an extra touch of perfection, broil for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is dark golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it; broiling can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 9: Slice and Serve!

Once out of the oven, slice your Olive Cheese Bread into portions and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this warm appetizer with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Olive Cheese Bread

Creating the perfect Olive Cheese Bread is a breeze if you keep a few key tips in mind!

• Use high-quality olives: Good olives can enhance the flavor significantly. Opt for fresh green and black olives from the deli section for a tastier result.

• Don’t skip the garlic powder: This ingredient adds a touch of savory depth to your cheese mixture, making every bite burst with flavor.

• Experiment with cheese types: While Monterey Jack is fantastic, mixing in some sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella can give your olive cheese bread an exciting twist.

• Keep an eye on the broiler: Broiling can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. Stay nearby and watch closely during this last step to achieve that perfect crispy finish.

• Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes makes it easier to slice and helps prevent burns from hot cheese.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread

This Olive Cheese Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some delightful ways to present it at your next gathering or family meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the cheese and olives.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top can elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the bread while providing a refreshing balance.
• Vegetable platter: Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with hummus make for a crunchy contrast alongside the warm, cheesy bread.
• Marinated artichokes: These tangy bites add another layer of flavor and are an excellent accompaniment that enhances the Mediterranean vibe of your appetizer spread.
• Roasted garlic dip: This creamy dip will pair perfectly with your olive cheese bread, adding another layer of garlicky goodness that everyone will love!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself with this delightful Olive Cheese Bread! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Cheese Bread recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it whenever you’re ready for a cheesy snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Olive Cheese Bread to cool completely.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling, wrap each piece of Olive Cheese Bread in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag.
• Label the bags with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the wrapping from the bread and place it on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Olive Cheese Bread.

Can I use different types of cheese for Olive Cheese Bread?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack adds a great flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste.

What makes Olive Cheese Bread so special?

This Olive Cheese Bread is special because it combines savory olives with creamy cheese on warm, crusty bread, making it an irresistible appetizer that everyone will love.

How should I serve Olive Cheese Bread?

Slice your Olive Cheese Bread into generous pieces and serve warm as an appetizer or snack. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a glass of sparkling water!

Can I make Olive Cheese Bread without sour cream?

Yes! If you prefer not to use sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Olive Cheese Bread as delightful as I do! It’s such a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family—everyone will be asking for seconds! Happy cooking!