If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and has a delightful combination of gooey cheese and briny olives, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. The crispy French bread base, layered with a creamy mixture of Monterey Jack cheese, pimento-stuffed and black olives, green onions, butter, and mayonnaise, bakes into a golden, melty masterpiece that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something savory and satisfying, this easy-to-make recipe will charm your taste buds and have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, enhancing the texture, adding bursts of color, and infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness.
- French Bread: A sturdy base with a crisp crust and soft inside perfect for holding the toppings without getting soggy.
- Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives: Adds a tangy sweetness and vibrant pop of red color.
- Black Olives: Contribute a deep, earthy brininess that balances the cheese.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Bring fresh, mild sharpness with a bright green color.
- Butter (Room Temperature): Gives richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to the spread.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (Grated): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven to 325ºF. This sets the stage perfectly for your bread’s crispy yet tender transformation.
Step 2: Chop the Olives and Slice the Onions
Roughly chop both the Spanish Queen pimento stuffed olives and the black olives so they’ll spread evenly throughout the cheese mixture. Slice green onions thinly to infuse fresh, mild onion flavor and add pops of green color to your creation.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, blend together the room temperature butter, mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, chopped olives, and green onions. Stir thoroughly so every bite is packed with cheesy, olive-filled goodness.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture onto the Bread
Take your French bread and slice it lengthwise. Spread the olive and cheese mixture thickly and evenly on both halves. The generous spread guarantees every slice you serve will have that perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and starting to turn a beautiful golden brown. This step brings all the flavors together with a satisfying toasty finish.
How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika after baking. These garnishes add subtle color and an extra layer of flavor to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This savory bread pairs perfectly with crisp garden salads, roasted vegetables, or soup. The rich olive and cheese combo complements light and fresh sides, offering a well-rounded meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits. This makes your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe a versatile star for casual gatherings or elegant soirees alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread fresh for up to 2 days while maintaining its delicious flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, simply bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time.
Reheating
To bring your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe back to that freshly baked glory, reheat in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 10 to 15 minutes. This melts the cheese once again and crisps the edges, giving you that freshly baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for unique taste twists.
Do I need to toast the bread before adding the topping?
Not necessarily, but toasting the bread slightly can help prevent sogginess and add extra crunch under the cheesy layer.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products, making it a great choice for meat-free gatherings.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the olive and cheese spread a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring the mixture back to room temperature before spreading on the bread and baking.
What is the best way to chop the olives for even distribution?
Roughly chopping ensures the olives stay chunky enough to provide bursts of flavor without turning into a paste, giving a great texture contrast in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple to make yet incredibly rewarding to eat. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, invokes warm memories, and makes any occasion feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your own moments of delicious joy!
Print
Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Olive Cheese Bread is a flavorful, cheesy appetizer featuring a delicious blend of pimento-stuffed Spanish Queen olives, black olives, green onions, and Monterey Jack cheese, spread generously on a sliced French bread loaf and baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf French Bread
Olives
- About 25 Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives
- 6-ounce can Black Olives, drained
Vegetables
- 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions)
Other Ingredients
- 1 stick Butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165ºC). Gather all ingredients and get ready to prep the olives and green onions.
- Chop Olives and Green Onions: Roughly chop the pimento-stuffed Spanish Queen olives and the drained black olives. Slice the green onions into thin pieces to add fresh flavor and texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the room temperature butter, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack cheese, both types of olives, and sliced green onions until evenly mixed.
- Assemble on Bread: Slice the French bread lengthwise and spread the olive and cheese mixture thickly over the cut sides, covering evenly to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 325ºF for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown lightly on top, creating a bubbly and golden crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, slice into serving pieces, and enjoy this warm, savory treat as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps the mixture spread more easily on the bread.
- Feel free to substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or a mild cheddar if preferred.
- The bread should be sliced lengthwise for best coverage of the olive cheese mixture.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe is great for parties and pairs well with a crisp white wine or light beer.
