Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a savory snack that combines tangy, creamy, and salty flavors in one irresistibly melty bite, Olive Cheese Bread is going to become your new favorite indulgence. This delightful recipe brings together full-fat sour cream, a blend of green and black olives, luscious Monterey Jack cheese, and just the right touch of garlic and green onions, all baked into a crusty French bread loaf. Each mouthful dances with bold flavor and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Trust me, once you try this Olive Cheese Bread, it’ll be hard to resist making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward where every ingredient plays a pivotal role in bringing the Olive Cheese Bread to life. From the creamy richness of sour cream and butter to the sharp bite of green onions and the savory punch of olives, each element adds depth, texture, and color to the final masterpiece.

• Full fat sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess and moisture for a luscious filling.
• Softened butter: Brings richness and helps bind the mixture smoothly.
• Green olives, drained and sliced: Provide briny bursts of flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
• Black olives, drained and sliced: Offer a deeper, earthy taste that balances perfectly with the green olives.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, contributing a mild, creamy texture.
• Thinly sliced green onions: Add a fresh, mild oniony crunch to cut through the richness.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering the other flavors.
• French bread loaf (8-10 oz.): Provides a sturdy, crisp base perfect for holding the cheesy olive spread.
• Kosher salt: Elevates natural flavors and balances out the richness.
• Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a slight piquant note for extra depth.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare the oven and sour cream mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, grab a medium bowl and combine the full fat sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir this mixture until it is mostly smooth, as this will be the creamy base that holds your cheese and olives together perfectly.

Step 2: Mix in cheese and green onions

Next, fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions into the sour cream mixture. The cheese will add gooeyness while the green onions give a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor that keeps the bread from feeling too heavy.

Step 3: Add the olives

Carefully fold in the sliced green and black olives. The olives introduce a delightful salty tang and a lovely contrast of textures that make each bite exciting. Be sure to distribute them evenly through the cheese mixture for consistent flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the French bread

Take your French bread loaf and slice it in half widthwise, then slice each half in half lengthwise, creating four pieces. These pieces will serve as the canvas for your luscious olive cheese blend.

Step 5: Spread and bake

Divide the olive and cheese mixture evenly among the four pieces of bread, spreading it generously and evenly across the cut sides. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the ends start to turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Broil to finish

For that irresistible golden, bubbly, slightly crisp top, switch your oven to broil and broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning—the cheese should develop a rich golden brown color.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Once out of the oven, slice the Olive Cheese Bread into serving pieces, garnish with fresh parsley if you like a splash of green, and get ready to enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures that await you.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes make the Olive Cheese Bread come alive visually and flavor-wise. They add fresh color while introducing a hint of brightness or mild heat that complements the creamy cheese and salty olives beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with light salads, like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or alongside hearty soups such as tomato bisque or roasted vegetable broth. The bread’s richness creates a delightful balance next to fresh or brothy dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using Olive Cheese Bread as a base for bruschetta toppings — a dollop of roasted red pepper or some sun-dried tomato spread on top before serving adds a tasty twist. Alternatively, cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve it buffet-style for parties, allowing guests to grab little cheesy, olive-studded morsels that are hard to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Olive Cheese Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a day or two. This will keep the bread fresh and the cheese flavorful without drying out too much.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze the bread after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat Olive Cheese Bread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain that crisp crust and gooey cheese texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar can add different dimensions to your Olive Cheese Bread. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well for that perfect gooey texture.

Are there good substitutes for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, bringing similar creaminess and tang. Just be sure to use full-fat yogurt for richness.

Can I use different bread?

While French bread works best due to its crusty exterior and soft interior, you can experiment with Italian bread or a sturdy baguette. Avoid sandwich bread or anything too soft, or the topping may overwhelm the bread.

How long does Olive Cheese Bread keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly, Olive Cheese Bread is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days. Beyond that, the bread may become dry, but reheating can help revive it.

Is this recipe suitable for parties?

Definitely! Olive Cheese Bread is a crowd-pleaser perfect for casual gatherings. You can prepare it ahead and reheat just before serving, or cut it into smaller pieces to serve as finger food or appetizers.

Final Thoughts

Making Olive Cheese Bread at home is such a joyful experience because the results are insanely delicious and versatile. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy night in or bringing it to a friendly get-together, this recipe fills your kitchen with aroma and your guests with smiles. I hope you give this easy, flavorful recipe a try soon and find yourself reaching for Olive Cheese Bread whenever you want a quick, savory treat that feels special every single time.

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