Baked Olive Cheese Bread

This rustic olive cheese bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that disappears within minutes.

I first made this olive cheese bread for a last-minute dinner party, and it was such a hit that it's now my signature contribution to potlucks. The combination of melty cheese and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that even olive skeptics can't resist.

Ingredients

• Full fat sour cream: creates the creamy base for the topping and adds tanginess
• Softened butter: adds richness and helps achieve that golden brown crust
• Green olives: bring a bright briny flavor, choose ones with pimentos for color
• Black olives: provide a milder olive flavor and beautiful contrast
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the olives
• Green onions: add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish
• Garlic powder: infuses the mixture with savory notes without the texture of fresh garlic
• French bread: creates the perfect sturdy base, look for a fresh loaf with a crisp crust
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors, use sparingly as olives are already salty
• Fresh cracked pepper: adds a subtle heat that balances the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Heat your oven to 350 degrees first to ensure it's fully preheated by the time your bread is assembled. In a medium bowl combine sour cream, garlic powder, and butter with a large pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes mostly smooth with a creamy consistency. The butter should be very soft but not melted for proper incorporation.

Create the Cheese Mixture:

Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions to your sour cream base. Stir thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable at this point. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Incorporate the Olives:

Gently fold both the green and black olives into your cheese mixture. Use a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring to maintain the integrity of the olive slices. This creates pockets of olive flavor throughout the topping.

Prepare the Bread:

Slice your French bread loaf in half widthwise and then in half lengthwise to create four equal pieces. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet. This maximizes the surface area for your delicious olive topping and ensures even cooking.

Apply the Topping:

Divide the olive mixture evenly between the four bread pieces. Spread it in a generous layer across the cut side of each piece, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges for complete coverage. The layer should be approximately half an inch thick.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the edges of the bread start to turn golden brown. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning. The olives will become slightly shriveled and intensely flavorful.

Broil for Color:

For the finishing touch, broil for just 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese develops a beautiful dark golden brown top. Keep a close eye on the bread during broiling as it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the bread into manageable portions, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately while still warm and gooey. The contrast of the crisp bread and melty topping is absolutely perfect.

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The Monterey Jack cheese is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. After trying several cheese varieties, I found that its meltability and mild flavor perfectly complement the bold olives without competing. My family now requests this bread whenever we have pasta night or when friends come over to watch sports.

Make Ahead Options

This olive cheese bread is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. If preparing in advance, let the bread sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. You can also prepare just the olive cheese mixture up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container until ready to spread on bread and bake.

Perfect Pairings

This bread shines as part of an Italian dinner spread. Serve alongside a simple tomato soup or marinara for dipping to create a complete meal. For a Mediterranean-themed gathering, pair it with a Greek salad, hummus, and roasted vegetables. The bread also makes an excellent companion to a charcuterie board with cured meats, additional cheeses, and fresh fruits like grapes or figs. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the salty, rich flavors perfectly.

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Creative Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, there are endless ways to customize it. Consider adding 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet tangy note. Diced roasted red peppers add brilliant color and smoky sweetness. For heat lovers, incorporate a few tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations—try mixing in some crumbled feta or sharp cheddar for more complex flavor profiles. For a meatier version, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped salami or bacon bits to the olive mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make olive cheese bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the olive-cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, spread it on the bread and bake as directed. You can also assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

→ What can I serve with olive cheese bread?

Olive cheese bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. It's also excellent as an appetizer for gatherings or as part of a charcuterie spread. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette.

→ Can I substitute different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack provides a mild, creamy base that melts beautifully, you can experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of cheeses also work well. For a sharper flavor, add some grated Parmesan or pecorino to the mix.

→ How should I store leftover olive cheese bread?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or use a toaster oven for smaller portions. The bread won't be quite as crispy as fresh, but still delicious.

→ Can I freeze olive cheese bread?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the bread with topping, freeze until solid, then wrap tightly and store for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. For baked leftovers, wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

While French bread provides the ideal crispy-yet-soft texture, you can use other breads like Italian, ciabatta, or a sturdy baguette. Just adjust the baking time as needed—denser breads may take slightly longer to heat through.