If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is the answer. Combining the savory richness of creamy Monterey Jack cheese with the salty tang of black and pimento-stuffed olives, it transforms a simple loaf of French bread into a showstopper. The addition of green onions adds a fresh bite, making every slice irresistibly delicious and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is easy because the ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe.
- French Bread: A sturdy loaf is essential for holding all the cheesy, olive-packed goodness.
- Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives: These bring a nice pop of flavor and color, complementing the black olives.
- Black Olives: Drained and chopped, they add a bold, earthy taste that’s key to the mix.
- Green Onions (scallions): Thinly sliced, they give a fresh crunch and a subtle onion flavor.
- Butter (room temperature): Helps bind the mixture and adds a rich, creamy base.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a silky texture that keeps the cheese combo luscious.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (grated): A generous amount for that melty, gooey cheese pull that’s irresistible.
How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by roughly chopping both the black olives and the pimento-stuffed olives. Don’t worry about fine dicing here; a slightly rustic chop keeps texture in the mix. Next, slice your green onions into thin rings so they blend beautifully without overpowering each bite.
Step 2: Combine the Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the room temperature butter, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped olives, and green onions. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together nicely.
Step 3: Assembly
Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise, creating two long halves. Spread the olive and cheese mixture thickly and evenly over both halves, ensuring no bite will be missed. That generous layer is what makes this bread so incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for that golden-brown, bubbling cheese — this signals that your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or more green onions on top to add vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with light salads, tomato soup, or even a charcuterie board—any of these will highlight the boldness of the olives and cheese without overpowering the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the Olive Cheese Bread into bite-sized cubes and serve as party crostini with toothpicks, or slice it into thick wedges for a rustic, family-style appetizer everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Olive Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, retaining most of its texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover bread by wrapping it well in foil and placing it in a freezer bag. When frozen, it will last up to 2 months and be ready to warm up for another tasty treat.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy edges and melty cheese perfection that makes this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Are other types of olives okay to use?
Definitely. Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives can be great alternatives, but keep in mind their flavors vary in intensity and saltiness, which will affect the final taste.
What if I don’t have green onions?
You can substitute with finely chopped regular onions or chives, but green onions provide a mild and fresh touch that balances the richness best.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the French bread, but you can use a gluten-free baguette or bread alternative to accommodate those dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based butter to recreate the flavors while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about pulling a hot, cheesy loaf loaded with olives out of the oven. This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is not just easy to make but a guaranteed hit that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a snack, or as an accompaniment, it’s a delicious way to enjoy rich flavors in a cozy, shareable form. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new favorites!
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Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Olive Cheese Bread recipe combines the rich flavors of Monterey Jack cheese, pimento-stuffed and black olives, and green onions spread over crusty French bread, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, it’s a savory treat with a crispy, cheesy top and soft, flavorful base.
Ingredients
Olives and Vegetables
- About 25 Spanish Queen Pimento Stuffed Olives, roughly chopped
- 1 6-ounce can Black Olives, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 stalks Green Onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Spread Mixture
- 1 stick Butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
Bread
- 1 loaf French Bread, sliced lengthwise
Instructions
- Preparation: Roughly chop both pimento-stuffed and black olives. Thinly slice the green onions to prepare for mixing.
- Combine: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped olives, and sliced green onions until evenly mixed.
- Assembly: Spread the olive and cheese mixture generously and evenly over the lengthwise-sliced French bread.
- Baking: Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 325ºF (163ºC) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and beginning to brown on top.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
