Olive Cheese Bread is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a culinary hug that promises to transform any meal or gathering into something truly special. Imagine the irresistible aroma wafting from your oven: warm, crusty bread generously slathered with a rich, savory olive and cheese mixture, baked until golden and bubbling. This delightful creation offers the perfect harmony of salty olives, creamy, melted cheese, and hearty bread, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion.
While the exact origins of this specific combination might be debated, the universal love for bread and cheese together spans countless cultures and centuries. From Italian bruschetta to French croque monsieur, the concept of elevating simple bread with flavorful toppings is a timeless one. Our take on Olive Cheese Bread brings a distinctly Mediterranean flair, reminiscent of sun-drenched landscapes and shared meals, making it a comforting classic with an elegant twist.
Why This Cheesy Delight Captivates Everyone
What makes this dish so universally adored? Firstly, the incredible taste profile: the briny tang of olives perfectly balances the mild richness of the cheese, all while being anchored by a satisfyingly chewy or crisp bread base. Secondly, the texture is simply divine – a beautiful contrast between a golden, sometimes crusty exterior and a wonderfully gooey, cheesy interior that stretches with every pull. It’s incredibly versatile, serving as an ideal appetizer for a dinner party, a comforting side to a hearty pasta dish or soup, or even a delightful snack on its own. I find it to be one of those remarkably easy-to-prepare recipes that consistently delivers maximum impact and flavor, making it a beloved staple in many homes.
Ingredients:
- For the Bread Base:
- 1 large sturdy artisan loaf (e.g., ciabatta, sourdough, or a wide baguette), about 16-18 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. I always look for one with a good crust!
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing. A good quality olive oil makes a difference here.
- For the Olive Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup (approximately 160g) pitted green olives (I love using pimento-stuffed for a touch of color and tang), finely chopped.
- 1 cup (approximately 160g) pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped. The briny, fruity notes of Kalamatas are indispensable for truly great Olive Cheese Bread.
- 2 cups (about 226g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese. This gives us that essential melt factor.
- 1 cup (about 113g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, freshly grated has a far superior flavor to pre-shredded.
- ½ cup (about 120g) full-fat mayonnaise. Don’t shy away from this! It adds an incredible creaminess and helps bind the filling perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced very finely. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the subtle warmth it adds to the Olive Cheese Bread).
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
- Salt to taste (remember olives and cheese are already salty, so taste before adding too much!).
Preparing the Bread Base
- Preheat Your Oven: My first step is always to get the oven ready. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when our beautiful Olive Cheese Bread goes in, it starts cooking evenly and immediately, leading to that perfectly golden, crispy crust and molten, gooey center we’re aiming for. It also gives us plenty of time to get our bread and filling ready without feeling rushed.
- Prepare the Loaf: Now for the star of the show – the bread! I take my sturdy artisan loaf and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice it lengthwise down the center, creating two equal halves. The goal here is to create a lovely “boat” for our cheesy olive filling. I then gently hollow out a bit of the soft interior crumb from each half, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges and at the bottom. It’s important not to remove too much bread, as we still want a good base, but we need to create enough space to generously load it with our incredible Olive Cheese Bread filling. I typically save these removed crumbs – they make fantastic croutons later!
- Brush with Olive Oil: Next, I place the two hollowed-out bread halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, I generously brush the cut surfaces and the edges with extra virgin olive oil. This step is key for flavor, but also helps to create a lovely, slightly crisp exterior as the bread bakes, preventing it from getting soggy from the filling. It’s a small detail that truly elevates the texture of the finished Olive Cheese Bread.
- Pre-bake (Optional, but Recommended): For an extra crispy base, which I highly recommend, I like to pop the bread halves into the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This gives them a head start, toasting them slightly before the filling goes in. It’s a wonderful trick for ensuring your Olive Cheese Bread has a fantastic crunch rather than a soft, doughy bottom. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once lightly toasted, I remove them from the oven and set them aside while I prepare the glorious filling.
Crafting the Olive Cheese Filling
- Chop the Olives: First things first, let’s get those lovely olives prepped. I find that a mix of both green pimento-stuffed olives and the richer, fruitier Kalamata olives truly creates the most balanced and exciting flavor profile for our Olive Cheese Bread. Carefully drain them from their brine, then give them a good pat with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid – this is a small but crucial step to prevent our filling from becoming too watery. Now, grab your sharpest knife and finely chop these beauties. We’re aiming for small, uniform pieces, roughly the size of a lentil or a small pea. This ensures that every bite of our Olive Cheese Bread gets a wonderful burst of olive flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients or making the bread difficult to slice later.
- Mince the Garlic: Next, I mince the four cloves of fresh garlic as finely as possible. There’s really no substitute for fresh garlic in this recipe; its pungent, aromatic qualities are essential. If you have a microplane, that works wonders for achieving a super fine consistency, ensuring the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout the Olive Cheese Bread filling without any large, raw pieces.
- Combine the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, I combine the shredded mozzarella and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella is our melting champion, providing that gooey, stretchy goodness, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor and helps to create a beautiful golden crust. Using freshly grated Parmesan really does make a significant difference in taste and texture compared to the pre-grated varieties.
- Add the Creamy Binder: Now, for the secret ingredient that makes this Olive Cheese Bread so incredibly luscious: the mayonnaise! I add the ½ cup of full-fat mayonnaise to the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy about this. Mayonnaise acts as an amazing binder, ensuring all our ingredients stick together beautifully, and it adds an undeniable creaminess and richness to the filling, making it unbelievably decadent once baked.
- Introduce Aromatics and Seasoning: Into the bowl with the cheeses and mayonnaise, I add the finely chopped green and Kalamata olives, the minced garlic, the tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, the teaspoon of dried oregano, and the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if I’m using them – which I usually do for that little kick!). Finally, I add the freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly and Taste: With a sturdy spoon or a clean hand (my preferred method for ensuring everything is perfectly combined!), I mix all these wonderful ingredients together until they are completely homogenous. This is where the magic happens and where you can truly make the Olive Cheese Bread your own. I make sure all the olives, garlic, herbs, and mayonnaise are evenly distributed throughout the cheese. Once it’s well mixed, I take a tiny taste. Because olives and Parmesan are inherently salty, I often find I don’t need much, if any, additional salt. However, if it feels like it needs a little lift, I’ll add a pinch and mix again. The goal is a perfectly balanced, savory, and slightly tangy filling.
Assembling the Olive Cheese Bread
- Generously Fill the Bread: Now for the fun part – assembling our Olive Cheese Bread! I take the prepared bread halves from the baking sheet and, using a spoon or my hands, I generously divide the olive cheese mixture between them. I don’t hold back here; I really mound the filling high, spreading it evenly from edge to edge within the hollowed-out sections of the bread. This isn’t a time for restraint! You want a substantial layer of that glorious filling in every single bite.
- Prepare for Baking: Once both halves are amply filled, I return them to the baking sheet. Sometimes, I line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but it’s not strictly necessary as long as the bread was brushed with olive oil. I make sure they’re spaced out enough to bake evenly.
Baking the Olive Cheese Bread
- Into the Oven It Goes: I carefully transfer the baking sheet with the filled Olive Cheese Bread to the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. I typically place it on the middle rack to ensure even cooking and browning from both the top and bottom.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: I bake the Olive Cheese Bread for approximately 18-25 minutes. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your bread and filling. What I’m looking for is a beautiful transformation: the cheese should be completely melted, gloriously bubbly, and achieving a magnificent golden-brown hue on top. The edges of the bread should also be beautifully toasted and crisp. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely heavenly – a warm, inviting blend of garlic, cheese, and toasty bread that will have everyone eagerly awaiting the finished product. If I notice it browning too quickly on top, I sometimes loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes, but usually, it’s not necessary.
- A Moment of Patience: Once it’s baked to perfection, I carefully remove the Olive Cheese Bread from the oven. As tempting as it is to dive right in, I let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This brief resting period is important: it allows the molten cheese to set up just slightly, making it much easier to slice neatly without the filling oozing out excessively, and prevents you from burning your mouth on the super-hot cheese!
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
- Slice and Garnish: After its brief rest, I transfer the Olive Cheese Bread to a cutting board. Using that same sharp serrated knife, I slice each half crosswise into individual portions, typically about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This creates perfect, manageable pieces for sharing. Before serving, I love to sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. It really brightens up the rich, savory flavors.
- Serve Warm: This Olive Cheese Bread is absolutely best served warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is wonderfully crisp. It makes a fantastic appetizer for a party, a delightful snack, or a superb accompaniment to a hearty bowl of soup, a crisp salad, or alongside your favorite pasta dish. I’ve even served it as part of a brunch spread, and it’s always a massive hit! The combination of salty olives, savory garlic, and melty, rich cheese on a toasted bread base is truly addictive.
- Storage and Reheating (If There Are Leftovers!): If by some miracle you have any Olive Cheese Bread left over, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find the best method is to pop it back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again and the bread is crispy. Reheating in a toaster oven also works wonderfully for smaller pieces. While microwaving will melt the cheese, it won’t restore the lovely crispy texture of the bread, so I generally avoid that method for the best experience. I always remind myself that this Olive Cheese Bread recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every single bite!
Conclusion:
Well, there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create what I truly believe will become a staple in your kitchen and at your gatherings. This isn’t just another bread recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. The way the salty olives burst with flavor, perfectly complementing the gooey, melted cheese, all cradled on a wonderfully crisp yet soft bread base, is nothing short of magical. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, demanding minimal effort for maximum payoff. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade treats, this particular creation promises a delightful success every single time. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and a touch of gourmet flair to any occasion. The aroma alone, as it bakes to golden perfection, is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, eager for that first irresistible bite. Trust me when I say, once you’ve tasted the glorious combination of ingredients in this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s truly a testament to how humble ingredients can come together to form something truly spectacular and memorable, a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, making it an absolute must-try.
Now, let’s talk about how to truly enjoy your magnificent creation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Of course, it shines brightly as a standalone appetizer, perfect for nibbling while catching up with loved ones before dinner. Imagine serving warm slices on a rustic wooden board, perhaps alongside a simple bowl of marinated olives or a small dish of red pepper flakes for those who like an extra kick. It’s also an absolutely stellar companion to almost any meal. I love serving it with a robust Italian-inspired dinner – think alongside a rich lasagna, a hearty pasta dish with a vibrant tomato sauce, or even a classic chicken parmesan. The savory notes of the olives and cheese cut beautifully through the richness of these meals. Don’t limit it to dinner, though! It makes for an incredibly satisfying lunch when paired with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, turning a simple meal into something special. For a more casual affair, it’s brilliant with a steaming bowl of tomato soup or a creamy roasted red pepper soup on a chilly evening. And for those festive occasions, it’s an absolute game-changer for holiday parties or potlucks. Seriously, it disappears faster than you can say “more, please!”
But wait, there’s more! One of the things I love most about cooking is the freedom to get creative and make a recipe truly your own. While the core recipe for this magnificent Olive Cheese Bread is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with some delightful variations. You could try different combinations of cheeses – a sharp provolone mixed with Monterey Jack for an extra melty stretch, or perhaps some smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor profile. Don’t be shy about exploring the vast world of olives either! While Kalamata and green olives are my personal favorites here, a blend of different varieties, like Castelvetrano or even some oil-cured black olives, could add another dimension. For a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes mixed into the cheese before baking can awaken the palate. Fresh herbs are another fantastic addition; a generous handful of chopped fresh rosemary or oregano, or even a mix of Italian herbs, can infuse the bread with an aromatic freshness that is simply divine. You could even fold in some sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped artichoke hearts, or caramelized onions for an even more substantial and flavorful bread. The possibilities are truly endless, and each tweak allows you to tailor this incredible recipe to your specific tastes or whatever you happen to have on hand. It truly is a forgiving and adaptable masterpiece.
So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try this week. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create something so incredibly delicious and satisfying. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from sharing homemade food, and I promise you, this bread will bring smiles and happy murmurs to anyone lucky enough to taste it. Once you’ve baked your batch and experienced the sheer delight of it, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please, don’t hesitate to share your experiences, your serving ideas, or any creative variations you came up with in the comments below. Your feedback and culinary adventures inspire me, and I can’t wait to see how this wonderful recipe becomes a cherished part of your own cooking repertoire. Happy baking, my friends!
Gooey Olive Cheese Bread: Easy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Delicious!
Olive Cheese Bread is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a culinary hug that promises to transform any meal or gathering into something truly special. Imagine the irresistible aroma wafting from your oven: warm, crusty bread generously slathered with a rich, savory olive and cheese mixture, baked until golden and bubbling. This delightful creation offers the perfect harmony of salty olives, creamy, melted cheese, and hearty bread, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
-
6 oz. full-fat sour cream
-
4 tablespoons softened butter
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7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced
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6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced
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8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 (8-10 oz.) loaf French bread
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Kosher salt to taste
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Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Step 2
Carefully slice the French bread loaf lengthwise down the center, creating two equal halves. Place the two halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. -
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the full-fat sour cream, softened butter, drained and sliced green olives, drained and sliced black olives, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and season with Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper as needed, remembering that olives and cheese add natural saltiness. -
Step 4
Generously spread the olive-cheese mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, mounding the filling high from edge to edge. -
Step 5
Transfer the baking sheet with the filled bread to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 18-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, gloriously bubbly, and achieving a magnificent golden-brown hue on top. The bread edges should also be beautifully toasted and crisp. -
Step 6
Carefully remove the Olive Cheese Bread from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Transfer to a cutting board and slice each half crosswise into individual portions. Serve warm, garnished with a little extra fresh green onions or parsley if desired. Enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.