Name: Olive Cheese Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chopped green olives (or mix with black olives); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Olive Cheese Bread is a savory, cheesy delight that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. With its soft, fluffy interior filled with the rich flavor of melted cheese and the briny kick of olives, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or just on its own. It’s easy to make and the perfect combination of salty, tangy, and cheesy goodness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Olive Cheese Bread is the ultimate savory indulgence. The bread is soft and fluffy, with a gooey, melty cheese center that gets an added burst of flavor from the olives. It’s quick to make and doesn’t require any fancy techniques, making it the perfect dish for beginner and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, at a party, or simply enjoying a slice as a snack, this bread will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread (or any type of crusty bread)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup green olives, chopped (or a mix of green and black olives)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half horizontally, creating two long pieces. Place them, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, chopped olives, minced garlic, oregano, and parsley (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed.
Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread the cheese and olive mixture over the cut side of both halves of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface with the cheesy mixture for maximum flavor.
Bake the Bread: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into individual servings and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the cheese mixture.
Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Meat Lovers: Stir in some crumbled cooked sausage, beef, or chicken for a heartier version.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes (like cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella) for a dairy-free version of this bread.

Storage/Reheating

This Olive Cheese Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again.

Olive Cheese Bread

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While French bread is ideal for this recipe, you can use any type of crusty bread like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread and the cheese mixture ahead of time, and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just spread the mixture on the bread and bake as directed.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyère, provolone, or gouda would all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this without olives?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of olives or want a milder flavor, you can skip them and just stick to the cheesy mixture. You can also substitute with other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions.

Can I freeze Olive Cheese Bread?

You can freeze the prepared bread before baking. Wrap the halves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the bread thaw and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Olive Cheese Bread is a savory, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheeses and the briny flavor of olives gives this bread a unique, delicious twist on the traditional cheesy bread. Easy to make and irresistibly good, it’s the perfect side dish for soups, salads, or just for enjoying on its own. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a cozy snack, this Olive Cheese Bread is sure to be a crowd favorite!