Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

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Cozy Olive Cheese Bread Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm olive cheese bread fresh from the oven. I love how the buttery, fragrant spread melds with the toasty, crisp edges of the French bread—it’s like a little weekend celebration you can make anytime.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance the salty tang of olives with melty, creamy cheese, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is just the answer. Plus, it’s quick to pull together, perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy snack with a cup of tea. As you bake it, you’ll notice the rich aroma of garlic and butter mingling with the golden cheese bubbling up. This recipe is a lovely way to brighten any table—and your day—without fuss or fancy steps. I’m excited to walk you through it!

Ingredient Lowdown

• Full-fat sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the bread moist and luscious.
• Softened butter: Brings rich, smooth depth and helps carry the garlic flavor.
• Green and black olives: Salty and briny notes that create a perfectly balanced bite—feel free to swap them for your favorite olives.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a mild, slightly tangy taste that complements the olives.
• Green onions: Fresh and crisp, they add a slight sharpness and color contrast.
• Garlic powder: For just the right amount of savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• French bread loaf: The canvas—choose a crusty loaf that crisps up nicely but stays tender inside.
• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance and balance every layer of flavor.

Set Up for Success

Before diving in, gather your ingredients and slice your olives—this makes the mixing stage smooth and mess-free. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to create that toasty, golden finish. You won’t need any fancy pans here, just a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

Step-by-Step: Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the base spread: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all until mostly smooth—this blend is where the rich, creamy magic begins.
3. Add cheese and green onions: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and fresh green onions. You’ll see the mixture start to thicken, carrying both gentle heat and crisp freshness.
4. Fold in olives carefully: Gently fold the sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture. The briny bursts they add create that unmistakable character of this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe.
5. Prep the bread: Slice your French loaf in half widthwise, then cut each half lengthwise—creating four manageable pieces perfect for spreading and baking evenly.
6. Spread the olive cheese mixture evenly: Divide and spread the flavorful olive-cheese blend over the cut side of each bread piece. Aim for an even layer that promises a consistent, ooey-gooey bite every time.
7. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt fully and the bread’s edges to turn a warm golden brown. It’s the moment the kitchen fills with that irresistible toasty aroma.

8. Broil for 1-2 minutes. Switch your oven to broil and watch carefully as the cheese develops those crisp, dark golden patches that add a deliciously toasty crunch.
9. Slicing and serving: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into friendly pieces. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness perfect for presentation.

Flavor Twists for Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

• Swap Monterey Jack for sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for a smoky depth.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet chewiness that contrasts the olives.
• Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy note.
• Try roasted garlic cloves instead of garlic powder for an intense, mellow garlic flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Use ciabatta or sourdough bread for a different crust experience.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
• For longer storage, freeze the prepared olive cheese mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Assemble bread and topping ahead of time, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
• Use foil to cover partially baked bread if you want to pause baking halfway without drying it out.

Olive Cheese Bread Recipe FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or a mild cheddar all work beautifully—just pick ones that melt well.
• Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets? To make it vegan, swap the sour cream and butter for plant-based versions and use vegan cheese alternatives.
• How do I make sure the bread stays crisp? Baking directly on a foil-lined sheet and broiling at the end helps create that crispy, golden crust I love.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Definitely—just substitute your favorite gluten-free French bread or baguette.
• What wine pairs well with this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe? A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the saltiness and richness perfectly.

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