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Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 518 reviews

This Olive Cheese Bread is a savory, flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy mixture of sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced green and black olives spread over crusty French bread. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and salty flavors with a delightful crisp on the outside and melty cheese inside, ideal for parties or a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

  • 6 oz. full fat sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced
  • 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced

Bread

  • 8–10 oz. loaf French bread

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bread mixture evenly.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, combine the full fat sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, a large pinch of kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir the ingredients until mostly smooth to create a creamy, seasoned base.
  3. Add Cheese and Onion: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions until well blended with the creamy base, incorporating the fresh onion flavor and melty cheese into the mixture.
  4. Incorporate Olives: Gently fold the sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture to evenly distribute their briny, savory taste throughout the spread.
  5. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise in half, then cut those halves once more widthwise, resulting in four manageable pieces for topping and baking.
  6. Spread the Mixture: Evenly divide the olive and cheese mixture among the four pieces, spreading it generously on the cut sides of the bread to ensure full coverage and flavor with every bite.
  7. Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the edges begin to turn a golden brown, creating a bubbly and inviting appearance.
  8. Broil for Finish: Switch the oven to broil and cook the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese develops a dark golden brown crust, adding a delicious crispy texture and enhanced flavor.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven, slice if desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty goodness.

Notes

  • Use full fat sour cream for the richest flavor and creamy texture.
  • Be sure to drain the olives well to avoid excess moisture making the bread soggy.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic powder and salt according to taste preferences.
  • Broiling time is short—watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or as a party appetizer.
  • For a milder taste, use fewer olives or substitute with pimento-stuffed green olives.