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This olive cheese bread transforms an ordinary loaf into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinner parties, or simply elevating your weeknight meals. The melty cheese combined with the briny olives creates an irresistible flavor combination that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.
I first created this olive cheese bread for a last-minute neighborhood potluck, and it has since become my signature contribution to every gathering. The empty platter I always bring home speaks for itself.
Ingredients
- Sour cream: Full fat provides creaminess and helps bind everything together
- Softened butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden brown crust
- Green olives: Their briny flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese
- Black olives: Milder than green varieties, they add color and a more subtle olive flavor
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the olives shine
- Green onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor without overpowering
- Garlic powder: Provides depth of flavor without the harsh bite of fresh garlic
- French bread: The sturdy texture holds up well to the heavy topping
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the olive cheese mixture. This ensures even baking from the moment you put the bread in.
- Create The Base Mixture:
- Combine the sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until mostly smooth but a few small lumps of butter are fine. This creates a creamy foundation for your topping.
- Add Cheese And Onions:
- Incorporate the shredded Monterey Jack and thinly sliced green onions into the sour cream mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. The cheese will begin to bind with the creamy base.
- Fold In Olives:
- Gently fold both the green and black olives into the cheese mixture. Use a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring to maintain the olive pieces and prevent the mixture from becoming too homogeneous.
- Prepare The Bread:
- Take your French bread loaf and slice it in half widthwise first, then slice each piece lengthwise. This gives you four pieces with the perfect ratio of bread to topping. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Apply The Topping:
- Divide the olive cheese mixture evenly among the four bread pieces. Spread it all the way to the edges in a generous layer. Dont worry about being too neat. The rustic look adds to its appeal.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the prepared bread in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and the edges of the bread beginning to turn golden brown.
- Broil For Color:
- For that extra appeal, broil the bread for just 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesnt burn. This creates a beautiful golden brown crust on top with some darker caramelized spots.
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The blend of both green and black olives is what makes this bread special. I discovered this combination after experimenting with just green olives and finding the flavor too intense. My husband, who claimed to dislike olives, was caught sneaking the last piece after our first family dinner with this bread.
Make It Your Own
This olive cheese bread welcomes creativity. Try adding chopped artichoke hearts, diced roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese would also make wonderful additions. The base recipe is forgiving and adaptable to whatever flavors your family enjoys.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers (though there rarely are any) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave which will make the bread soggy. For best texture, enjoy this bread fresh from the oven when the contrast between the crusty bread and gooey topping is at its peak.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this olive cheese bread alongside a hearty tomato soup for a complete meal, or cut it into smaller pieces as part of an appetizer spread. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. For entertaining, I often prepare several loaves with different toppings, creating a bread bar that lets guests sample various flavor combinations.
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This olive cheese bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing both comfort and flavor to any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different bread type?
Yes! While French bread provides the perfect base, you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even baguette for a twist in texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack works well, but you can try mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even pepper jack for added spice.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the leftover bread tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F until warm and crispy.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the olive and cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply spread it on the bread and bake when ready.
- → Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as long as all your ingredients, like cheese, are free of animal rennet.