Olive Cheese Bread Bake

This Olive Cheese Bread is pure comfort meets party food. It is the ultimate throw-together snack or side for any gathering when you need something that feels special without any fuss. Warm bread turns cheesy and loaded with briny olives in minutes making it the kind of crowd pleaser I end up craving at least once every month.

I always set out to make this for guests but my family attacks it before anyone else arrives. It has become our go-to for movie nights and cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• Full fat sour cream: Gives the bread its tangy richness. Go for high quality since the flavor carries through.
• Softened butter: Brings creaminess and that toasty buttery taste. Use unsalted for more control.
• Green olives: Offer a salty briny bite. I like Castelvetrano for more mellow flavor but any good quality jar works.
• Black olives: Add a deeper savory note. Choose sliced varieties in water for best texture.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers stretch and flavor. Freshly shredded beats pre-packaged every time.
• Thinly sliced green onions: Cut through the richness. They add a fresh bite.
• Garlic powder: Gives subtle background warmth. Stay away from garlic salt since the olives already bring plenty of brine.
• A loaf of French bread: Provides structure and crispy edges. Pick one that feels heavy for its size with a thin crisp crust.
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Wakes up all the flavors. Always taste before adding too much salt since the olives do a lot of the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Creamy Base:

In a medium bowl mix sour cream garlic powder and softened butter with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth but do not worry if there are tiny butter bits left.

Mix Cheese and Green Onion:

Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese plus sliced green onions to the bowl. Use a sturdy spoon to fold them until every shred is coated.

Fold In Olives:

Gently stir in green and black olives. Try not to break them up too much so you get large bursts of salty flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Bread:

Slice your French bread loaf in half through the middle then slice each piece in half lengthwise so you have four open faced pieces.

Spread the Mixture:

Divide the olive cheese mix evenly across the bread slabs. Use a spoon or angled spatula to cover every inch all the way to the edges for crispy cheese bits.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for twenty to twenty five minutes. You want the cheese bubbly and the edges golden.

Broil for Crust:

Pop the tray under the broiler for one to two minutes. Watch like a hawk. Cheese can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Slice and Serve:

Let the bread cool for a minute then slice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. This helps balance all that richness.

The briny green olives are my favorite part. I often sneak in a few extra when nobody is watching because they pop so perfectly against all that melting cheese. My kids now fight over the crispiest edge slices which has become a running joke in our kitchen.

Storage Tips

Leftovers are rare but if you have them wrap slices tightly and tuck them in the fridge. The bread warms up perfectly in a toaster oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about eight minutes which helps the edges crisp up again. You can also freeze individual slices then reheat straight from frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

No sour cream on hand Try plain full fat Greek yogurt or swap in half mascarpone for an even richer spread. If you like more heat a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth. Other great melting cheeses include mozzarella or fontina. If you only have one type of olive just double up and it will still turn out delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This bread makes a standout snack with icy drinks or as a side dish with hearty salads grilled chicken or spaghetti. It also shines as a game day appetizer. When I am feeling extra fancy I like to pass small slices with a dry white wine or some crisp bubbles.

This Olive Cheese Bread is the ultimate combination of salty tangy creamy and crisp and always vanishes before you know it. The first time I made it for family before a pasta dinner it was gone in minutes and now it is in regular rotation at every special occasion and lazy Sunday alike.

Foire aux questions sur la recette

→ What type of cheese works best for this bread?

Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor, making it ideal. You can also try mozzarella or a blend for variety.

→ Do I need to use both green and black olives?

Using both offers balanced flavor, but you can substitute with just one type if preferred for a different taste profile.

→ Can this bread be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the olive-cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

→ Is it necessary to broil the bread at the end?

Broiling creates a deep golden crust and enhances the cheese's flavor, but you may skip this step if you prefer a softer top.

→ Are there garnish options besides parsley?

Chopped chives, basil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes are great alternatives that add color and extra flavor.