Name: Olive Cheese Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485732H59M14S
Total time: PT-485732H59M14S
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (split in half lengthwise); 1/2 cup green olives, chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced thin; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper for a little heat

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Olive Cheese Bread is a flavorful and cheesy appetizer that's perfect for parties or a cozy snack. It features a delicious blend of green and black olives, creamy cheeses, and a touch of butter and mayonnaise spread over crusty French or Italian bread, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Ingredients

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

1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (split in half lengthwise)

½ cup green olives, chopped

½ cup black olives, chopped

2 green onions, sliced thin

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper for a little heat

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a bowl, combine the chopped green and black olives, sliced green onions, mayonnaise, softened butter, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until fully blended. If I want some spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper.

Place both halves of the bread on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

Spread the cheese and olive mixture evenly across both bread halves.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For extra crispiness, I like to broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but I watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Let the bread cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or snack. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking takes 15 to 18 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is roughly 25 to 30 minutes.

Variations

I often experiment with this recipe by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for extra flavor. Swapping mayonnaise for cream cheese gives it a tangy twist that I really enjoy. You could also try different cheeses like cheddar or gouda depending on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator. When I want to reheat it, I pop it in a toaster oven or regular oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while French or Italian bread works best for their crusty texture, you can also use a sturdy baguette or even ciabatta if you prefer. Just make sure it holds the toppings well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, since traditional French or Italian bread contains gluten. You could try a gluten-free bread alternative if needed, but the texture and baking time might vary.

Can I prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! I sometimes prepare the cheese and olive mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread.

What can I add to make it spicier?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper works well. You could also mix in a bit of diced jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.

How long will leftovers keep?

Stored in the fridge wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, leftovers usually stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat them shortly before serving to keep the bread crispy.

Conclusion

I find Olive Cheese Bread to be a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to throw together but feels special. It’s perfect for a casual get-together or whenever I want a tasty, cheesy treat. The combination of olives and cheeses makes every bite flavorful, and with a few simple tweaks, it can fit any occasion or craving. I highly recommend trying this recipe the next time I want something warm, savory, and satisfying.

Recipe:

Olive Cheese Bread

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Olive Cheese Bread is a flavorful and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or a cozy snack, featuring a blend of green and black olives, creamy cheeses, and a buttery mayo spread on crusty bread, baked to golden perfection.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine chopped green and black olives, sliced green onions, mayonnaise, softened butter, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully blended. Add red pepper flakes or black pepper if desired.
Place both halves of the bread on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
Spread the cheese and olive mixture evenly across both bread halves.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For extra crispiness, broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Let the bread cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then slice and serve warm.