Name: Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz. full fat sour cream; 4 tablespoons softened butter; 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions; 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced; 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 8-10 oz. loaf French bread

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 49 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and gooey, melty cheese, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect blend of creamy sour cream, buttery richness, sharp Monterey Jack cheese, and a delightful double helping of green and black olives all baked on a crusty French loaf. It’s a savory, irresistible treat that’s ideal for sharing with friends, bringing to gatherings, or just savoring on your own with a cup of tea or wine.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed on a white marbled surface: a long, golden baguette with a crispy crust lies to the left, next to a white bowl full of shredded pale yellow cheese. Below the cheese bowl, there is a white bowl filled with green olives stuffed with red pimento. To the right of the olives, a white bowl holds a creamy white sauce topped with specks of black pepper and a brown spice. Above this bowl, a light wooden cutting board holds freshly chopped green onions with bright green and white sections. To the right of the cutting board is a white bowl filled with sliced black olives. Near the top of the cutting board is a small glass bowl holding two sticks of pale yellow butter. A light gray cloth is partly visible on the far left edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is simple yet essential, creating that perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color. From the tangy green onions to the luscious combination of sour cream and butter, every choice has a purpose to make this dish shine.

6 oz. full fat sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the cheese richness.
4 tablespoons softened butter: Brings a luscious texture and a rich, buttery flavor that helps everything meld together.
7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced: Offers briny bite and fresh color contrast to the bread.
6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced: Adds a deep, savory earthiness and complexity of flavor.
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery taste perfect for this bread.
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions: Brings a fresh, slightly sharp note that brightens every bite.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aroma without overpowering.
8-10 oz. loaf French bread: Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s the perfect base for this decadent topping.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors equally.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a subtle kick and fragrant sharpness.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key for melting the cheese perfectly while allowing the bread to toast up golden and crisp without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the full fat sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir well until the mixture becomes mostly smooth, blending all those wonderful flavors into a creamy base for the toppings.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Onions

Next, fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions. This step adds layers of creamy texture and fresh, bright flavors that make the spread irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate the Olives

Carefully fold the sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture. These olives give the bread its signature briny punch and add that gorgeous contrast in both taste and texture you’ll love with each bite.

Step 5: Slice Your French Bread

Slice your French bread loaf first in half widthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise to create four manageable pieces. This makes it easier to spread the topping evenly and ensures every slice gets a perfect amount of olive cheese goodness.

Step 6: Spread the Olive Cheese Mixture

Divide the cheesy olive mixture evenly among the four bread pieces. Spread it generously on the cut sides, making sure the topping reaches every corner to get that full flavor profile in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the topped bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown and the cheese melted beautifully, bubbling invitingly.

Step 8: Broil for a Golden Finish

For about 1 to 2 minutes, broil the bread to achieve that lovely dark golden-brown color on the cheese topping. This final step adds a slight crispness and gorgeous caramelization that will make your mouth water just looking at it.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, slice the bread and garnish with fresh parsley if you like—adding a pop of green freshness. Serve immediately while the bread is hot, and prepare for rave reviews.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

The image shows two long, open slices of bread with many air holes, placed on a wooden cutting board. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with a mix of white cheese and sliced black and green olives with some small red bits. Below the bowl is a metal baking tray with a piece of the same bread on a parchment sheet. A knife with a white handle lies beside the cutting board. On the left side, there is a light blue cloth with frayed edges, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or finely chopped chives make perfect garnishes for this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe, providing a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the rich, creamy topping.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing salad—think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette—or a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping. Both options complement the salty, cheesy flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the olive cheese bread as part of a grazing board with cured meats, marinated vegetables, and olives. It also shines when sliced into bite-sized pieces as an appetizer at your next party or sliced thick and enjoyed as a robust snack any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their delicious texture for 2 to 3 days—perfect for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You want to warm through without drying it out. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute mozzarella or mild cheddar for a slightly different take. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that luscious texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe uses dairy ingredients like sour cream, butter, and cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you could experiment with vegan cheese and dairy-free substitutes to create a plant-based version.

Can I prepare the olive cheese topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the olive cheese mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading on the bread to ensure even baking.

What kind of olives work best?

The combination of green and black olives offers a balanced flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy bread.

Is French bread the only option?

French bread provides a nice crust and soft interior perfect for this recipe, but a good quality baguette or even ciabatta can work beautifully, offering different textures and shapes to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that sparks joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, rich with flavor, and wonderfully versatile whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or side. I encourage you to whip it up and share the delightful combination of creamy cheese and briny olives with your loved ones. Trust me, this bread will become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need