Description
A flavorful Olive Cheese Bread featuring a creamy blend of sour cream, buttery goodness, Monterey Jack cheese, and green and black olives spread over crunchy French bread, baked to golden perfection and broiled for a crispy cheesy top. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack to enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dairy & Dairy Substitutes
- 6 oz. full fat sour cream
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Produce & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Olives
- 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced
- 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Breads
- 8-10 oz. loaf French bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even baking of the bread and cheese mixture.
- Prepare sour cream mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the full-fat sour cream, garlic powder, softened butter, along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir until the mixture is mostly smooth and well-integrated.
- Add cheese and green onions: Mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions until evenly combined with the sour cream base.
- Fold in olives: Carefully fold the drained and sliced green and black olives into the cheese mixture to evenly distribute the salty, savory flavors.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half widthwise and then again lengthwise so you have four manageable pieces with cut sides exposed for spreading.
- Spread the mixture: Divide the olive and cheese mixture evenly among the four bread pieces, spreading it in a smooth, even layer on the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake the bread: Place the prepared bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted thoroughly and the edges of the bread start turning golden brown.
- Broil for finishing touch: Switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese on top achieves a dark golden brown and slightly crispy texture.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from oven, slice as desired, garnish with fresh parsley if preferred, and enjoy this savory treat warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use full fat sour cream and cheese for the richest flavor and creaminess.
- Drain and slice olives well to avoid excess moisture making the bread soggy.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of olives and cheese.
- Monitor closely during broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
- Try adding fresh parsley or other herbs for added freshness.
- This bread is best served warm right after baking.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
