Easy Olive Cheese Bread Recipe (25-Minutes)

Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish?

This Olive Cheese Bread recipe delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and crunchy edges—all in 25 minutes.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning game night, or just craving a savory snack, this cheesy olive bread will hit the spot.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

To make olive cheese bread, you only need a few basic ingredients, but each one plays a key role in flavor and texture:

• Bread: Use a sturdy base like French bread, Italian loaf, ciabatta, or baguette. These hold up well under the heavy topping and crisp beautifully in the oven.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Cheddar are great options for meltability and flavor. Feel free to mix cheeses for added depth.
• Olives: Green olives offer a briny, slightly bitter flavor, while black olives are milder and softer. Use a mix or choose your favorite.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy binder that keeps the mixture spreadable and rich.
• Optional Add-ins: Minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.

Step-by-Step Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French or Italian bread
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheese, chopped olives, mayonnaise, garlic, and parsley.
3. Prepare the Bread: Slice the bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves on the baking sheet, cut side up.
4. Spread the Topping: Evenly distribute the olive cheese mixture over the bread halves, spreading it all the way to the edges.
5. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Broil (Optional): For extra golden, crispy topping, broil on high for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Slice and Serve: Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Tips for Making the Best Olive Cheese Bread

• Use fresh bread: Day-old bread can become soggy. A fresh, crusty loaf gives the best results.
• Balance the salt: Olives and cheese are naturally salty. Taste your mixture before adding any extra salt.
• Avoid sogginess: Don’t overload the bread with too much spread. A generous layer is good, but too thick can lead to a soggy bottom.
• Add heat: If you like a little spice, mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make ahead: You can prep the olive cheese spread ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Spread and bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Olive cheese bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

• An appetizer before a dinner party
• A side dish with tomato soup or a fresh garden salad
• A warm snack for movie night or game day
• A holiday appetizer or potluck offering

Pair it with:

• Sparkling water with lemon or lime
• A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Craft beer or light lager
• A charcuterie board with cured meats and fruit

Fun Variations to Try

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily it can be customized:

• Spicy Jalapeño Olive Cheese Bread: Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean-Style: Use feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bacon-Loaded Version: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or prosciutto.
• Vegan Twist: Use dairy-free mayo and plant-based shredded cheese for a fully vegan version.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them without losing flavor or texture:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Best consumed within 2–3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze olive cheese bread before or after baking. To freeze before baking, spread the mixture on the bread and freeze flat. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the bread soggy.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make olive cheese bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese and olive mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Spread it on the bread and bake when ready.

Can I freeze olive cheese bread?

Yes. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble and wrap it tightly. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can use sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt as alternatives, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.