Olive Cheese Bread Recipe – Savory, Cheesy, and Irresistible

I absolutely love making this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe. Every time I prepare it, my kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and tangy olives. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple. I’ve served it as a snack, an appetizer, and alongside my favorite soups, and it’s always a hit.

Honestly, this bread is comfort food elevated with bold flavors that everyone seems to adore. You can also enjoy similar flavors in my Pesto Chicken Saltimbocca with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata Recipe, which pairs wonderfully with cheesy bread for a full meal experience.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious bread:

• 1 loaf French bread – Choose a fresh, crusty loaf for the perfect texture.
• 8 oz. pimiento-stuffed green olives – Roughly chopped for even distribution.
• 8 oz. black olives – Gives a deep, savory flavor; rough chop is enough.
• 2 stalks green onions (scallions) – Thinly sliced for a mild, fresh bite.
• 1 stick butter, room temperature – Softened butter blends easily with other ingredients.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Use full-fat for creaminess and flavor balance.
• 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, grated – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.

Note: Several servings

Variations

• Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
• Use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
• Try a whole-grain or sourdough loaf instead of French bread for a healthier twist. You could also pair this bread with a Smoked Paprika Chicken Recipe for a smoky, hearty dinner combination.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Baking sheet – To hold the bread while baking.
• Mixing bowl – For combining the butter, cheese, olives, and onions.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping olives and slicing green onions.
• Cheese grater – Grate the cheese fresh for the best melting texture.
• Oven – For baking until golden and bubbly.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe?

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by roughly chopping both the black olives and pimiento-stuffed green olives. Slice green onions thinly. This step ensures that every bite of bread has a balanced mix of flavors.

Mix the Cheese and Olives

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, mayonnaise, grated cheese, chopped olives, and green onions. Stir everything until evenly combined. I love using my hands to gently press the mixture together—it makes it easier to spread later.

Spread and Bake

Slice your French bread lengthwise and evenly spread the olive-cheese mixture on top. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The aroma while baking is irresistible!

Optional as a Dip

If you want, you can refrigerate the mixture for up to two days and use it as a dip. It pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

• I always grate my own cheese—it melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
• Use room-temperature butter to make mixing smoother and easier.
• Don’t overbake; you want the cheese melted and bubbly but not dry.
• I sometimes toast the bread slightly before spreading the mixture for extra crunch.
• If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the mixture adds a nice kick.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe?

This bread is versatile and perfect for many occasions. I like to cut it into thin slices and serve it on a wooden board with a few fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, soups, pasta, or even as an appetizer during gatherings. For a more festive presentation, I sometimes drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview per serving (makes 12 servings):

• Calories: 393 – Rich and satisfying for a snack or side.
• Protein: 12 g – Thanks to the cheese and mayonnaise.
• Carbohydrates: 14 g – Mainly from the bread.
• Fat: 32 g – Creamy and indulgent but totally worth it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop more if it sits for a few hours.

Freezing: You can freeze the prepared mixture (before baking) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 5-10 minutes to refresh the cheesy goodness without drying it out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this olive cheese bread is a must-try:

• Easy to Make: I love how simple this recipe is—it only takes a few ingredients and minimal prep.
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of olives, cheese, and butter is incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile: I serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with meals.
• Customizable: You can add herbs, spices, or even swap cheeses for new flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve made this for family gatherings, and it disappears fast every time!

Ben Carraoli

Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

I absolutely love making this olive cheese bread. Every time I prepare it, my kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and tangy olives. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple. I’ve served it as a snack, an appetizer, and alongside my favorite soups, and it’s always a hit.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread – Choose a fresh crusty loaf for the perfect texture.
• 8 oz. pimiento-stuffed green olives – Roughly chopped for even distribution.
• 8 oz. black olives – Gives a deep savory flavor; rough chop is enough.
• 2 stalks green onions scallions – Thinly sliced for a mild, fresh bite.
• 1 stick butter room temperature – Softened butter blends easily with other ingredients.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Use full-fat for creaminess and flavor balance.
• 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese grated – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.

Method

 

1. Start by roughly chopping both the black olives and pimiento-stuffed green olives. Slice green onions thinly. This step ensures that every bite of bread has a balanced mix of flavors.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, mayonnaise, grated cheese, chopped olives, and green onions. Stir everything until evenly combined. I love using my hands to gently press the mixture together—it makes it easier to spread later.
3. Slice your French bread lengthwise and evenly spread the olive-cheese mixture on top. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The aroma while baking is irresistible!
4. If you want, you can refrigerate the mixture for up to two days and use it as a dip. It pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Notes

• I always grate my own cheese—it melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
• Use room-temperature butter to make mixing smoother and easier.
• Don’t overbake; you want the cheese melted and bubbly but not dry.
• I sometimes toast the bread slightly before spreading the mixture for extra crunch.
• If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the mixture adds a nice kick.