Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Salty, savory, and melty olive cheese bread featuring two types of olives and a spicy kick from Calabrian chili paste. This flavorful spin on classic garlic bread makes a perfect holiday appetizer, ready in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an irresistible treat to share with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces (serves 6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 (14 ounce) ciabatta loaf, sliced in half lengthwise
Spread Mixture
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste, depending on your spice preference
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the ciabatta halves cut side up onto the sheet, ready for topping.
- Make the Spread Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, mayonnaise, Calabrian chili paste, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients are well blended into a creamy spread.
- Assemble the Bread: Evenly spread the butter mixture across the cut sides of each ciabatta half, ensuring full coverage to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spread, followed by an even distribution of the chopped Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives. Finally, grate the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake Until Golden and Melty: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted completely and starts to turn a light golden brown for a deliciously bubbly finish.
- Slice and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice each half loaf crosswise into 6 pieces each, creating 12 pieces total. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh herbaceous note, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- This recipe is inspired by Pioneer Woman’s Olive Cheese Bread.
- Adjust the Calabrian chili paste quantity to reduce or omit spice if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the ciabatta loaf with your favorite gluten-free bread.
- To make this dairy-free, use vegan butter, vegan mayonnaise, and vegan/dairy-free cheese shreds.
Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/matts-olive-cheese-bread-recipe-2/
