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; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced; 6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced; 8-10 oz. loaf French bread; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you love the combination of creamy cheese and briny olives baked into a warm, crusty loaf, you are going to adore this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese, vibrant green and black olives, and a touch of garlic and green onion, all nestled inside a crunchy French bread. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a snack, or an accompaniment to your meal, this bread brings both bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a creamy, white cheese mixture with a slightly chunky texture, topped on one side by a heap of sliced green olives with red pimentos, giving a shiny light green and red contrast, and on the other side, a pile of black olive slices with a glossy, dark texture. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl among the black olives. The bowl is placed on a soft gray cloth with frayed edges, and there is a piece of light brown bread with a crusty texture on the left side. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe. The list is simple yet every item plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

6 oz. full fat sour cream: adds creaminess and tangy richness that keeps the cheese mixture moist and luscious.
4 tablespoons softened butter: for richness and to help bind the flavors together.
7 oz. green olives, drained and sliced: bring a bright, slightly tart bite to the dish.
6 oz. black olives, drained and sliced: add an earthy, mellow olive flavor that compliments the green olives beautifully.
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese: melts into a smooth, mild, and creamy filling that makes every bite irresistible.
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions: add a fresh, mild onion flavor and great texture contrast.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: provides a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
8-10 oz. loaf French bread: offers a crisp crust and a soft interior perfect for holding all the delicious toppings.
Kosher salt: enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Fresh cracked pepper: adds a mild peppery warmth and finishes off the flavor perfectly.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Mixture

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when your bread is prepared. Then, in a medium bowl, combine the full-fat sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, and a large pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir this combination until it becomes mostly smooth, forming a rich base that will bind all the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Green Onions

Next, stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions. Mixing these together helps to evenly distribute the creamy cheese and zesty green onion throughout the bread, giving each bite a delightful burst of freshness and cheesiness.

Step 3: Fold in the Olives

Now add in both the green and black olives, folding them gently into the cheese mixture. This step is essential because it spreads the briny, flavorful olives around while keeping their chunks intact for wonderful texture contrasts in the finished bread.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread

Slice your French bread loaf first in half widthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise, creating four manageable pieces. This size is ideal for spreading the olive-cheese filling and ensures every piece crisps up nicely in the oven.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Evenly divide the olive and cheese mixture among the four bread pieces, spreading each thoroughly over the cut sides to cover every inch. Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese melts fully and the edges show a perfect golden brown glow.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Finish off your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe by broiling the bread for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese deepens to a beautiful dark golden color. Keep a close eye on this step—it happens fast and you don’t want it to burn!

Step 7: Slice and Garnish

Once out of the oven, slice the bread into serving-sized pieces and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. This final touch brightens the presentation and adds a hint of herbal freshness to every bite.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

The image shows a white baking tray with a flatbread cut into several irregular triangles, each piece topped with a thick, creamy white cheese layer. The cheese is speckled with sliced black olives and green olives stuffed with small red pieces, evenly scattered on top. Bits of chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the flatbread for a pop of color. On the upper right side of the tray, there's a small white bowl filled with finely chopped green herbs. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like finely chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe by adding color and a subtle flavor kick that complements the olives and cheese.

Side Dishes

This savory bread pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as crisp green salads or a bowl of roasted tomato soup. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or Mediterranean dishes for a complete, impressive meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe as a shareable appetizer platter with bowls of marinated olives, assorted cheeses, and sliced cured meats. You could even cut it into bite-sized cubes and serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. The bread will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy again without compromising flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can also freeze the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe by wrapping individual pieces well and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese becomes melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust nice and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts wonderfully and has a mild flavor, you can try mozzarella for extra stretchiness or a sharp cheddar for more bite. Just keep the total amount similar to maintain the right texture.

Is it necessary to use both green and black olives?

Using both green and black olives adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish by balancing brightness with mellow tones, but you can absolutely use just one type if preferred—or even substitute with kalamata olives.

Can I make this bread vegan or dairy-free?

With some tweaks, yes. You could substitute vegan sour cream, dairy-free butter alternatives, and vegan cheese. The olives and bread remain good as is, making this a fairly adaptable recipe for various diets.

Can I prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, green onions, and olives up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before spreading it over the bread.

What type of French bread is best?

Choose a loaf that has a nice crunchy crust and a soft but sturdy interior. A traditional baguette or a slightly wider French loaf works great—avoid breads that are too dense or heavily compacted.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and joy every time you bake it, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy night at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this savory, cheesy, olive-studded delight!