Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Olive Cheese Bread is the kind of appetizer that disappears almost instantly—warm, savory, melty, and impossibly addictive. It delivers a perfect balance of salty olives, creamy cheese, and crisp toasted bread, all baked together into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. This is the dish you pull out when you want something impressive but effortless. I once tried making it with a combination of green olives and Kalamata, and the briny depth was incredible without overwhelming the cheese. It’s one of those recipes that works beautifully for holidays, game days, potlucks, or casual family nights. The ingredients come together quickly, and the oven does most of the work. Serve it sliced or torn into pieces, and enjoy an appetizer that feels indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy any crowd.
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Easy Olive Cheese Bread Appetizer: A Warm, Savory Crowd-Pleaser You’ll Make Again and Again
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cheesy appetizer made with crusty French bread topped with a creamy mixture of olives, cheeses, and garlic—perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped olives, green onions, butter, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the French bread.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top.
- Slice and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a stronger flavor.
- Chop olives finely for easier slicing.
- This appetizer can be made ahead and refrigerated until baking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
French bread or Italian loaf
A soft loaf with a sturdy crust works best. It holds the toppings well and develops perfect crisp edges as it bakes.
Green olives
Green olives offer briny brightness and a mild tang. They add depth without overpowering the cheesy base.
Black olives
Black olives provide a softer, smoother flavor that balances the punch of the green olives.
Butter
Butter helps bind the topping together and adds richness that melts into the bread.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise creates a creamy, cohesive texture that melds beautifully with the cheese as it bakes.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts into a stretchy, bubbly layer that holds all the flavors together.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and savory depth, balancing the richness of the spread.
Green onions
Green onions add mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of color.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder gives the topping subtle warmth without overpowering the olives.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the French bread lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter, mayonnaise, chopped green olives, black olives, shredded cheeses, green onions, and garlic powder. Mix until fully combined into a thick, spreadable mixture.
Spread the olive-cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, pressing gently so it adheres well. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden around the edges. For an extra-crisp finish, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking requires 15–18 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 25–30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy. Freezing is not recommended because of the creamy topping.
Variations and Customizations
Jalapeño Olive Cheese Bread
Add diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Blend
Use Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
Four-Cheese Version
Add Parmesan or provolone for extra richness.
Herb Lovers’ Bread
Mix in fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for added brightness.
Bacon Olive Cheese Bread
Fold in crisp bacon bits for smoky depth.
Garlic-Bomb Version
Add minced fresh garlic for a stronger, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Pepper Jack Twist
Replace cheddar with pepper jack for heat and creaminess.
Artichoke Olive Bread
Fold in chopped artichoke hearts for a briny, tender texture.
Pimento Cheese Style
Add pimentos and a little paprika for a Southern-style twist.
Low-Sodium Option
Use reduced-sodium olives and cheese to moderate the brininess.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of olive?
Yes, green or black alone works fine—mixing just adds more depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
Should I use shredded or fresh mozzarella?
Shredded melts more evenly and blends better with the spread.
Can I use ciabatta or sourdough?
Absolutely—any sturdy loaf works well.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
How do I prevent the topping from sliding off?
Press it gently into the bread before baking.
Can I add protein?
Bacon, ham, or even chopped rotisserie chicken work well.
Can I freeze the unbaked bread?
Not recommended due to the mayonnaise mixture’s texture.
Does this work as a main dish?
Yes—pair with a salad or soup for a full meal.
How do I get the top extra crispy?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Conclusion
Easy Olive Cheese Bread is a warm, melty, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings big flavor with minimal effort. With its briny olives, creamy cheese layer, and perfectly toasted bread base, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Versatile, customizable, and consistently delicious, it’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or casual snacking. Slice it warm, serve it quickly, and watch every piece disappear—this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your appetizer rotation.
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