Olive Cheese Bread: 20-Minute Game-Changer for Cozy Nights

Oh, Olive Cheese Bread. Just the smell of it bubbling away in the oven takes me right back to my happiest get-togethers—everyone gathered around, snatching slices off the tray before I can even set it down. This isn’t just any cheesy bread. It’s gooey, melty, and packed with that unmistakable briny punch from both green and black olives. The creamy olive spread soaks into the bread, and the golden, bubbling cheese on top turns every bite into pure comfort. I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this for parties, or honestly, just for myself on a cold night when I need something cozy and salty (and ridiculously easy). I’ve played around with the cheese, the bread, even the herbs—trust me, I’ve learned all the tricks for perfect, crowd-pleasing results. If you love bold flavor and want a guaranteed hit for your next snack or gathering, you absolutely have to try this Olive Cheese Bread. You’ll see why it disappears so fast at my house!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Cheese Bread

• Ridiculously fast to prep—just mix, spread, and bake. No fancy steps or fussy techniques.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you can grab at any grocery store.
• The creamy olive cheese spread seeps into the bread, making every bite gooey and super flavorful.
• Briny green and black olives keep things tangy and exciting—this isn’t boring old garlic bread!
• Bakes up bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on top. You’ll get that perfect pull-apart, melty cheese moment every single time.
• Easy to adapt—switch up the cheese, bread, or herbs for whatever you have on hand.
• Absolute crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or quick snacks. Trust me, people will ask for the recipe!

Olive Cheese Bread Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll want ready before you start spreading and baking. I always use freshly shredded, loosely packed cheese for best melt, but bagged works in a pinch. Don’t forget to soften your butter – it makes mixing so much easier! If you’re missing Monterey Jack, swap in mozzarella or cheddar. Grab:

• 6 oz full fat sour cream
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 7 oz green olives, drained and sliced
• 6 oz black olives, drained and sliced
• 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (loosely packed; mozzarella or cheddar are great too)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8–10 oz French bread loaf
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

That’s it—simple, bold, and ready for cheesy greatness.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Olive Cheese Bread

• Monterey Jack cheese melts like a dream—super gooey and mild. If you swap in mozzarella, you’ll get extra stretch and a bit more chew. Cheddar makes it sharper and punchier (try half-and-half for the best of both worlds!).
• Green olives bring that classic briny bite, while black olives mellow things out. I love the combo! But you can absolutely use all green or all black if that’s what you’ve got.
• French bread is my usual pick, but sourdough or a sturdy baguette work just as well. Softer breads soak up more of the cheesy spread, while crusty loaves stay extra crisp.
• Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or some chopped fresh parsley for a herby twist. Craving spice? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few chopped jalapeños totally kicks things up.

Don’t overthink it—this recipe is super forgiving and loves whatever you throw at it!

Equipment Needed for Olive Cheese Bread

You don’t need anything fancy for this cheesy olive bread—just a few basics from your kitchen. I always grab:

• Mixing bowl: For stirring together all that creamy, cheesy olive goodness.
• Spoon or spatula: Makes mixing and spreading the olive cheese mixture a breeze (a silicone spatula gets every last bit!).
• Serrated knife: The best for slicing bread without squishing it—trust me, your loaf will thank you.
• Baking sheet: Holds all your bread pieces and keeps things tidy while baking.

If you want super even slices, a bread knife is your best friend. That’s really all it takes for golden, melty olive cheese bread magic!

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—making your own Olive Cheese Bread! Don’t blink, because this goes fast and smells so good you’ll want to dip right in. Here’s exactly how I do it for perfect, gooey-cheesy results every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I usually do this first so it’s ready to go when the bread is assembled.
2. Mix up the spread. In a medium bowl, combine 6 oz full fat sour cream, 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until mostly smooth—don’t worry if a few buttery bits are left, it all melts together.
3. Add 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions. Stir again until it’s all evenly combined.
4. Fold in 7 oz green olives and 6 oz black olives, both drained and sliced. Make sure those olives get coated in the creamy cheese mixture—this keeps them from rolling off later.
5. Cut your bread: Slice the French loaf in half widthwise, then cut each piece in half lengthwise so you have four long, open-faced pieces. This gives you the best surface for maximum cheesy coverage.
6. Spread the olive cheese mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. I like to mound it on thick and use the back of a spoon to get every inch covered, right up to the edges.
7. Arrange the bread pieces, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Don’t crowd them—space helps everything brown evenly.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the bread turn golden and crisp. Peek at 20 minutes, but don’t pull it too soon—melty and bubbly is the goal!
9. For extra golden, bubbly tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely—cheese goes from perfect to burnt in a flash. (I never walk away at this step!)
10. Let the bread cool just a minute, then slice into strips or chunks. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. Trust me, it’s at its gooey best right out of the oven!

That’s it—a cheesy, salty, golden masterpiece. Don’t be surprised if everyone hovers in the kitchen for “taste tests” before it even makes it to the table.

Life-changing Olive Cheese Bread you’ll crave

Olive Cheese Bread Variations

Once you’ve nailed the classic, it’s honestly so much fun to riff on this cheesy olive bread. I switch it up depending on what’s in my fridge or who’s coming over. Here are a few of my favorite spins:

• Switch the cheese: Mozzarella for extra stretch, sharp cheddar for zing, or a mix for the best of both worlds.
• Herb it up: Add fresh basil, oregano, or a dash of Italian seasoning right into the spread for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Spicy kick: Stir in sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat-lovers.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or loaf—the cheesy topping works on anything sturdy.
• Vegan version: Swap in vegan mayo, plant-based butter, and your go-to vegan cheese shreds. Still totally melty and delicious!
• Mini bites: Slice baguette into rounds and spread each one for party-perfect appetizers.
• Pull-apart style: Use a round bread loaf—score it deeply, stuff the olive cheese mixture between the cuts, and bake until bubbly and golden. Pure finger food heaven!

No matter how you change it up, you’ll end up with something warm, melty, and totally addictive.

Serving Suggestions for Olive Cheese Bread

This melty Olive Cheese Bread pretty much steals the show wherever you set it down. I love serving it with a big salad (think crisp greens or a tangy tomato salad) or dunking thick slices into cozy soups—tomato basil and creamy potato are my go-tos. For parties, cut the bread into small strips or triangles and pile them high on a platter with toothpicks. It’s perfect for game day spreads, potlucks, or just a family snack night with cold drinks. No one can resist grabbing “just one more” piece!

Storing and Reheating Olive Cheese Bread

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare at my house!), here’s how to keep that Olive Cheese Bread tasting just-baked:

• To store: Cool completely, then wrap in foil or pop into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to a month.
• To reheat: For the best melty cheese and crispy edges, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes straight from the fridge. For quick snacking, the microwave works—about 30 seconds per slice—but the crust won’t crisp up.

I always go for the oven method if I want that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven bite!

Olive Cheese Bread Nutrition Information

Each serving of Olive Cheese Bread (about 1/8 of a loaf) comes in around 250 calories, with 17g fat, 7g protein, 17g carbs, 600mg sodium, and 1g fiber. These are ballpark numbers—your totals may shift depending on your bread, cheese, and how thick you spread that cheesy olive topping. Always check your own ingredients if you need exact numbers!

Olive Cheese Bread FAQ

• Can I make Olive Cheese Bread ahead of time? Absolutely! Mix up the olive cheese spread and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, just slather it on the bread and bake.
• Can I use only green or only black olives? Yes—use whichever you love or have on hand. Green olives give a zippy, briny bite, while black olives make the bread a little milder. Either way, you’ll get fantastic Cheesy Olive Bread.
• What’s the best bread for olive garlic bread? I love crusty French bread, but baguette, sourdough, or even a sturdy Italian loaf all work. Just avoid very soft sandwich bread—it can get soggy.
• How do I cut down the saltiness? Rinse and drain your olives well, and use unsalted butter. Taste your olive cheese mixture before adding extra salt.
• Can I freeze baked olive cheese bread? You bet! Wrap leftovers tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven for melty, toasted perfection—almost as good as fresh!

Share Your Olive Cheese Bread Experience

I’d love to hear how your Olive Cheese Bread turned out! Drop a comment below, share your photos, or rate the recipe if it made your party (or snack time) a hit. Got your own cheesy twist, favorite bread, or secret ingredient? Tell us—I’m always looking for new ideas to try. Let’s swap tips and make this the ultimate cheesy bread community!

Looking for more cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes? Check out our latest recipes for inspiration, or try these Bagel Bites in the Air Fryer for another quick, cheesy snack idea!

For those interested in the nutritional breakdown of cheese, the USDA FoodData Central provides detailed information on Monterey Jack and other cheeses.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of olives? Read this overview from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.