There’s something about warm, melty cheese and crusty bread that makes everything feel a little more comforting. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy gathering spot in the kitchen. Olive cheese bread is one of those recipes that feels like it belongs in a worn family cookbook—written in the margins, passed around during holidays, and pulled out every time there’s company coming over.

This recipe reminds me of late Sunday afternoons growing up, when my mom would make a tray of “fancy toast” as she called it. The smell alone would pull us into the kitchen. The tang of briny olives, the sharpness of cheese melting into every crevice of crusty French bread—it was the unofficial signal that the weekend was winding down and something good was coming out of the oven.

While this bread doesn’t hail from one particular region or carry centuries of tradition, it does bring with it the spirit of easy entertaining. It’s a Midwestern take on indulgent comfort food—straightforward, hearty, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a holiday party, slicing it up for game day snacks, or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this cheesy olive bread is the kind of thing you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s quick and easy, with ingredients you can find just about anywhere.
• It’s full of bold, savory flavors from the mix of green and black olives.
• The cheesy topping is rich, gooey, and perfectly golden when baked.
• It makes a great party appetizer, snack, or side for soup and salad.
• No special equipment or skills needed—just mix, spread, and bake!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (6 oz.) black olives, sliced
• 1 jar (6 oz.) green olives with pimentos, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

HOW TO MAKE OLIVE CHEESE BREAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep your oven and bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, slice your loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. You’re aiming for two long, flat surfaces that will soak up every bit of that cheesy topping.

Step 2: Make the cheesy olive spread
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter and mayonnaise. It might seem like a rich combo, but trust me—it’s the base that gives the topping its signature creamy texture and golden finish.
Next, fold in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, followed by the sliced black olives, green olives, and minced garlic. The mix should be thick and spreadable, dotted with olive pieces in every bite.

Step 3: Slather it on
Spread the mixture generously over the cut sides of your French bread. Be sure to go edge-to-edge—you want every bite to be loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to perfection
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and starting to brown in spots. If you like a little extra crispiness, pop it under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Slice and serve
Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing into thick, satisfying pieces. Serve warm and watch it disappear.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use a sharp bread knife to cut the loaf cleanly without compressing the cheesy topping.
• Room temperature butter makes for easier mixing. If you’re short on time, you can microwave cold butter for about 10 seconds to soften it.
• Customize it! Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a little color and brightness.
• Want extra crunch? Try sprinkling a few crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little kick.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• This recipe works well with sourdough, ciabatta, or even a baguette—just adjust the topping amounts if your bread is smaller or larger.
• Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or fontina if you want to switch things up.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving – based on 8 servings)
Calories: ~320
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 600mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make olive cheese bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese and olive mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just spread it on the bread and pop it in the oven.

What kind of bread works best?
French bread is classic, but any crusty loaf that can hold up to the toppings will work well.

Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) bread. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Bread
• Pizza Grilled Cheese
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Monterey Jack
• Classic Philly Cheesesteak

CONCLUSION

Olive cheese bread is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—it’s warm, cheesy, full of flavor, and easy enough to throw together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for guests or just because it’s Tuesday and you want something delicious, it delivers every single time.

So grab a loaf of bread, mix up that cheesy olive magic, and get ready to watch everyone gather around the kitchen—just like home should feel.

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