Packed with olives and gooey cheese, this olive cheese bread recipe is a great appetizer or side dish for any meal. Ready to serve to guests in less than 30 minutes!
Original post: September 2018 | Updated: April 2024
Why This Recipe Works
Calling all olive lovers! Are you as big of an olive fan as I am? If you, too, are an avid olive lover (or maybe your guests are!), here are a few reasons why you should make this cheesy olive bread recipe:
- Providing a mouthful of cheesy goodness, you’ve found the ultimate appetizer!
- It’s a super simple recipe, done in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- This olive cheese bread recipe is loaded with flavorful, salty olives and it is completely delicious.
- Cheesy olive bread is the perfect appetizer for your next party, when cut into small pieces and served as a finger food.
- If you have an olive-loving family, serve it as a savory side with any meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Cheese – Mozzarella cheese tastes delicious on this bread, but feel free to substitute with another melty variety such as provolone, cheddar or monterey jack cheese.
Butter – If the olives provide enough salt for you, go with unsalted butter. If you’re like me and can never get enough salty flavor, use salted butter!
Mayonnaise – Replace with light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for a slimmer recipe, if desired.
Parmesan cheese – Use grated, shaved or shredded!
Olives – Use one type of olive or a variety! Consider kalamata olives, green olives or black olives. I personally love the variety, as it looks pretty and tastes delicious.
French bread – Purchase a loaf of French bread from the grocery store or bakery that is approximately 12 inches in length. Use a sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise, then down the middle. Once it is out of the oven, cut into smaller pieces, if desired.
How To Make Olive Cheese Bread
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with a piece of parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella, butter, mayo, Parmesan cheese and olives using a wooden spoon. Mix well.
Step 2
Place the bread pieces, cut side up, onto the prepared cookie sheet. Divide the cheese mixture between the four pieces of bread and spread evenly.
Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Remove from oven, cut into smaller pieces and serve!
Recipe Notes
- When serving this at a party, reserve a few olives to place on top, just before baking. This will add a touch of pretty!
- Consider these tasty toppings before popping this cheesy bread into the oven: sliced green onions, fresh thyme or chives or a sprinkling of paprika.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the olive mixture for extra flavor.
What to Do With Olives
- Serve solo, as a snack for any gathering
- Turn them into a delicious olive tapenade
- Add to a classic salad for a burst of salty flavor
- Toss them in with your next vegetable side dish
- Add to any chicken dish to spruce it up
- Chop up finely and add to your next dressing
- Add to spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
- Create a delicious marinade using olives, olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Substitute for French Bread
Using French bread as a bread base for other toppings is perfect because it is a sturdy and versatile type of bread. If you need to substitute this variety with another, consider these options:
- Italian bread
- French baguette
- Sourdough
- Bagel
- Homemade bread
- Ciabatta
How to Keep French Bread Soft
Store French bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it soft for as long as possible. Consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing it in a sealed storage bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Quick Appetizer Recipes
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Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups olives chopped; use one type, or a variety including black, green and kalamata
- 12-inch loaf French bread cut in half lengthwise then down the middle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, butter, mayo, Parmesan cheese and olives. Mix well.2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup salted butter, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 cups olives
- Place the bread pieces, cut side up, onto the prepared pan. Divide the cheese-olive mixture between the four pieces of bread and spread evenly.12-inch loaf French bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Remove from oven, cut into smaller pieces (if serving as an appetizer) and serve!
Notes
- When serving this at a party, reserve a few olives to place on top, just before baking. This will add a touch of pretty!
- Consider these tasty toppings before popping this cheesy bread into the oven: sliced green onions, fresh thyme or chives or a sprinkling of paprika.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the olive mixture for extra flavor.
I just throw a block of cream cheese, a little sour cream and some olives into the food processor – great as a dip or as a base for a sandwich.
yum! Thanks for sharing.