Olive Cheese Bread: The Ultimate Party Snack

There are few things in life as irresistible as warm, cheesy bread fresh from the oven — unless, of course, you add salty, briny olives to the mix. This olive cheese bread is pure comfort food: crusty French bread slathered with a creamy, cheesy olive topping that melts to golden perfection.

It’s quick, indulgent, and completely addictive — the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at parties, game nights, or cozy family gatherings.

Whether you’re an olive lover or just someone who enjoys easy appetizers that wow a crowd, this baked olive cheese loaf is a must-try. It’s rich, savory, and unbelievably simple to make — no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just slice, spread, and bake.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Cheese Bread

• 🧄 Quick & Easy: Takes just 10 minutes to prep — perfect for last-minute snacks.
• 🫒 Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of salty olives, creamy cheese, and buttery bread.
• 🧀 Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves melty cheese and toasty bread — guaranteed success!
• 🥖 Customizable: Change the cheeses, add herbs, or make it spicy.
• 🍷 Pairs with Everything: Great with wine, pasta, or even soup for a comforting meal.

The Secret to Perfect Olive Cheese Bread

The key lies in the creamy cheese mixture — a blend of chopped green and black olives, melted cheese, butter, and a touch of mayonnaise. This mixture not only adds richness but ensures the bread stays soft inside while the top crisps beautifully.

For the bread, choose a French or Italian loaf that’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy. Slice it horizontally, spread the mixture generously, and bake until bubbly and golden.

When it comes out of the oven, the aroma is incredible — buttery, garlicky, and cheesy with that distinctive olive tang.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 inches long)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup green olives with pimentos, chopped
• ½ cup black olives, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional for freshness)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   Slice the loaf lengthwise into two long halves. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, mayonnaise, Monterey Jack, cheddar, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until creamy.
4. Add the Olives:
   Fold in the chopped green and black olives (and green onions if using) until evenly distributed.
5. Spread Generously:
   Spoon the mixture over both bread halves, spreading it evenly to cover every corner.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the edges are crisp.
7. Slice & Serve:
   Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Olive Cheese Bread

Crusty French bread loaded with creamy, cheesy olive topping baked until golden and bubbly — the perfect quick appetizer or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Party Food

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread

• 1 loaf French or Italian bread about 16 inches
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup green olives with pimentos chopped
• 0.5 cup black olives chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp green onions optional, chopped
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with foil.
2. Slice bread lengthwise into two halves and place cut-side up.
3. In a bowl, mix butter, mayonnaise, cheeses, garlic, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Fold in chopped green and black olives and green onions.
5. Spread mixture evenly over bread halves.
6. Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Cool slightly, slice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Drain olives well before mixing to prevent sogginess.

Tips for the Best Olive Cheese Bread

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Chop olives finely for easier spreading and even flavor distribution.
• Don’t overbake! You want the cheese melted and golden, not dried out.
• Add a kick: Mix in jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy olives for a bold twist.
• Make it melty: Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra stretch.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

To Make Ahead:
You can assemble the olive cheese topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, spread it on the bread and bake as directed.

To Freeze:
Wrap the prepared (unbaked) bread halves tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for about 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy olive bread is a versatile dish that works for so many occasions:

• Appetizer: Slice into small pieces and serve with cocktails or wine.
• Side Dish: Perfect alongside pasta, soups, or stews.
• Party Platter: Pair with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies.
• Game Night Snack: Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.

💡 Try it with:

• Creamy tomato soup
• Garlic butter shrimp
• Spaghetti carbonara
• Roasted red pepper hummus

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Italian Style: Use mozzarella and Parmesan with Italian seasoning.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Replace some olives with diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
• Vegan Olive Bread: Use plant-based mayo, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much liquid: Drain olives well to prevent sogginess.
• Uneven spreading: A thin layer bakes unevenly — be generous!
• Skipping preheat: A hot oven ensures crisp edges and melted cheese.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or use an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
• Avoid microwaving: It can make the bread soggy.

Fun Fact

This style of olive cheese bread was popularized in the 1970s through Southern home cooking and church potlucks. Many families used versions of this recipe as a way to stretch ingredients — turning leftover bread and pantry olives into something extraordinary. Over time, it evolved into a beloved appetizer in American cuisine, known for its gooey cheese pull and bold olive flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 340 | Protein: 9g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 23g | Sodium: 590mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 20%

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The combination of butter, cheese, and mayo ensures the topping melts evenly without separating, creating that perfect creamy texture. The olives bring saltiness that balances the richness, while the bread crisps beautifully underneath.

The result? A perfectly golden, bubbling loaf that’s crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and bursting with cheesy olive flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

This olive cheese bread is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — when in reality, it takes barely 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s rustic, comforting, and endlessly versatile.

Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and watch it become the star of the table. Once you try this, it’ll be your go-to recipe for every gathering.