Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the warm, tantalizing aroma of baked bread mingled with the rich flavors of olives and cheese. This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Imagine a golden crusty Italian loaf generously slathered with a creamy, savory blend of butter, mayonnaise, two kinds of delectable olives, and melted Provolone topped with a kiss of Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that turns any gathering into a celebration or a quiet night at home into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and a beautiful balance of texture. From the Italian bread that forms the perfect sturdy base, to the olives that add briny complexity, and the cheeses that bring gooey richness, this lineup keeps it simple but spectacular.

• Italian bread: A sturdy loaf sliced lengthwise gives the perfect surface to hold all the delicious toppings.
• DeLallo Pitted Calamata Olives: These olives offer a deep, fruity bite and a beautiful dark purple color.
• DeLallo Pitted California Sevillano Olives: Mild and buttery, these olives provide a smoother, mellow contrast.
• Butter (room temperature): Helps create a creamy, rich base that ensures maximum flavor absorption.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra moisture and tang, marrying all the flavors together beautifully.
• Rosemary (roughly chopped): A fresh herb that infuses the bread with fragrant piney notes.
• Provolone cheese (grated): Melts perfectly, delivering a stringy, gooey texture with mild, slightly smoky flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, crisp finish after baking.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a subtle kick that elevates the whole experience.

How to Make Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Olives

Begin by roughly chopping the Calamata and Sevillano olives. This texture boost means you’ll get bursts of olive flavor in every bite without overwhelming the bread. It’s important to have them chopped just right—small enough to distribute evenly but chunky enough to savor individual pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, blend together the butter and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the grated Provolone along with the chopped olives and rosemary, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, uniform spread. This mixture is the heart of your olive cheese bread, so take your time to merge those flavors.

Step 3: Spread onto the Bread

Generously spread the olive and cheese mixture thickly over the cut side of the Italian bread. Don’t be shy here; the thickness ensures a melty, flavorful topping. Once covered, sprinkle the bulked-up parmesan cheese evenly across the surface for a beautifully baked cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the bread into a preheated 325°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown, and the smell starts to fill your kitchen with pure comfort. Baking slowly at this moderate temperature lets all the flavors meld together and the bread to crisp just right without burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After baking, allow the bread to rest for about 5 minutes. This step lets the cheese set slightly so each slice holds together beautifully when you cut it. Then slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight.

How to Serve Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Olive Cheese Bread Recipe even further, try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving. These touches add vibrancy and a subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the bread.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside fresh, crisp salads or a bowl of flavorful tomato soup. It’s also a fantastic partner for antipasto platters featuring cured meats, roasted vegetables, or marinated artichokes. The savory olive and cheese notes complement so many dishes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive lunch or dinner party, slice the bread into small, bite-sized pieces and serve it as finger food on a wooden board complete with small bowls of olives, dips, and charcuterie. Another fun idea is to hollow out the bread slightly and use it as a bread bowl for a warm, cheesy dip inspired by the same olive cheese flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare, keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness. Stored well, the bread will stay delicious for up to two days.

Freezing

This Olive Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore the crisp edges and re-melts the cheese to that delightful gooey consistency you loved fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While Provolone and Parmesan bring classic flavors and melting qualities, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or Asiago for a sharper bite. Just keep the cheese textures in mind to maintain the perfect melt.

Are there alternatives to mayonnaise in this recipe?

If mayonnaise isn’t your favorite, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a bit of cream cheese to maintain creaminess. Each will tweak the flavor slightly but keep the spread smooth and rich.

Can I make this bread vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, vegan mayonnaise, and your favorite vegan cheeses. Make sure the bread itself is free of milk or eggs, and you’ll have a delicious, allergy-friendly version of the Olive Cheese Bread Recipe.

How spicy does the red pepper flakes make the bread?

The red pepper flakes add just a mild warmth that complements the saltiness of the olives without overwhelming the flavors. You can always adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder bread.

Is it better to use fresh or jarred olives?

Pitted jarred olives, like the DeLallo varieties suggested, are perfect here for convenience and consistent flavor. Fresh olives would require curing and have a much stronger, sometimes bitter taste, which might overpower the balance of this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful recipe that impresses with minimal effort, this Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a warm, inviting treat that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every occasion.

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