Easy Olive Cheese Bread Appetizer is a simple, tasty treat that combines the chewy goodness of bread with the bold flavor of olives and the creamy melt of cheese. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making each bite satisfyingly flavorful and fun to eat. The olives give it a nice salty twist, while the cheese adds that perfect gooey touch everyone loves.
I love whipping this up when I want something quick but impressive for guests or a cozy night in. It’s one of those recipes where I don’t have to stress about fancy ingredients, and yet, people always ask for the recipe. I usually make it with whatever cheese I have on hand—mozzarella or cheddar works great—and toss in black or green olives depending on my mood.
My favorite way to serve this is warm right out of the oven, with a little bit of butter melted on top or alongside a fresh salad for a light bite. It’s perfect for snacking or sharing, and it always brings everyone to the table with a smile. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and simply delicious, this easy olive cheese bread hits the spot every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Use a sturdy crusty loaf like French baguette or Italian bread. It holds up well to the toppings and gets nice and crispy. If you want, try sourdough or ciabatta for a similar texture.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a gooey texture. Mixing in cheddar adds a sharper flavor. You could swap mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack if that’s what you have.
Olives: A mix of black and green olives gives a nice balance of briny flavors. Use pitted for easy slicing. If you only have one kind, that works too!
Butter and Garlic: The butter helps keep the bread moist and adds richness. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
How Do You Make Sure the Bread Stays Soft Inside and Crispy Outside?
The trick is slicing the bread almost all the way through but leaving the base intact—this keeps the loaf like a pull-apart “accordion.” Here’s how to do it:
- Slice carefully to about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, stopping before the loaf bottom.
- Spread butter and garlic in all the cuts to add flavor and moisture deep inside.
- Wrap the loaf in foil for most of the bake time to trap steam and soften the bread inside.
- Unwrap it at the end so the top crisps up without drying out the interior.
This method balances soft, flavorful bread with a yummy crunchy cheese topping. Just be gentle with slicing to avoid cutting the bread all the way through.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bread knife – makes slicing the loaf almost all the way through easy and even.
- Baking sheet – holds the wrapped bread and catches any melted cheese drips.
- Aluminum foil – traps heat and moisture, helping the bread stay soft inside.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for blending garlic butter and herbs smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – spreads the garlic butter evenly between the bread slices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap olives for sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Add cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni for a meaty version.
- Mix in fresh chopped basil or oregano to boost the herb flavor.
- Use feta or goat cheese along with mozzarella for a tangier cheese combo.
How to Make Easy Olive Cheese Bread Appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Base:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (like a French baguette or Italian bread)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- ½ cup pitted mixed olives (black and green), sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time You’ll Need:
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake. So, in roughly 30 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, gooey, and savory olive cheese bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Loaf:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice the bread loaf into 1 to 1.5 inch thick slices, being sure not to cut all the way through the bottom — keep the base intact so the loaf holds together like an accordion.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine these tasty flavors.
3. Add Butter, Olives, and Cheese:
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly between each cut slice and over the top of the loaf. Stuff sliced olives into the cuts and sprinkle some on top as well. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese generously throughout the olive-filled cuts and over the entire surface of the bread.
4. Bake Until Melty and Crispy:
Wrap the prepared loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered to let the top crisp up nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the bread out of the oven, garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy this perfect appetizer that combines creamy cheese, salty olives, and flavorful garlic butter on crisp, tender bread!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh, crusty bread for the best texture. If you only have frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before preparing to avoid a soggy result.
Can I Prepare This Appetizer Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread with the butter, olives, and cheese, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
What Cheese Can I Substitute?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting, but feel free to use cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mix. For a tangier flavor, try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese as well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness and warm the cheese.
