Introduction
Hey there, fellow foodie! Today, I want to share with you an incredibly delicious and super easy recipe for Olive Cheese Bread. This mouthwatering treat only takes 25 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for those times when you’re craving something savory but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, let’s dive right in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make this Olive Cheese Bread whenever I’m in need of a quick and satisfying snack, or when unexpected guests pop by. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress! The combination of gooey cheese, briny olives, and flavorful herbs is simply irresistible. Plus, the crusty bread adds a delightful crunch that will leave you craving more. This recipe is so versatile that you can enjoy it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light lunch. My family goes crazy for this because it’s incredibly tasty and ridiculously easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Olive Cheese Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread (baguette)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Feel free to make some substitutions based on your preferences. For example, if you’re not a fan of black olives, you can use all green olives instead. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or Gouda. This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
3. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parsley, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on both halves of the bread.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the mayonnaise mixture.
6. Arrange the sliced olives on top of the cheese, evenly distributing them.
7. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve found that using a good-quality French bread is key to achieving the perfect texture in this recipe. The crust should be crusty, and the inside should be soft and chewy. If you can’t find French bread, you can use a baguette or any other crusty bread that you enjoy.
Variations
While this Olive Cheese Bread is already incredibly tasty as is, you can always add your own personal touch. For a little extra kick, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top before baking. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, feel free to add some chopped basil or thyme. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Equipment
If you don’t have a baking sheet, don’t worry! You can use a regular oven-safe dish or even a pizza stone. The key is to make sure the bread has enough space to crisp up on the edges and melt the cheese to perfection.
Storage
This Olive Cheese Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is ooey-gooey and the bread is delightfully crunchy. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven to regain that irresistible crunch.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Olive Cheese Bread as an appetizer for parties and gatherings. It pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cocktail. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a crisp salad for a light and satisfying lunch. However you choose to enjoy it, I guarantee it will be a hit!
Pro Tips
One important tip I’ve learned from experience is not to overload the bread with toppings. While you may be tempted to pile on the olives and cheese, trust me, less is more in this case. The bread needs to crisp up properly, and too many toppings can make it soggy. So, exercise a little self-control and go easy on the toppings.
Another pro tip is to make sure your oven is properly preheated. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the bread gets nice and toasty. There’s nothing worse than biting into a slice of Olive Cheese Bread only to find that the cheese is still cold in the middle!
FAQ
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! While I personally love the flavor of fresh herbs, dried herbs work just as well in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this Olive Cheese Bread?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing can affect the texture of the bread and make it lose its crunch. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Alright, my friend, that’s it! You now have the recipe for the most scrumptious Olive Cheese Bread. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack, this recipe is a winner. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy delight that will leave you craving more. Happy cooking!
Easy Olive Cheese Bread Recipe (25-Minutes)
A delectable and easy-to-make Olive Cheese Bread recipe that combines gooey cheese, briny olives, and flavorful herbs on a crusty French bread. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch option.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (baguette)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
-
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parsley, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well.
-
Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on both halves of the bread.
-
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the mayonnaise mixture.
-
Arrange the sliced olives on top of the cheese, evenly distributing them.
-
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve warm and enjoy!