Quick & Tangy Olive and Cheese French Bread Melts Recipe

Melted cheese and olives create a magical combination on crispy french bread that sings with Mediterranean flavors.

Warm olive and cheese french bread melts promise a delightful culinary escape for hungry souls.

Crusty bread provides the perfect canvas for this simple yet irresistible dish.

Tangy olives blend seamlessly with rich, gooey cheese, creating a mouthwatering harmony of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that transports you to a cozy European café.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

These melts are perfect for a quick lunch or casual gathering with friends.

Savor every delicious moment and let your taste buds dance with delight.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

• How do I ensure the bread doesn't get too soggy?

Avoid using bread that’s too soft or fresh. A slightly stale or day-old French bread works best to prevent sogginess.

• Are there any alternative mix-ins I can add?

Try adding diced jalapeños for heat, sun-dried tomatoes for tanginess, or crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can mix the cheese and olive spread in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love Olive Cheese Bread Melts

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort Food: A delightful recipe that comes together quickly with minimal prep, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings or unexpected guests.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Packed with bold flavors from olives, cheese, and green onions, this melt delivers a crowd-favorite appetizer that will impress at gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Super flexible recipe that welcomes personal twists – swap cheeses, add different herbs, or adjust olive varieties to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Beginner-friendly dish that doesn't demand advanced culinary techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

Key Ingredients For Olive Cheese Bread Melts

• French Bread Loaf: A classic bread base that provides a crispy and soft foundation for the savory toppings.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Green Olives: Tangy and briny olives that bring a bright, sharp taste to the bread melt.
• Black Olives: Deep, earthy olives that complement the green olives and add depth to the flavor profile.

• Sour Cream, Softened Butter: A smooth mixture that creates a rich, creamy base for the cheese spread.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides a light, zesty touch to the cheese mixture.
• Salt, Freshly Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

How To Make Olive Cheese Bread Melts

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some cheesy bread magic.

Step 2: Whip Together Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, blend sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and cracked pepper until smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced green onions

Stir everything until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Introduce Olive Twist

• Sliced green olives
• Sliced black olives

Mix throughout the cheesy mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Bread Canvas

• Cut widthwise in half
• Cut lengthwise in half

Step 6: Spread the Goodness

Generously coat each bread piece with the olive-cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the bread into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for melted cheese and golden brown edges.

Step 8: Create Crispy Top

Switch to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese turns a deep golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the bread, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve piping hot.

Tips For Olive Cheese French Bread Melts

• Mix the cheese and olive spread up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor melding.
• Use room temperature butter and cheese to ensure smoother, more even spreading and consistent melting throughout the bread.
• Choose a fresh, crusty French bread with a sturdy interior that can support the rich olive and cheese mixture without becoming soggy.
• Watch the bread closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning, as the cheese can quickly go from golden to charred.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

Flavorful Twists For Olive Cheese Bread Melts

• Mediterranean Veggie Melt: Replace Monterey Jack with feta cheese, swap green onions for chopped sundried tomatoes, and add fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Bread: Substitute green and black olives with diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder into the cream mixture for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free French bread or cauliflower flatbread as a base, keeping all other ingredients the same to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace bread with roasted portobello mushroom caps, spread cheese mixture on top, and bake until mushrooms are tender and cheese is golden brown.

Olive Cheese Bread Melts Serving Ideas

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice these melts into bite-sized squares for easy appetizer sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair with a crisp Greek salad or light cucumber tzatziki for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy bread.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the savory olives and melted cheese with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio for an elevated dining experience.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or as a side dish for weekend morning meals to add a gourmet touch to your breakfast spread.

Storage Solutions For Olive Cheese Bread Melts

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for up to 1 month.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Arrange slices on a tray, heat at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to maintain crispy edges and melty cheese texture.

Olive and Cheese French Bread Melts Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm Mediterranean flavors dance through Olive and Cheese French Bread Melts, creating a simple yet irresistible culinary experience. Crispy bread, melted cheese, and briny olives combine for a quick lunch that transports you straight to a sunny coastal kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Olive Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 7 ounces (198 grams) green olives, drained and sliced
• 6 ounces (170 grams) black olives, drained and sliced

Bread and Base Ingredients:

• 8–10 ounces (226–283 grams) French bread loaf
• 6 ounces (170 grams) full fat sour cream
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) softened butter

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F for optimal baking conditions.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Enhance the mixture by folding in shredded Monterey Jack cheese and thinly sliced green onions, ensuring even distribution.
4. Gently incorporate sliced green and black olives into the cheese blend, maintaining a balanced texture.
5. Transform the French bread loaf by cutting it horizontally and then vertically, creating four distinct bread sections.
6. Generously spread the olive-cheese mixture across the exposed bread surfaces, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Position the prepared bread sections in the preheated oven, allowing them to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and bread edges turn golden.
8. Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a rich, dark golden-brown cheese surface with slight caramelization.
9. Carefully slice the melted bread into serving portions, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Customize cheese varieties by swapping Monterey Jack with cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Enhance Mediterranean vibes by using kalamata olives instead of traditional green and black olives for deeper, richer taste.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives for lighter, healthier version.
• Transform this appetizer into a complete meal by adding protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg